What is Crawl Space Encapsulation?

When it comes to air quality issues or poor circulation in the home, few homeowners think to consider that their crawl space may be the issue. The crawl space is the empty space below the home, usually housing foundation elements for the structure. As essential as this space often is, it can also cause a host of issues if not properly cared for. Crawl spaces often become damp and gather moisture, which can invite unwanted pests, mold, and can have a serious impact on the quality of air and airflow in your home. In order to improve indoor air quality and improve the efficiency of your HVAC or heating system, encapsulating your crawl space may be the answer.

Reasons for Crawl Space Encapsulation

The moisture that tends to gather in crawl spaces can lead to mold issues, which can be extremely dangerous to everyone in your home. Even if hazardous mold doesn’t gather, the smell can travel up into your home, leaving a damp, unpleasant odor. Besides the smell and potential health hazard, a crawl space could seriously impact the air flow in your home. Depending on the structure of your home, up to 50% of your household air can flow from your crawlspace, which can make other forms of airflow less effective. Even if you have a new, top-of-the-line HVAC or heating system, it might be practically ineffective if the majority of your air is entering and exiting through your crawl space. Additionally, sealing your crawl space can help prevent critters from entering your home.

Encapsulating your crawl space can help with the following issues:

• Improved indoor air quality
• Energy savings in AC and heating
• Cooler floors in the summer
• Warmer floors in the winter
• Reduced risk of pests
• Reduced chance of mold

How It Works

There are a few ways in which a crawl space can be encapsulated. Sometimes a singular technique will be used, but in other situations, a professional technician might apply several different techniques to effectively seal areas throughout the crawl space.

These encapsulation techniques may include:

• Air sealing duct penetrations and wiring
• Dehumidification
• Installing thermal and vapor barriers
• Installation of spray foam in gaps

If you are interested in encapsulating your crawl space, let our team help. Contact ALM Services to discuss your situation with our Fayetteville technicians.