Crawl space encapsulation is important because crawl spaces are usually dirty, dark, and damp. They are perfect places for mold and fungi to fester. Other things that can enter your home from your crawl space include dust mites, pollen, spiders, termites, mice and other pests.
The Problem with Crawl Spaces
If crawl spaces do not have proper ventilation, they will trap humidity in the air due to lack of air flow through the crawl space vents (typically located at the base of exterior walls). As a result, crawl spaces can become extremely humid. Therefore, crawl spaces should be vented regularly by using equipment/tools such as dehumidifiers, blowers and fans. The vents in crawl spaces let air flow through to prevent high levels of humidity inside crawl spaces, a condition that creates an excellent environment for microbial growth, such as molds and fungi that release irritating and toxic spores into the home’s living areas.
What is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
Crawl space encapsulation controls moisture that feeds mold growth and helps protect your home from pests. Crawl space encapsulation is the process of coating crawl spaces with different materials to control moisture, dust mites and various pests. Typically, crawl space encapsulation involves sealing crawl spaces by using special equipment like dehumidifiers and blowers to remove moist air while new protective barriers are installed that protect your home. These protective barriers seal out moisture or water vapor and are often called vapor barriers. If crawl spaces are not properly sealed with vapor barriers, they can absorb humidity like a sponge.
Why Encapsulate Your Crawl Space?
There are many reasons to invest in crawl space encapsulation. Here are just a few of those reasons:
- Controls and prevents mold growth in crawl spaces where moisture thrives
- Protects from pests such as mice and termites
- Improves home insulation which lowers heating/cooling costs
- Crawl space encapsulation improves indoor air quality by removing crawl space moisture, dust mites and other allergens
- Reduces crawl spaces’ impact on home energy efficiency
Crawl space encapsulation helps protect wood used in crawl spaces from fungi/mold damage
