Are you looking into crawl space encapsulation for your home? Have your energy bills been climbing in the winter months? Or have you noticed that your crawl space requires constant attention with standing water? It might be time to consider a different approach.

Crawl space encapsulation involves sealing up the entire area with a vapor barrier, a dehumidifier (sometimes), and insulation. These elements can work together to protect the home’s structure, prevent drafts, and block out moisture.

Encapsulation is helpful if a homeowner lives in a humid or rainy region. However, it’s also great to boost energy efficiency throughout your home, for Ontario residents as it will keep your home warmer.

Is crawl space encapsulation a worthwhile investment? Let’s learn more.

Why a Crawl Space Often Raises Energy Bills

A damp, leaky crawl space leads to discomfort, but it can also cost you more each month. When the area isn’t sealed correctly, it can cause many problems.

For example, hot and cold air isn’t stopped from entering the crawl space as efficiently, so you will see higher energy bills.

Regardless of the time of year, your heating and cooling system will have to work harder to keep your living areas comfortable. Since the crawl space is below everything else, minor temperature changes can affect the whole house.

Ultimately, crawl space encapsulation services will create a barrier to block drafts. This will help with energy efficiency so that you maintain a more stable indoor climate.

How Can Crawl Space Encapsulation Reduce Energy Bills?

The primary benefit of encapsulation is to keep your home more comfortable in winter and summer while reducing the strain on your HVAC system. In a sense, you’re adding another layer of protection and insulation, which lowers energy consumption.

It’s often difficult to understand, but here is how it works. There is a vapor barrier installed to block drafts and excess moisture. Plus, this also stabilizes the indoor air temperature. That extra layer prevents your heating and cooling systems from working harder, offering better savings on energy costs.

Crawl space encapsulation also helps to reduce humidity in the area. Therefore, your HVAC system finds it easier to cool or heat the air.

Should you encapsulate your crawl space? Most people agree that it is worth the investment.

How Encapsulation Reduces Moisture and Mold Damage

Moisture in your crawlspace can raise energy costs, but it might also lead to mold and mildew growth, wood rot, and dangerous respiratory issues.

When moisture comes into the crawl space, it creates the perfect environment for mold growth. If you don’t correct the problem, you may have to deal with damaged floor supports, leading to sagging, costly repairs, and structural issues.

Encapsulation helps because it will seal the crawl space and block out moisture that mold requires to thrive. You’ll protect the structure of the house and improve indoor air quality. If you suffer from an allergy or asthma, this is highly beneficial.

It’s often best to encapsulate because structural repairs and mold removal in your living space could cost thousands of dollars. Plus, you’ll also experience fewer musty odors for more comfort.

Financial Advantages of a Dry, Healthy Home

There are many financial benefits of crawl space encapsulation. While you will lower energy bills and improve comfort, you can also raise your house’s resale value. Buyers are drawn to properties with well-sealed and moisture-free crawlspaces.

Ultimately, it’s wise to encapsulate the crawl space, but you must look at it as an investment that will pay off in savings and comfort. You’ll prevent future repairs, make the house seem more appealing to potential buyers, and preserve the structural integrity of the building.

Professional Crawl Space Encapsulation vs. DIY Options

Are you thinking of encapsulating your crawl space yourself? There are DIY kits available, but they rarely provide the thoroughness and durability of a professional encapsulation. The experts will use high-quality materials, but the options for doing it alone might not hold up well over time.

Let’s focus on a few specific points:

• Materials – Typically, professionals use industrial-grade vapor barriers, durable dehumidifiers, and high-quality insulation. These materials will last a long time, which ensures that your crawl space stays protected and dry. Alternatively, DIY kits feature lower-quality items that might not hold up.
• Installation Expertise – Professionals offer crawl space encapsulation installation and will do so properly. Therefore, you won’t experience weak spots or gaps where moisture can accidentally sneak in. Doing the work yourself might force you to miss those details, leading to incomplete coverage or air leakage. Likewise, this could cause pest infestations if you aren’t careful.
• Long-term Savings – While it might seem cheaper to do things yourself, a professional will complete the task correctly the first time. You don’t want to risk structural damage if your DIY job fails.
• Warranties/Guarantees – Professionals often provide warranties so that you’re covered if something happens. If you do it yourself, you’re responsible for any replacements or repairs needed.

Choosing a professional to handle encapsulation ensures that the crawl space remains protected and dry. You’ll enjoy peace of mind and may even save money in the long run.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Can Encapsulation Save Me Money?

Encapsulation can prevent moisture and drafts from entering the home, which will help you maintain a more stable indoor air temperature. Therefore, your HVAC system won’t have to work as hard, and you’ll enjoy lower energy bills.

What Insulation Types Are Used for Encapsulation?

Typically, encapsulation includes rigid foam insulation and the vapor barrier, which will insulate the space and block out moisture.

Can Older Homes Benefit From Basement Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Yes, older homes generally have crawl spaces that are prone to drafts and have poor insulation. Therefore, encapsulation can offer better indoor air quality and improve comfort, especially if the house has moisture issues.

How Much Does Encapsulation Cost?

There are many factors involved in determining how much you’ll pay for encapsulation. They include:

• Additional Work – Encapsulation is considered a home improvement project. However, you may have to deal with foundation repairs and mold remediation before it can be completed.
• Materials – The price of the materials and insulation can affect the cost.
• Condition – If you know your crawl space has moisture problems and mold, it might cost more to encapsulate everything.
• Size – Larger spaces will require more labor and materials, so the cost is higher.

Choose Crawl Space Encapsulation for Home Health and Energy Savings

Crawl space encapsulation can protect your home because it will provide a moisture barrier. When you seal everything well, you’ll enjoy energy efficiency and better health. Don’t suffer with musty odors, high electricity bills, and structural issues.

Paul’s Basement Waterproofing can help you protect your home. We have Crawl Space Encapsulation Windsor experts who can determine your needs and complete the work efficiently. If you’re ready to encapsulate, contact us to set up a consultation today.