Crawl space encapsulation is a simple way to handle excessive moisture or flooding. It is also a fast method to control the quality of the air in your home and keep those pesky rodents and insects at bay. If you feel that you need to control the moisture or humidity levels in your home when you have a crawl space, you should look into encapsulating your crawl space for your basement. Encapsulation of your crawl space can go a long way for you, your loved ones and your home.

Encapsulating a crawlspace is essentially carried out to keep out moisture and cut off the connection between moisture and your home. This process involves installing a barrier against vapor in the walls of your crawl space and the floor, which protects the inside of your home from the moist conditions outside. This barrier acts as a flexible membrane between the walls and floor and your entire home. Not only will a properly designed vapor barrier limit the transfer of moisture but also ensure that the speed of the air that passes through it is regulated. This certainly enables proper limitation and control of moisture. 

With proper crawl space encapsulation for your basement, you can be rest assured that your basement will be well protected from excessive moisture and nasty rodents and pests. As such, you and your family can live comfortably and reassured that your basement is well maintained which minimizes future costs on unnecessary repairs and pest control. Here are some tips to help you better understand the importance of crawl space encapsulation and things to take note on when carrying out your crawl space encapsulation project.

Crawl space encapsulation limits moisture

One benefit of encapsulating a crawl space is that it can reduce your utility bills. Crawl space encapsulation will ensure that moisture is limited and also control the humidity levels in your cellar. This certainly will help lower your energy bills. In addition, limiting excess moisture will ensure that the insulation in your floorboards is working at its best condition. This also keeps your electricity bills low as it minimizes the cost of powering air conditioning units. Crawl space encapsulation does help you save a significant sum of money over the long run.

Proper vapor barriers could fully encapsulate a crawl space

Many vapor barriers in the market claim to be able to fully encapsulate a crawl space. Do not be tricked! Not all vapor barriers are capable to fully encapsulating your crawl space to ensure that moisture is limited and humidity levels are kept low. Do check that the vapor barrier you are purchasing has low permeability rate and is at least 14mil thick. If you plan to use your crawl space as a storage compartment, do ensure that purchase a flexible sub-flooring product and put it on top of the vapor barrier to protect it. With a proper vapor barrier, you will be able to fully encapsulate your crawl space and protect your basement from excessive moisture.

Make sure the walls of the crawl space are encapsulated

Do not neglect those walls! If your contractors have forgotten to encapsulate the walls of your crawl space, your crawl space may not be fully protected. Water and moisture can still enter your basement if the walls of your crawl space are not fully encapsulated. When you spend time and money to encapsulate your crawl space, make sure that your project is complete and well done. Take the time to check that everything is well installed and well protected.

Avoid sealants and sprays

Avoid using sealants and sprays, as they are not designed to work well in the moist conditions of a basement. Sealants and sprays are not able to withstand the pressure and moisture trapped in a wall.

Do install a sump and a dehumidifier

Install a sump and a dehumidifier to have full control over the moisture and humidity levels in a crawl space. It is vital that you install a sump pump and a dehumidifier to keep those pesky moisture levels low. Moisture and humidity is bound to exist. However, a sump pump will be able to remove water from encapsulation traps. In addition, a dehumidifier will be able to tackle excess moisture that collects in your crawl space. These two items will be able to keep your crawl space dry and well maintained.

Work with the right contractors

Working with the right contractors will ensure that you are paying for the right people to do the best job possible. Many specialized contractors will be able to provide tried and tested solutions to your concerns. Also, these contractors would be well equipped with the right equipment, training and expertise to complete the crawl space encapsulation project in the best possible way.

With these tips, you will be well informed about the things to take note of when carrying out your crawl space encapsulation project. Good luck!