Encapsulation

It is the process of sealing crawl spaces to reduce humidity and prevent leaks, as well as other undesirable effects such as mold and pest infestation. Encapsulation is also referred to as crawl space sealing. It entails sealing vents, conditioning the air, and lining the floor and foundation walls with overlapping sheets of thick polyethylene plastic that are stacked on top of one another.

What exactly is encapsulation in the construction industry?

Nothing more than moving the building envelope of your home, which is typically defined by where the insulation is located, which is typically hanging below your floor system, to the exterior foundation walls of the crawlspace and air sealing your vapor barrier, is required to encapsulate a crawlspace.

Is it a good idea to enclose a crawl space in your home?

It is possible to improve the air quality in your home, increase your energy efficiency, and prevent damage to your home by encapsulating your crawl space. A layer of plastic and a dehumidifier can both help to prevent moisture from accumulating in the enclosed space and the growth of mold and mildew in the enclosed space.

Is it necessary to use a dehumidifier after encapsulation?

Crawl space encapsulation does not take into consideration dew point conditions. Even if the crawl space plastic served as a barrier to ground moisture, dew point could still be a problem, necessitating the use of a dehumidifier to keep the dew point below a certain level.

Is it necessary to close crawlspace vents during the winter?

It is inevitable that water pipes in the crawl space will freeze when temperatures fall below the freezing point, if the ventilation system is left open. It's a good idea to keep the vents closed during the winter months. This prevents the pipes in the crawl space from becoming frozen as a result of the dry, cold winter air.

Is it true that encapsulating a crawl space increases the value of your home?

Whether you're considering crawl space encapsulation because you have standing water under your home, have heard that it can help you save money on heating and cooling costs, or are concerned about the negative effects of poor air quality, encapsulating your crawl space will almost certainly increase the value of your home.