Crawl space encapsulation is the best way to keep your home safe from moisture damage, pests, and mold that might attack from below, your crawl space. It’s the process of sealing and protecting your crawl space from the elements. This includes:
- Installing a crawl space vapor barrier to keep moisture out
- Installing a crawl space dehumidifier to remove any excess moisture
- Installing a sump pump to remove any standing water or flooding
The end goal of all this is crawl space waterproofing to prevent water infiltration.
The crawl space encapsulation process creates a dry, stable environment that will improve the air quality in your home and make your crawl space more energy-efficient. Crawl space encapsulation will also prevent wood rot, pest infestations, and mold growth. By taking these preventive measures, you can avoid costly repairs down the road and keep your family safe from health hazards.
But as any homeowner knows, home repairs can be not only costly but also disruptive. So, how do you know which aspects of crawl space encapsulation you actually need?
Let’s talk about what crawl space encapsulation might include and why a home might need it. That way, you can decide when to call a crawl space expert and know what services you need.
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Crawl Space Vapor Barriers
Crawl space vapor barriers are an important part of crawl space encapsulation. They work to keep moisture out and protect your home from the dangers that can come with it. But what are crawl space vapor barriers? How do they work? And when should you consider installing them?
Crawl space vapor barriers are sheets of impermeable material that are installed over the crawl space floor and walls. This material can be rigid foam, metal, or specialized plastic. They create a barrier between the crawl space and the outside world, preventing moisture from entering. Most crawl space vapor barriers have tiny pores that allow water vapor to escape but prevent liquid water from getting in. This helps keep the crawl space dry and protects it from moisture damage.
How Crawl Space Vapor Barriers Work
Crawl space vapor barriers work by stopping moisture from entering the crawl space. This keeps humidity levels down and prevents mold growth, wood rot, and pest infestations. In addition, crawl space vapor barriers make your home more energy-efficient by keeping the crawlspace warm in winter and cool in summer.
Benefits Of A Vapor Barrier In A Crawl Space
Most homes will benefit from installing a crawl space vapor barrier as a part of the crawl space encapsulation process. Moisture can wreak havoc on a home, causing wood rot, mold growth, and pest infestations. Plus, crawl space vapor barriers improve your home’s energy efficiency and can save you money on energy bills.
There are a few circumstances where you might not need a crawl space vapor barrier. For example, if you live in an area with little to no moisture throughout the year – such as deserts or high mountain regions – crawl space vapor barriers might not be necessary.
Best Crawl Space Vapor Barrier
There are many different crawl space vapor barrier materials available on the market, but the most common is reinforced polyethylene (“poly”). Polyethylene is a type of plastic that is commonly used for crawl space vapor barriers. It is lightweight and easy to install, making it a popular choice for homeowners.
There are many different thicknesses of poly, and choosing the right type can be confusing. Building codes mandate the minimum thickness of crawl space vapor barriers, and regulations vary from state to state. However, most crawl space vapor barriers are at least 6-mil thick. This thickness is sufficient to provide a moisture barrier while still being affordable and easy to work with. However, it’s important to consult a crawl space expert before installing a crawl space vapor barrier to ensure you meet your state’s requirements.
You will also want to be sure to avoid using materials that are likely to tear over time, such as regrind poly, which has been recycled and reformed. While regrind poly is cheaper than regular poly, it can contain extra materials and impurities that can tear over time. This will mean having to get your crawl space encapsulated all over again!
Best Crawl Space Vapor Barrier
Installing a crawl space vapor barrier is not a difficult task, but it does require some experience working in small spaces. It’s important to make sure the crawl space vapor barrier is installed correctly to ensure that it works properly. If you’re uncomfortable doing it yourself, we recommend hiring a professional crawl space encapsulation company.
Mold Under Vapor Barrier In The Crawl Space
If installed properly, mold can grow on the crawl space vapor barrier but cannot grow through it. This is because crawl space vapor barriers are impermeable, which does not allow water or air to pass through them.
If mold grows under your crawl space vapor barrier, there’s likely a hole or tear in the barrier itself. Mold can also grow on the crawl space walls and floor if they are not properly sealed. So make sure to call a crawl space expert to ensure your crawl space encapsulation is done correctly.
Crawl Space Dehumidifier
A crawl space dehumidifier is a key part of crawl space encapsulation because it’s the best way to dehumidify a crawl space. A crawl space dehumidifier will help to control the humidity in your crawl space and keep it at a level that does not attract mold, mildew, and pests.
Once a vapor barrier is in place, you also want to install a crawl space dehumidifier. A crawl space dehumidifier will help to control the humidity in your crawl space and keep it at a level that does not attract mold, mildew, and pests.
A crawl space dehumidifier can help to prevent mold and mildew from growing in your crawl space. Mold and mildew need moisture to grow and thrive. By keeping the humidity levels in your crawl space at a minimum, you can help to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Not just any dehumidifier will work in a crawl space. There are specific crawl space dehumidifiers that are designed for this type of environment. These crawl space dehumidifiers are usually larger and more powerful than a standard home dehumidifier. They also have special features, such as draining directly into a sump pump, that make them ideal for crawl spaces.
Type of Crawl Space Dehumidifier
At Crawl Space Brothers, we recommend an Aprilaire crawl space dehumidifier for most crawl spaces. This crawl space dehumidifier can remove up to 9 gallons of water per day and can monitor for optimal humidity levels in your crawl space. It’s also backed by a 5-year warranty.
Cost of a Crawl Space Dehumidifier
The cost of installing your crawl space dehumidifier will depend on a few factors:
- The size of your crawl space
- Bundling options with other services
- The type of crawl space dehumidifier you choose
- The area you live in
- The company you choose
When choosing which crawl space experts to use, be sure to consider the company’s crawl space encapsulation experience, reviews, and cost. Some companies will offer crawl space encapsulation services that include a crawl space dehumidifier, while others will sell crawl space dehumidifiers separately. Consider which option will be most beneficial to meeting your crawl space needs.
