Frequently homeowners concentrate only on the obvious when it comes to updating and maintaining their home, especially if selling is on the horizon. And while fresh paint, a remodeled kitchen, or new windows definitely add value, home crawl space encapsulation adds both physical protection and comfort, while also increasing the overall worth of your residence.
Why Encapsulation
Years ago when constructing a new home on top of a crawlspace it was thought that including foundation vents would help to alleviate excess crawlspace moisture. This was based on the premise of cross ventilation; the vents would allow air to freely circulate and in turn keep the space underneath dry. When the moisture didn’t disappear and wood rot, corrosion, mildew and mold became a problem, scientists and researchers from numerous concerns including the National Center for Biotechnology Information, the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Advanced Energy all determined that closed unvented crawl spaces stayed drier, therefore creating a less harmful environment than buildings with foundation vents which were seasonally opened and closed.
How Encapsulation Works
Often homeowners will erroneously believe all that is necessary to correct the problem of excess crawl space moisture is to remove the vents, seal up the holes and make the entrance air-tight. But it is a bit more complicated than that. The materials that make up the crawl space walls and floor are porous substances. So in addition to water coming in under the foundation, it can also seep through these materials. A professionally installed crawl space vapor barrier will seal up the foundation walls, the dirt floor, and any piers…basically anything that can hold moisture and release it into the crawl space. It may also be necessary to include a sump pump system, drainage trenches and/or a dehumidifier.
How Encapsulation Increases Your Home’s Value
- Improved interior air quality along with less indoor humidity during the warmer months. Better ambient interior temperature stabilization. Warmer interior floors, especially those rooms with hardwood or tile.
- Greater moisture control inside the crawlspace itself along with reduced humidity. This helps control mold and mildew underneath the home.
- Damp conditions attract numerous unsavory pests including ants, termites, rodents and spiders. By reducing the moisture level, these pests will seek shelter and food elsewhere.
- Crawlspace encapsulation can reduce stress on your HVAC system and ultimately reduce energy costs up to 20%.
Interested in learning about the advantages crawl space encapsulation can provide at your home? Please call Scout’s Pest Control today at 864-469-4999 to schedule a complimentary consultation. We are continuing to practice all prescribed Covid-19 safety guidelines.
