Four Benefits Of Encapsulating Your Crawl Space

If your home has a crawl space instead of a basement, you may not spend a lot of time in this area of the house. However, the dark, potentially damp conditions can be a breeding ground for several unwanted issues, such as mold and mildew growth. Encapsulating the crawl space to create a vapor barrier can help to eliminate the conditions that lead to mold growth, and it can also provide some additional benefits. Here are just some of the many reasons to encapsulate your crawl space.

Pest Control

Crawl spaces typically have unfinished floors, and they can sometimes have bare dirt floors. This provides an easy way for insects and other pests to burrow their way into the crawl space. By encapsulating the crawl space, you can create a barrier that can help to keep some pests away from your home. If you are concerned about pest control, talk to your contractor about using concrete to seal your crawl space for additional protection against animals and insects.

Storage Space

You may not want to store items in your crawl space if you experience mold problems. However, with a vapor barrier, you can create a climate in the space that makes it better suited to storage. Use a dehumidifier in the crawl space if you plan to use it for storage, and be sure to use air-tight containers as an added precaution against moisture.

Energy Efficiency

Crawl spaces can be drafty when they aren't sealed, and that can reduce the energy efficiency in your home. You can help to improve your home's energy efficiency by having the crawl space insulated as part of the encapsulating process. This can help to prevent condensation from forming on your windows and drafts from coming into your home. Discuss these issues with your HVAC contractor as you plan out your crawl space project so you can select the right materials to help insulate the space and improve the energy efficiency throughout your house.

Improved Air Quality

Mold spores can travel through the air, which can reduce the air quality in your home. By encapsulating your crawl space, you can protect against mold growth, and you can also help to eliminate musty smells that might come from the space as well. If you already have a mold issue in your home, be sure to have a professional inspect your home and perform mold remediation services to help keep your family safe.

Talk to your HVAC contractor about these benefits of encapsulating your crawl space, and work together to create a plan that keeps your home protected against pests, mold, and musty smells. If you do discover mold, you'll want to talk with a mold remediation specialist to clear it out.