A Guide to Crawl Space Encapsulation for Your Home in Cumming, GA 

Around 20 percent of new homes in Cumming have crawl spaces. They house your home's HVAC, electrical, plumbing, gas lines, and irrigation system. Mold and mildew are very common in homes with open vented crawl spaces. The effects of these issues include compromising your HVAC equipment’s efficiency and durability. Additionally, water damage can result in costly crawlspace repairs. 

For these reasons, experts advise encapsulation. But what is crawl space encapsulation exactly? What makes this home improvement worthwhile? More importantly, how does one go about a crawl space encapsulation?

What is Crawl Space Encapsulation Exactly?

Encapsulating your crawl space refers to adding a heavy-duty moisture barrier on the floor, sealed foundation vents, additional insulated walls, and adding a dehumidifier.

Why Encapsulate Crawl Spaces? 

The crawl space can deliver up to 50% of household air into the home, so it’s important to keep it as dry and clean as possible. Installing a crawl space vapor barrier and dehumidifier is widely recognized as the best way to improve indoor air quality and save energy inside your home.

Many people encapsulate their crawl space to keep the moisture out because water vapor enters from the ground (even through cement).

Advantages of Vapor Barriers

• Better air quality inside your home and crawl space.
• Inhospitable to wood-destroying insects and pests
• Improves living conditions
• Avoid fungi/mold problems and structural damage
• Increased energy efficiency in your home

Cost of Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Crawl space encapsulation costs approximately $7,500 on average but could be as high as $30,000. Several factors may determine the cost, such as:

• Your crawl space size
• Its condition
• Materials you want to use 
• Contractors you hire

In order to choose the most affordable crawlspace encapsulation services, do comparison shopping before deciding on a contractor.

Why Should You Consider Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Water vapor and moisture in your home can cause a number of problems. Since water vapor can move through the porous cement of your foundation, moisture can seep through and into your home.

Some of the reasons why people seal their crawl spaces are:

• Mold
• Insect problems
• Musty smell in basement
• Wet insulation
• High cooling costs
• Soft or separating floors
• Condensation on windows

Things to Consider Before Encapsulating

A poorly encapsulated and sealed crawl space can cause other problems:

• Before encapsulating a crawl space, long-term bulk water issues must be addressed (look for standing water or water stains on foundation walls).
• The termite control company may also have some restrictions on how much of your crawl space you can cover, so contact your exterminator before encapsulating.
• If there are combustion devices in the crawl space, you must look at the possibility of back-drafting.

If you are looking for a professional to help encapsulate your crawl space, give Restoration 1 of North Georgia a call today!