Crawlspace Encapsulation & Waterproofing
Accu-Dry Basement Waterproofing is an Industry Leader in Crawlspace Encapsulation
The crawl space of a home is a prime breeding ground for mold and other contaminants that can be detrimental to your health. With traditional unpreserved crawl spaces, moisture and humidity can accumulate, leading to potential airborne pollutants entering your home. From excessive moisture and standing water, musty odors that signal the presence of mold growth can start to become apparent. Ultimately, if left untreated, this can lead to mold spores directly entering your home’s interior.
Professional crawl space encapsulation from Accu-Dry Basement Waterproofing & Concrete Crawlspaces provides the most comprehensive solution to protect your indoor air quality from any potential contaminants within the crawl space. The process involves sealing the area off with a vapor barrier or other protective materials, reducing the amount of moisture that may enter the area in the future. Additionally, insulation and sump pumps may be incorporated as part of our services as needed, ensuring an effective blockade against outside elements infiltrating your living environment. Combining these practices eliminates today’s issues and helps prevent future problems that can affect your and your family’s livelihood.
Say No to Plastic Liners To Seal Crawlspace
Plastic Liners are used by other companies to seal crawlspaces. Plastic Liners are only a temporary seal and a band-aid effect. When only a plastic liner is used, many problems can occur: one being, a plastic liner can easily tear and puncture especially if the crawlspace is used for storage. Before they use the plastic liners they don’t level or grade the surface very well, leaving rocks and debris to puncture through. These holes in the plastic allow the escape of radon gas and moisture. Another being tape they use to seal the plastic together will soon become brittle and pull apart, and in many cases, it is difficult to tape around many of the obstacles in a crawlspace. We have even seen water pooling under the plastic acting as a water bed. If the proper measures are not taken to solve the water problem this small issue could become detrimental.
Plastic isn’t strong enough to keep out rodents which allow these pests to make nests and leave their droppings behind. Mice and other rodents can’t get through the concrete. All in all, concrete is just a superior product over plastic liners, keeping your dryer warmer and healthier.
Rethink Using Spray Form for Crawlspaces
Spray Foam is also being sold at high costs. Companies are trying to convince their customers that spraying foam on the foundation wall will seal and insulate the crawlspace. Foundation walls are 8 to 10 inches thick and are below the grade level of the exterior dirt. Increasing the R-Value on a foundation wall is a waste of money. Accu-dry recommends R-19 value (Batts) insulation or spray foam insulation between the floor joist supporters around the perimeter of the outside walls. This is the area that above-grade and cold air can penetrate through if not properly insulated.
Also, spraying foam on the concrete walls will not allow the concrete to breathe. This traps moisture between the concrete and foam foundations which could cause mold to grow. The money you save from spraying the foam insulation on your walls can be spent insulating your attic or new windows, where most heat is lost. We also recommend closing/insulating over any exterior crawlspace vents, especially in the winter.
Why Encapsulation is Better
Encapsulation effectively keeps a crawl space from becoming damp and smelly and a breeding ground for mold and mildew. When the whole crawl space, including walls, joists, and vents, is completely covered with black plastic using traditional methods, no dehumidifier or sump pump is required. However, when the entire area is sealed off by white plastic with the encapsulation method, the space stays clean and dry as a result.
The advantages of this approach are numerous. An encapsulated crawl space can help prevent costly damage to its contents, such as electrical wiring and insulation due to moisture damage. It eliminates the growth of odors and mold in the space. This can be beneficial for those who suffer from allergies or asthma as there will be fewer indoor air pollutants. Encapsulated crawl spaces also make it easier to inspect any problems since they remain dryer than non-encapsulated ones while being easier to access due to their better structural integrity that prevents sinkholes from forming in the flooring.
Key Benefits of Encapsulation
Better Indoor Air
The quality of indoor air is a crucial factor in maintaining a healthy and comfortable home environment. Traditional crawl spaces, which are generally damp and dark areas located beneath buildings, can present major problems for these efforts. These spaces often have poor ventilation, promoting the growth of mold and mildew that can lower the indoor air quality of the entire dwelling. This can cause respiratory issues and other health-related problems for people living inside the property.
