9 Crawl Space Encapsulation Mistakes to Avoid

Last Updated: February 26, 2024

Do you have a mold infestation in your home? Do pipes constantly get rustier and can’t seem to fight off any corrosion inside or outside of the house. Maybe it’s time to climb up the crawl space! Crawl spaces can be very expensive to encapsulate, depending on the size and condition. The national average cost for a crawl space is around $5,500, and it may cost $1,500 for small crawl spaces up to as much as $15,000 for encapsulating a large crawlspace or one that needs repairs. But due to small mistakes, your crawl space encapsulation is not working optimally. 

What is Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Humidity can have severe effects on your home’s foundation. For decades, homeowners were told to vent their crawl spaces for fresh air and sun exposure to encourage circulation beneath the flooring system of regions that experience high humidity levels; however, this didn’t protect against weather forces such as rain or snowfall, often creating muggy conditions. 

Crawl space encapsulation is a process of sealing off a crawl space from the outside environment, typically done by installing a heavy-duty moisture barrier on the floor and walls of the crawl space and insulating any exposed pipes or ductwork. This material will generally be 6 mil polyethylene sheeting. Once the moisture or vapor barrier is in place, it is sealed with tape or another sealant.

Benefits of crawl space encapsulation?

Crawl space encapsulation can offer many benefits for your home, including controlling moisture levels and preventing mold and mildew growth. It can also reduce energy costs by insulating the space and creating a more stable indoor temperature. Encapsulating your crawl space can also improve the air quality in your home by preventing musty odors from seeping into living spaces. It also prevents moisture damage by sealing off the space from the outside elements and protects your home from pests by sealing off entry points.

Drawbacks of Crawl Space Encapsulation?

One potential drawback of crawl space encapsulation is that it can be challenging to access the space if there is a need for repairs or maintenance. This is because the space is sealed off from the rest of the home, making it necessary to remove the encapsulation to gain access.

Another potential issue is that crawl space encapsulation can trap moisture in the space, leading to mold and mildew growth if not properly ventilated. It is essential to ensure adequate ventilation in the sealed space to prevent this from happening.

You may find the cost of crawl space encapsulation prohibitive, as it can be a fairly involved and expensive process. Additionally, suppose you have an existing moisture or mold problem in your crawl space. In that case, it is vital to have this remediated before encapsulating the space, as this will only trap the problem inside.

Crawlspace Insulation Mistakes That People Make

Insulating your crawlspace will help keep your home more energy-efficient, but it is essential to do it correctly. If not properly installed, insulation can negate the benefits and lead to other problems. Here are some common mistakes people make when installing insulation in their crawlspace:

1. Not properly preparing the space before encapsulation: This is one of the most common mistakes made during encapsulation and can lead to several problems down the road. If the crawl space is not adequately prepared before encapsulation, it can lead to trapped moisture, mold growth, and other issues. Make sure to clean the space before starting the encapsulation process thoroughly.
2. Not resolving the existing moisture issues in crawl space: Another mistake people make is not addressing any existing moisture problems before encapsulating their crawl space. If you have an existing moisture issue, it’s important to address this first; otherwise, you may just be trapping the problem inside your home. Dehumidifiers can help remove excess moisture from the air, and a professional can help you determine if additional measures are needed to solve your specific moisture problem.
3. Not Sealing the Vents: One of the most common mistakes people make when insulating their crawl space is failing to seal the vents. If even a tiny gap exists, all of your hard work will be for nothing because moisture will still be able to flow freely into and out of the crawl space and cause a multitude of challenges. Please ensure to use good quality tape or sealant to close any seams in the vapor barrier. In order to create a completely sealed environment, you must seal all openings into the crawl space appropriately. This includes gaps or cracks in the foundation walls or floor and any vents or access doors. If even a small opening is left unsealed, moisture and pests can still enter the space, negating the benefits  of crawl space
4. Not installing a proper vapor barrier: A properly installed vapor barrier is crucial to preventing moisture from entering the crawl space. The vapor barrier should be made of 6 mil polyethylene sheeting and should completely cover the ground, walls, and any objects in the space. It is also important to ensure that the vapor barrier is properly sealed at all seams and edges with heavy-duty tape or caulk.
5. Not insulating the crawl space: In order to further prevent moisture and pests from entering the space and improve energy efficiency, it is essential to insulate the crawl space walls. This can be done with fiberglass batts or spray foam insulation.
6. Not dehumidifying the space: Even with a properly sealed and insulated crawl space, it is essential to use a dehumidifier to keep the relative humidity below 60%. This will help to prevent mold growth and further moisture problems.
7. Not venting the space: Proper ventilation is essential for any crawl space, whether encapsulated or not. Ventilation helps to keep the space dry and prevents moisture from building up. One of the most common mistakes people make when encapsulating their crawl space is not properly ventilating the area. Crawl spaces need to be well-ventilated to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and mildew growth. Dehumidifiers can also help control the moisture level in your crawl space.
8. Not monitoring the space: Once the crawl space has been encapsulated, it is important to monitor the space regularly. This includes checking for leaks, condensation, and mold growth. It is also important to keep an eye on the relative humidity levels and ensure they remain at or below 60%.
9. Not installing a proper drainage system: Another crucial element of a successful encapsulation is having an appropriate drainage system in place. This will help keep water from pooling in the space and prevent flooding. A perforated pipe surrounded by gravel is typically used for this purpose.

