If you’re living with a musty smell or the sudden arrival of a lot of moisture-loving insects, it may be time to take a good around your crawl space. You wouldn’t be alone. Many homeowners overlook their crawl space or put off crawl space encapsulation until the dampness has taken its toll, leading to mold, mildew, a lot of bugs and even structural damage.
Should you encapsulate your crawl space? Crawl Space Care offers this information to help. If you have more questions, contact us today.
What is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
Encapsulation is a process that prevents moisture from entering your crawl space. The space is sealed by closing off all vents to the outside and then adding a thick plastic barrier over the floors and walls that stops moisture from the ground from rising into the space.
When your crawl space is without excess moisture and humidity, your whole house benefits. No more musty odors, fewer pesky insects, and better air quality are just a few of the perks. Less humidity also means your heating and cooling system doesn’t have to work as hard, saving you money in the long run.
If you want even more details about crawl space encapsulation, check out our recently updated 2024 Complete Guide to Crawl Space Encapsulation.
What are Common Crawl Space Red Flags?
Excessive Moisture
The first sign of an unprotected crawl space is the amount of moisture present. When unchecked, moisture gathers in crawl spaces and causes major issues. You’ll see the signs of a moisture problem throughout your house. Look for water stains, mold, and musty scents.
Pest Infestations
From roaches and silverfish to beetles and termites, insects like moisture. If you’re seeing more of them than usual, a damp crawl space that’s not properly sealed may be to blame. And if you need to battle an infestation, contact Bug Man Exterminating for all your pest control needs.
Insulation and Structural Damage
Structural issues from crawl space problems start with sagging floors. It just gets worse from there. Left untreated, moisture damage can compromise your foundation and its stability. You’ll want to act immediately if you notice this kind of issue, as it means your problem has progressed to a serious level.
What to Do if You Notice Problems in Your Crawl Space
It’s time to talk with a professional from Crawl Space Care, who can help you determine whether encapsulation or a vapor barrier is the best solution for your home. Schedule your free inspection with us today and we’ll advise next steps based on your current situation.