Fortunately, there is a solution to this common problem: encapsulation. This strategy involves completely sealing off the crawl space from the rest of the living area with durable materials like plastic or sheets of special insulation. This significantly reduces the possibility of high humidity and prevents mold spores, bacteria, pests, and other contaminants from entering the home via that route. It also provides an effective barrier against exterior temperature changes that may affect how much allergens and toxins build up in your house daily. Ultimately, it’s an effective way to ensure that your family has access to the better air quality inside their own home.
Protection of Property
Protecting your property is essential in ensuring longevity and value, and this is especially true when it comes to preserving the structure of your home. One of the most effective ways to do this is by investing in a professionally encapsulated crawl space. This process involves creating a sealed, insulated barrier around the crawl space, which can help reduce moisture levels inside the space and protect against mold growth and rot.
A properly encapsulated crawl space also offers additional benefits, such as improving indoor air quality and preventing dirt, dust, and other pollutants from entering the home. Air exchange systems can also be installed within the vapor barrier to further improve air circulation in both the crawl space and throughout the home above. Along with helping maintain appropriate humidity levels, these systems provide homeowners with the added protection that can directly benefit their overall indoor comfort and health.
Energy Savings
One of the best ways to save energy in a home is through crawl space encapsulation. According to the Advanced Energy Study, homeowners can reduce their energy bills by up to 15% by investing in crawl space encapsulation. Encapsulated crawl spaces are designed to control air leakage and make heating and cooling systems much more efficient. As a result, less energy is used, which reduces electricity bills. These systems also keep warmer air from entering a home during summer months, saving money on air conditioning costs.
In addition to reducing energy costs, modern insulating materials used in an encapsulated crawlspace help against mold growth and damage caused by pests and critters. The new insulation also helps keep floors warmer and improves indoor air quality for the whole house. All of these advantages make investing in an encapsulated crawl space one of the most important steps homeowners can take when looking for ways to save money on monthly energy bills.
What to Expect from Our Crawl Space Encapsulation System
Our crawl space encapsulation system from Accu-Dry Basement Waterproofing and Concrete Crawlspaces ensures moisture can’t accumulate in your home and cause mold and mildew problems. We use advanced technologies to air seal all openings to exterior and living spaces and install wall and floor liners without putting holes in your foundation walls—all at an affordable price.
During our cleaning procedure, we thoroughly inspect the entire crawl space for any existing damage or potential hazards, such as water infiltration and insulation deficiencies. We will apply a tarp over the earth beneath the crawl space floor, and install additional barriers on walls that create a physical barrier against humidity, air, etc., that are coming from the soil below. We also seal holes on pipes, vents, and ducts running through floors or walls, creating paths for heat to escape. Lastly, we will assess installation costs and repair recommendations based on the condition of your home’s specific needs and offer tips for maintaining healthy ventilation levels throughout your crawl space.
Why Choosing Accu-Dry Is The Smart Choice for Crawlspaces
So forget the plastic, forget the expensive spray foam. After your free estimate with Accu-dry, you will be ready to make the decision that could change the way you look at your unsightly crawlspace forever!
We have been reconstructing crawlspaces for over 25 years in Downers Grove and the surrounding communities. We take pride in the positive feedback and many referrals. Accu-dry won’t sell you anything your home doesn’t need. You will be impressed and happy with the work completed by Accu-dry that you will want to tell a friend, neighbor, or family member.
Sealing your crawlspace may permit you to reduce moisture issues and improve the energy efficiency of your residence. Accu-Dry Basement Waterproofing and Concrete Crawlspaces bring a great deal of experience to projects, and we can even lend you a hand with any planning requirements. You can reach out to our waterproofing professionals and ask to set up a consultation to learn more about the affordable rates we provide.
