For most homeowners, the crawlspace under your home is out of site, and out of mind. You may find it surprising how much your crawlspace impacts the rest of your house. The same way your windows, roof, and doors protect the inside of your house from the outside world, a crawlspace encapsulation protects the foundation of your home from outside elements, pests, and other dangers. So, is a crawlspace encapsulation worth it for NC homeowners? Keep reading to find out!
Humidity and Moisture
If your crawlspace is consistently struggling with humidity, it can tend to cause more severe damage and issues for your entire home down the road. Humidity can cause mold to grow and spread throughout your home, and you may even notice musty odors even after cleaning. Without the right moisture control practices, moisture can enter your crawlspace and become trapped there, leading to structural damage or even wood rot and decay. The longer your moisture issue goes on, the more damage that can be done. When the structure of your home is unstable, you may notice other issues in your home like warped or sagging floorboards, pests in or around your home, or even health risks from mold exposure. With a crawlspace encapsulation, a vapor barrier is used to prevent moisture and gas from entering your crawlspace from the soil, so you have peace of mind knowing that your home is protected from the ground up.
Energy Savings
With a sealed crawlspace, your HVAC system has an easier time regulating temperature than when air can easily escape through an unsealed and unmaintained crawlspace. With an encapsulated crawlspace, there is a strong barrier between the ground and underneath your home. This keeps outdoor air from entering your home, and indoor air from escaping – and can save you between 15 – 20% on your energy bills in both the winter and the summer.
Indoor Air Quality
Placing a vapor barrier in your crawlspace is a great way to improve the indoor air quality of your home. If your crawlspace contains bacteria, mold, or other allergens, it will quickly have an impact on the rest of your home. With a well-maintained crawlspace, you can reduce the risk of these circulating throughout your home and affecting your family. This can be a problem for those already suffering from asthma and other allergies. Consider a crawlspace encapsulation if you are looking for a way to reduce allergens and improve IAQ.
Pests
A vapor barrier helps protect your home from any pests or insects from entering your crawlspace. A crawlspace that is not regularly inspected or repaired can quickly become the perfect breeding ground for bugs or rodents to live, thrive, and reproduce. Once they have staked a claim underneath your home, you may require professional extermination to get rid of them for good. Vapor barriers not only reduce the moisture levels in a crawlspace but also provide a physical barrier to keep unwanted pests out.
An encapsulation consists of a plastic sheet that is laid across the ground of the crawlspace and can range from 6 mil to 20 mil. These sheets are installed with the highest level of care and precision to ensure your crawlspace will be protected for years to come. Sutton Specialty Contractors is proud to provide free inspections and evaluations to help you determine your exact needs, because there is no one-size-fits-all solution. Our team of experts will gladly discuss the entire process with you first to ensure your satisfaction. Whether you are in need of a crawlspace encapsulation, moisture control services, or foundation repairs – we can help. Contact us today at 252-320-2577 to schedule your evaluation today.
