Moisture Issues in Your Middle Tennessee Home’s Crawl Space? Ask About Our Crawl Space Encapsulation Services
Noticing some condensation, wood rot, or mold in your crawl space? It sounds like you have a moisture problem. These notoriously dark, damp places tend to be more prone to moisture-related issues, due to their typically underground location and lack of appropriate barriers.
Fortunately for homeowners in Sumner County we know how to protect your crawl space, ensuring any water-related damages and other issues are a thing of the past.
We are certified crawl space encapsulation experts, and we’d be happy to help you out soon! Be sure to turn to us for all of your other indoor air quality needs too. We’d love to be your go-to crew for it all.
What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
During our crawl space encapsulation services, we essentially create a crawl space moisture barrier to keep out water, prevent outside air from coming in, block out pests, and keep any other environmental hazards that can cause damage to your home and pollute the air you’re breathing at bay.
Here’s what you can expect during the process:
First, we’ll inspect the area to assess how long the service may take and what damages may need to be addressed ahead of time.
Next, we’ll clean the crawlspace of debris, remove any existing mold or mildew, then inspect for structural issues.
If repairs are needed, we’ll address those to ensure the space is in good condition before being sealed off.
If needed, we’ll insulate the space to keep temperatures under control down the line.
We’ll cover your dirt floor with a vapor barrier, sealing any openings or vents in the foundation walls.
When the job is done, we’ll clean up the work area, properly disposing of any waste or debris.
If needed, we can also install a dehumidifier into your home to ensure your humidity levels stay under control.
All in all, the goal of crawl space encapsulation is to create a dry, clean, and properly ventilated crawl space that will protect the structural integrity of your home, as well as improve your indoor air quality.
Crawl space encapsulation should always be done by a professional, as it can be a complex process and requires knowledge of building codes and proper installation techniques.
We Sell Santa Fe Dehumidifiers
When we perform crawl space encapsulation services, we want to do everything we can to ensure they last – and part of that involves equipping our customers with products that ensure moisture can’t find its way back into your living space.
What can you expect when you make this investment?
- An efficient and effective moisture-reducer. We’re talking about gallons and gallons of moisture being removed from the most vulnerable areas of your home on a daily basis.
- Space accommodations. These products come in a range of sizes, ensuring you can find the perfect fit for your unique space, no problem.
- A durable and reliable system. These systems are made from steel, not some flimsy plastic material like you typically see in the stores. This makes them more resistant to temperature-related damages, as well as anything else they might come across in the harsher environments of your crawl space or basement.
- Versatility. These dehumidifiers can easily be customized to your preferences and needs with features like adjustable warm air exhaust and numerous accessories options – think casters, condensate pumps, and ducting kits.
- Ease of use. What good is a product if you can’t make it function correctly? Fortunately, Santa Fe dehumidifiers are super user-friendly, and operating the unit is very straightforward and easy to understand. No stress, no hassle.
- American-made. If you love American-made products, you’re in luck. These systems are assembled right in Madison, Wisconsin.
Questions? We’re here to answer them. Call or reach out online now.
How Do I Know If I Need Crawl Space Encapsulation?
There are several signs you can watch for that may indicate your crawl space is in need of encapsulation services.
- Musty odors throughout your household
- Buckled or rotted wood floors and woodwork
- High humidity levels
- Higher than normal heating/cooling costs
- Mold growth in the crawl space
- Condensation on your ductwork or AC unit
- Moisture damage in your crawl space
- Condensation on pipes in the crawl space
- Soggy insulation in or near the crawl space
- Insect or pest infestations
- Cold floors in the wintertime
- Standing water or leaks
If you notice any of these issues, it’d be a good idea to have a professional inspect your crawl space and advise you on whether this service could benefit you.
What Are the Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation?
There’s lots to gain by having crawl space encapsulation services completed.
- Improved Indoor Air Quality: Because crawl space encapsulation helps prevent mold and mildew growth, it can play a big part in keeping your air cleaner and your family healthier.
- Improved Humidity Levels: This service prevents humidity levels from getting out of control in your damp, dark crawl space.
- Less Risk of Structural Damage: Too much moisture in your crawl space can trigger damage throughout your home, woodwork, and its foundation.
- Reduced Chance of Pests: Sealing off your crawl space makes it less desirable to pests and other critters – and it makes the space harder to access too.
- Cost Savings: This service will save you money on wasted energy and potential home damages over time.
- Increased Home Comfort: A drier crawl space leads to cleaner air and more control over your indoor air temperatures – that means more comfort overall.
- Less Stress on HVAC System: The more humidity your HVAC system has to battle, the harder it has to work and longer it has to run, which can result in a shortened system lifespan.
- Improved Home Value: Having this service completed can be a big draw for future potential homebuyers.
- Lower Energy Bills: Crawl space encapsulation services are known for significantly improving energy efficiency, which in turn leads to lower monthly bills.
In the end, this is an investment that will offer benefits for years, even decades, to come, leading to more money savings over time, improved indoor air quality, and increased comfort levels for your household.
How Long Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Take?
How long can you expect professionals in your home during the crawl space encapsulation service? Well, it depends on the size of your crawl space, but most crawl space encapsulation jobs should only take 1 – 2 days. This may also vary based on the current condition of the space and whether it’s experienced significant damage from moisture, mold, or pests.
