A CRAWL SPACE ENCAPSULATION CAN SAVE YOU UP TO 20% ON MONTHLY ENERGY BILLS
A CRAWL SPACE ENCAPSULATION CAN SAVE YOU UP TO 20% ON MONTHLY ENERGY BILLS
At Seal and Supports we talk to numerous people who have been concerned about their crawlspace for a long time. They call because what they believe to be the correct way to take care of their home just is not working. We hear things like "I open my vents in the summer and close them in the winter." or "I noticed water dripping from the duct work so I installed a fan."
At Seal and Supports, we encapsulate crawlspaces because it is the only long-term solution. The additional benefits from an encapsulation are numerous, from keeping your home structurally sound, to preventing harmful mold growth, to saving money on your energy bills.
On this page you will find a list of the benefits of encapsulating, studies and articles written by people who have done extensive research, links to web pages with additional information, and much more.
WHY DO PEOPLE FINALLY CALL A CRAWLSPACE PROFESSIONAL?
Experiencing frustration? Damage to your home? Discovering mold? Rotting wood? Sagging floor joists? Musty odors? In today's world people do not have time to become an expert outside of their profession. It requires extensive time studying and researching. Some people spend a lot of money to solve crawlspace problems. One customer worked unsuccessfully for an entire summer to get his ducts to stop sweating, but the water continued to drip from his duct work and puddle on his vapor barrier. It eventually stopped in the fall, and he thought he had his problem solved. Unfortunately, the following spring, the problem resurfaced. The changes in the seasons effect all aspects of your home, including your crawlspace. An encapsulation solves all those problems. Here is a list of symptoms you may be experiencing that an encapsulation would prevent.
The four conditions that mold and other fungi need to thrive are darkness, stagnant air, a food source such as wood, and moisture. The average crawlspace provides these conditions. When an encapsulation is installed, it reduces the humidity to below mold growing conditions and causes it to die or go dormant.
The moisture is controlled by sealing the foundation and covering the floor and either blowing in some dry air or dehumidifying. Moisture is the enemy of any organic material, get rid of it and you prevent a lot of problems.
When your crawlspace is dry you don't have to worry about dry rot and other issues that destroy wood. Moist wood will also sag over time.
Snakes, cats, mice and other varmints really enjoy crawlspaces, but they sure can make a mess. Encapsulated crawlspaces are difficult for pests to get into and not hospitable when they get inside. That includes termites!
Dust is greatly reduced by sealing the foundation vents and covering the floor. this will be noticeable on the main floor.
If someone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma the encapsulation could make a significant difference in their quality of life. Mold releases spores during dry times, but if there is no moisture to allow mold growth the spores cannot be reproduced. Dust mite droppings contribute to a large number of allergies dust mites also need the moisture from the crawlspace to thrive.
Without the cold air blowing in the vents the crawlspace will be significantly warmer
Less humidity for the HVAC unit to remove, no cold air blowing in on your warm ductwork no hot air blowing in on you cold ductwork there is no doubt your HVAC will work less and last longer.
With less humidity beneath your floor the expansion and contraction that normally occurs in the flooring will be greatly reduced. This means no more cupping!
The odors that enter the home from the crawlspace can be overwhelming. Pest feces, mold, mildew or just the earth, if it's in the crawlspace you'll smell it in your home.
When the floor liner is laid, we quite often find plumbing leaks, slow leaks that may have been dripping for years.
Having your crawlspace encapsulated will do so much for you and your home! Imagine the peace of mind knowing that contractors will spend more time, do a better job and clean up after themselves. It may even raise your home's value!
Lets start by answering that question. It is simply a matter of separating the home from the harmful outside elements. The moisture in the soil and from outside air is very harmful. An encapsulation easily seals and protects the very important structural underside of your home from these outside elements.
When Seal and Supports encapsulates, we start by doing a quick cleaning of the crawlspace. Sharp objects, debris, and organic materials must be removed before the encapsulation can begin. Some leveling may also be necessary at this time. Once that is done all the major openings are sealed using rigid foam board, spray foam and caulk. This includes the vents and the opening where the HVAC duct enters the crawlspace. The next step is to install a skirting on the walls and the columns. This prevents moisture from moving in through the porous walls. Then a thick liner is installed across the floor and a special tape is used to seal the seams. Finally, a weatherproof door is installed. Since you cannot completely prevent air from entering the crawlspace, a dehumidifier may be needed or dry air must be introduced.
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