Sump Pump
Another key part of crawl space encapsulation is the installation of a sump pump. A sump pump is used to remove water from your crawl space. Water can enter your crawl space from many sources, including rainfall, melting snow, and even groundwater seepage.
A sump pump is installed in a sump pit. The sump pit is usually located in the lowest part of your crawl space. Water is pumped out of the sump pit and away from your crawl space. It knows when to pump water out using a float switch, much like your home toilets.
Sump pumps are an important part of crawl space encapsulation because they help to keep your crawl space dry. A dry crawl space is less likely to attract mold, mildew, and pests.
How A Sump Pump Works
Some people know that a sump pump removes water from a crawl space, but not everyone knows how they work. Essentially, a sump pump is used to collect and pump water out of the crawl space through a pipe or hose. This prevents flooding and other water damage by keeping the water level below the home’s floor.
There are two main types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal. Submersible pumps are designed to be placed in a pit or basin, while pedestal pumps are mounted on a platform above the pit. Both types of sump pumps are effective at removing water, but submersible pumps are more commonly used in crawl spaces because they are less likely to be damaged by debris or flooding.
Benefits Of A Sump Pump In The Crawl Space
Some homeowners or home buyers worry if a home has a sump pump in the crawl space. This often stems from a fear of previous damage to the crawl space. However, this is not necessarily the case.
Crawl spaces are designed to keep water out of your home and therefore are more likely to experience water damage. A sump pump is one way to help prevent this type of damage by removing water from the crawl space before it has a chance to cause problems. There are many benefits to using a sump pump as a preventative measure in your crawl space, including:
- Preventing water damage: Water can cause serious damage to your home, including wood rot, mold growth, and structural damage. By installing a sump pump, you can help to prevent water damage.
- Keeping your crawl space dry: A dry crawl space is less likely to attract mold, mildew, and pests.
- Improving your home’s air quality: A damp crawl space can lead to poor indoor air quality. By keeping your crawl space dry, you can help improve your home’s air quality.
- Lowering your energy bills: A wet crawl space can lead to higher energy bills. The moisture in the crawl space can cause your home’s insulation to be less effective, leading to higher heating and cooling costs.
If you are looking at or currently own a home with a crawl space, don’t be afraid of the sump pump. It is there to help protect your home from water damage.
When To Get A Sump Pump
If you are considering crawl space encapsulation, you may wonder if you need a sump pump. There are a few factors to consider when deciding if a sump pump is right for your crawl space.
- Water Source: The first factor to consider is the source of water in your crawl space. If your crawl space is prone to flooding from rainfall or melting snow, you will likely need a sump pump. If your crawl space is only damp from humid air, you may only need a crawl space dehumidifier and vapor barrier.
- Crawl Space Size: The second factor to consider is the size of your crawl space. If your crawl space is large, you may need more than one sump pump to remove water effectively.
- Crawl Space Condition: The third factor to consider is the condition of your crawl space. If your crawl space is in poor condition, you may need to have it repaired before installing a sump pump.
If you’re unsure if you need a sump pump for your crawl space encapsulation, contact a crawl space expert. They can help you assess your crawl space and recommend the best solution for your needs.
Sump Pump Installation
If you have decided you need a sump pump for your crawl space, the next step is installing it. Sump pump installation is not a DIY project.
There are many factors to consider when installing a sump pump, including the type of sump pump, the size of your crawl space, the location of your crawl space, and the condition of your crawl space. You may also need to consider other aspects of crawl space encapsulation, such as installing a vapor barrier, before installing the sump pump. If you plan ahead, you won’t have to dig up the sump pump or pay extra to work around it.
It is important to hire a crawl space expert to install your sump pump to ensure it is installed correctly. A crawl space expert will also be able to help you choose the right type of sump pump for your needs and answer any questions you have about crawl space encapsulation.
Crawl Space Waterproofing
Water is fun in the summer, but it can be a nightmare if it causes damage to your home. That’s why crawl space waterproofing is the end goal of crawl space encapsulation. By waterproofing your crawl space, you can avoid costly and disruptive repairs to your home.
The most important thing when considering crawl space waterproofing is to make sure you are getting quality products and services. While it may seem annoying to undergo the crawl space encapsulation process, it’s even more annoying to go through it again!
Plus, if a crawl space vapor barrier or sump pump is not installed properly, it can actually increase your risk of crawl space damage. What you thought was crawl space waterproofing could actually cause water damage to your home.
For example, water can get underneath a crawl space vapor barrier if not installed correctly. If there is a hole in the crawl space vapor barrier, water can seep through and cause damage to your crawl space.
Hiring a crawl space expert to develop your crawl space waterproofing plan is essential. They will know how to properly install a crawl space vapor barrier and sump pump. Plus, they can help you maintain your crawl space so it stays dry and damage-free.
Call A Crawl Space Expert
Crawl space encapsulation is an essential part of protecting your home and family from the dangers of crawl space damage. Not only can crawl space encapsulation keep water from damaging your foundation, but it can also save you money on your energy bills.
If you’re concerned about the condition of your crawl space or if you’ve noticed any signs of moisture damage, pests, or mold, contact a crawl space expert today. They can inspect your crawl space and recommend the best course of action to protect your home.
Plus, if a crawl space vapor barrier or sump pump is not installed properly, it can actually increase your risk of crawl space damage. What you thought was crawl space waterproofing could actually cause water damage to your home.
Give Crawl Space Brothers a call to schedule your free crawl space inspection and see how we can help eliminate all excess moisture and mold in your crawl space!
