Have you ever wondered, "Why is my crawlspace wet?" Or maybe you've noticed an unpleasant, musty odor pervading your South Central Pennsylvania home, especially in the spring or during the warmer months of the year after it rains. If so, crawlspace encapsulation might just be the solution you need.
Why Is My Crawlspace Wet?
Moisture in your crawlspace can come from a variety of sources, such as groundwater seepage or condensation. However, a wet crawlspace is more than just a minor nuisance. Left unchecked, crawlspace moisture can lead to:
Increased energy bills due to ruined insulation
Structural damage to your home (mold growth that feeds on wooden floor joists)
Decreased indoor air quality
Issues in your crawlspace don’t stay there—they often make their way up into the rest of your home. The good news is, you can address all these issues by choosing to encapsulate your crawlspace and creating a cleaner, drier indoor environment that benefits the rest of your home.
What Is Crawlspace Encapsulation?
Crawlspace encapsulation is a process where your crawlspace is insulated and sealed off from the exterior elements. This process involves the installation of a vapor barrier along the crawlspace's floor and walls, thus preventing the entry of excess moisture. When done right, it can effectively waterproof your home.
How Wee Encapsulate a Crawlspace
Before you start thinking about how to encapsulate a crawlspace, it's important to recognize that DIY crawlspace encapsulation is not recommended. Proper encapsulation requires the right materials and expertise to ensure that the barrier is correctly installed and the space is properly sealed.
At Energy Smart Home Improvement, we follow the following steps to encapsulate a crawlspace:
Thoroughly clean and remove any debris from the crawlspace.
Inspect and repair any existing damage or leaks.
Install a thick, durable, and waterproof vapor barrier along the walls and floor.
Seal vents and entrances to prevent outside air and pests from entering.
Spray foam any gaps along your rim joists.
Install rigid foam board along the crawlspace walls.
Lastly, perform a blower door test to double check our work.
Crawlspace Encapsulation Benefits
Beyond waterproofing your crawlspace, encapsulation provides a number of additional benefits:
Improved Indoor Air Quality: By preventing mold and mildew growth, encapsulation can help ensure healthy indoor air quality.
Increased Comfort: A well-sealed crawlspace helps maintain consistent temperatures throughout your home, boosting your overall comfort indoors.
Energy Efficiency: Encapsulation can prevent the leakage of conditioned air, lowering your heating and cooling costs and saving you money.
Home Protection: By keeping moisture at bay, encapsulation can help prevent structural damage to your home.
Invest in Your Home's Health with an Energy Audit from ESHI
Interested in learning more about the condition of your crawlspace and whether you could benefit from encapsulation services? Schedule an energy audit with Energy Smart Home Improvement.
Here in central Pennsylvania, our team of experts offers comprehensive home energy audits that assess the health and energy efficiency of homes in York, Harrisburg, Carlisle, and the surrounding areas. We'll inspect your house and run tests to help identify areas that need improvement, including your crawlspace!
Don't let a wet crawlspace cause discomfort, high energy bills, or worse, damage to your home. Schedule your energy audit today.