The Do’s and Don’ts of Crawl Space Encapsulation

First, the Dos:

Do make sure that your crawl space is free of debris, standing water, and other potential sources of moisture.

To install a vapor barrier on the floor and walls of the space. This will help to prevent moisture from entering the area.

To insulate the walls and ceiling of the space to keep it at a consistent temperature.

Do ventilate the space to ensure that air can circulate properly.

Now the Don’ts:

Don’t forget to properly seal any openings in the foundation or walls of the crawl space, including cracks, gaps, and holes.

Don’t allow any water to pool in the crawl space. This can lead to mold growth and other problems.

Don’t allow moisture to build up in the crawl space. This can create an ideal environment for mold and mildew to grow.

Don’t forget to ventilate the space properly. This will help to prevent moisture from building up and will also help to keep the area at a consistent temperature.

Don’t forget to clean and maintain your crawl space regularly. This includes removing debris, checking for leaks, and inspecting the space for any signs of damage.

When done correctly, crawl space encapsulation can be an effective way to improve the overall energy efficiency of your home and create a drier, healthier environment. By following these simple tips, you can avoid making common mistakes regarding crawl space encapsulation and ensure that your crawl space is adequately sealed, insulated, and ventilated, providing a dry, comfortable, and energy-efficient space that will last for years to come.

FAQs

Do I really need to encapsulate my crawl space?

Moisture in your crawl space will only lead to structural damage over time. The vapor within the crawl space can rot your home’s wooden frames and flooring. Encapsulating the crawl space keeps away moisture. In addition, encapsulation helps keep dangerous pests like termites out

Does an encapsulated crawl space need a dehumidifier?

Every encapsulated crawlspace needs a drying mechanism. Our favorite is a dehumidifier (we’ll explore why in just a moment), but it’s common for contractors to dry your crawlspace using the “supply air” method.

Does crawl space encapsulation add value?

Whether you’re looking at crawl space encapsulation because you have standing water under your home, have heard how it can reduce heating and cooling costs, or are concerned about negative effects of poor air quality, encapsulating your crawl space will definitely increase your home’s value.

Is a vapor barrier the same as encapsulation?

Encapsulation is different from vapor barriers because it seals out water vapor entirely and stops the process of moving water vapor from the ground up. Since the entire crawl space is encapsulated, including walls, your risk of moisture problems from water vapor decreases to almost zero.

Why does my encapsulated crawl space smell?

If the crawlspace was encapsulated with a drainage problem, moisture can build up under the liner and cause the development of mold which off gases odor that smells like cat urine. This is a huge problem as most companies do not install foundation drains when they encapsulate

How often should a dehumidifier run in an encapsulated crawl space?

The rule of thumb is, as often as you can. Typically, Crawl space and basement dehumidification require the humidifier to run for at least 12 hours a day