The best course of action is to call us out to have a look. We’ll assess your current situation and needs, then provide a plan of action for moving forward with the job. In the end, a day or two of hassle is well worth the many years worth of protection you’ll get from the service. Which brings us to another common question we get…
How Long Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Last?
The most general answer here is around 15 – 20 years, but this can vary based on how well the job was done initially, the quality of materials used, and the knowledge of the techs completing the work.
In the end, you get out of it what you invest into it. If you go for the lowest bidder, despite their lack of qualifications, or if you try and do it yourself, the job is likely not going to last you as long. If you trust a licensed and reputable crew from the get-go, though, you shouldn’t have to worry for a couple of decades. In fact, some encapsulation jobs can last well over 20 years.
In the long run, this is one service where, if you pay a bit more upfront, you’ll wind up saving a lot more money overtime. You’ll avoid potential damage and necessary repairs, and you won’t need encapsulation redone for many years to come.
Can I DIY Crawl Space Encapsulation?
We touched on this above, but the quick answer here is no – this definitely isn’t something we would recommend. Why not?
- You’ll risk exposure to mold and other air pollutants.
- You could face electrical hazards.
- It required specialized tools, equipment, and products.
- It requires extensive skill and knowledge to be done correctly.
- You’ll need to know local building codes and regulations.
- Even a small mistake can lead to damage down the line.
- An improperly done job won’t improve indoor air quality.
In the end, hiring a tech who knows their stuff, guarantees their work, and knows how to get the job done correctly and safely is always going to be the better route. If the process isn’t done correctly, you’ll simply be right back where you started – owning a crawl space that’s putting your indoor air quality at risk and increasing your energy costs.
Will Crawl Space Encapsulation Lower My Energy Bills?
Yes! It’s been shown that crawl space encapsulation services can potentially reduce energy bills by 15 – 20%. Crawl spaces are known for letting cold air in during the winter and warm air out in the summer, so if yours is sealed up tight, your HVAC system shouldn’t have to work nearly as hard. This reduces energy bills and puts less strain on the system, as a whole.
An encapsulated crawl space will also be less prone to high humidity levels – another feature that will put less strain on your air conditioning unit. The more humidity you have in your home, the longer your A/C will run to try and combat it. Less moisture results in less work which results in lower bills for your household – and a longer lifespan for your A/C unit.
Now, remember that how much energy you save and how quickly your bills lower can depend on a number of factors, like the size of your home and how efficiently your HVAC system runs. That said, most homeowners notice a swift drop when all is said and done. Just be sure to trust a team of professionals – like us – from the start to ensure everything is done correctly.
Will Crawl Space Encapsulation Increase the Value of My Home?
Yes – there are a number of ways crawl space encapsulation services can add value to your property and make it more appealing to potential future home buyers.
- Better Air Quality: If it’s clear your home is already set up to combat poor indoor air quality, this can be a great comfort for those in the market for a new home. It guarantees a safer space upon moving in, and it’ll mean less maintenance right off the bat too.
- Lower Likelihood of Mold: If your crawl space is encapsulated, there’s a significantly lower chance of mold forming in this damp, dark area. Since mold is difficult and expensive to remove and can be harmful to people’s health, homebuyers will be happy to know this is one thing they shouldn’t have to stress about.
- Energy Savings: Encapsulated crawl spaces typically result in energy savings, which means lower heating and cooling costs for anyone looking to move in. It also means the HVAC system will experience less wear and tear overall.
- Lower Risk of Damage: Less moisture and a lower risk of mold growth means the chances of experiencing any home structural damages are lowered. This means less headaches for future owners.
- Reduced Risk of Illness: Improved air quality means less likelihood of getting sick. This is an especially big comfort for those who already deal with asthma, allergies, or other respiratory stresses.
In the end, most home buyers are happy to pay more for a home that’s clearly been taken care of. It means less expense and stress for them down the line, so they can simply move in and enjoy their new space without stress.
Will Crawl Space Encapsulation Keep Rodents Away?
It’s clear that crawl space encapsulation is effective at keeping moisture, mold, and mildew at bay, but what about rodents and other pests? Can it help with that too?
You bet. Because this service seals off the crawl space, it can play a big part in keeping critters and bugs away from the area – and the rest of your home. Many of these pests are drawn to moisture, too, so by combatting that, you make it a less desirable place for them to hunker down, make a home, and have babies.
Who Does Crawl Space Encapsulations?
You’ll want your crawl space encapsulation services done by someone who’s licensed, knowledgeable, experienced, and who knows the ins and outs of indoor air quality. Fortunately for those living in the Sumner County area, we check all the boxes.
Get your appointment booked today to get the high-quality, professional care you and your household deserve.
Ready to Have Our Techs Take a Look?
If you’re looking to gain some professional insight and advice about your crawl space-related needs, reach out to our experts for an appointment. And if you’re interested in any of our other indoor air quality services, like UV light installation, air filtration installation, or dehumidifier and humidifier installation, reach out to us about that too.
You can also rely on our crew for all of your heating and cooling needs, and if you need water heater repairs or a replacement, we’d be happy to take a look.
Finally, don’t forget that we have great financing options. If you need a new system or some hefty repairs completed, but don’t have room in the budget for it, we’d be happy to work with you. Ask about our 0% interest options and low monthly payments.
Ready to get a hold of us? Simply call 615-654-0814 or contact us online today. We’ll be in touch!
The right air filtration system can make a huge difference in your indoor air quality. Call us today for more information.