Crawl Space Encapsulation I: The Problem

scary crawl space Of the three main foundation types—slab, crawl space, and basement—crawl spaces generally lead to the most performance problems. Think about it. They've got exposed, damp soil right below all that unprotected wood that composes the floor system. Vents bring in cold air in winter and warm, moist air in summer. Vents and crawl space access openings also allow many different types of critters in, everything from cats and dogs to possums and snakes. In fact, I came face to face with a possum, which turned out to be dead, in the crawl space shown here. I've also seen a baby copperhead in an urban crawl space. Let's look at some of the major problems with crawl spaces.

Crawl Space Encapsulation II: The Solution

Given that the typical problems with crawl spaces involve their interaction with external environments (ground, outdoors), encapsulated crawl space

the solution requires isolating the crawl space from the those conditions. A complete vapor barrier covers the ground, foundation walls, and piers. The crawl space vents are sealed. And, ideally, insulation on the foundation walls minimizes heat loss and heat gain.

Crawl Space Encapsulation IV: Why Do It?

Once you've learned about the benefits of encapsulation and have a quote from Energy Vanguard (or another company), it may be immediately apparent to you that the best move is to have the work done. If, however, you're hesitating to spend thousands of dollars on a part of the house you rarely visit, let's look at some of the reasons to encapsulate:

Breathe easier. Vented crawl spaces have a huge negative impact on indoor air quality.
Reduce the chances of costly floor repairs. Moisture rots wood and causes hardwood floors to buckle.
Enhance comfort. Floors won't be cold in winter. House won't be muggy in summer.
Lower energy bills. Crawl space encapsulation can reduce energy bills by up to 20%, according to Advanced Energy's research.
Make your heating & cooling equipment and ducts last longer. An air handler and ducts in a vented crawl space will not last as long as equipment in a conditioned crawl space.
Qualify for rebates and tax incentives. Some utilities offer rebates. The federal government has tax incentives for home performance improvements. Some state and local governments offer incentives as well.
An encapsulated crawl space is an attractive selling feature. Potential buyers comparing two similar houses will find the one with an encapsulated crawl space more appealing.

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Crawl Space Encapsulation III: The Method

Let's take a look now at the steps to sealing a crawl space. Sealing the ground, foundation walls, piers, and vents is not as easy as it may at first seem. installing plastic

Using the correct materials, methods, and tools makes a big difference in the final result. The photos on this page are from a crawl space in Atlanta that we encapsulated in 2008.

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