Crawlspace Encapsulation is another waterproofing service that we offer to customer homes that do have a crawl space. It is possible to have a leaky or wet basement if your crawl space is no properly waterproofed. While it is more common for older homes to have a crawl space, RCC Waterproofing has plenty of experience doing this type of waterproofing job and we are a waterproofing contractor that will do a proper crawl space encapsulation.
Did you know that 50% of the air you breathe inside your home rises directly from your basement/crawlspace?
A crawl space is an area with limited height located in the basement. The crawl space was used to promote air circulation through the home from a vent and also used as an access point to get to plumbing, duct, wiring work, and other maintenance/repair needs. All homes are now equipped with furnaces that circulate air within the home but for older homes, crawl space encapsulation is important as crawl spaces are usually are not insulated and humidity can be a problem. Moisture from the damp soil [crawl space with no concrete floor] along with a foundation wall leak and humidity accumulation from the crawl space vents, can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew on any surface including hardwood floors and cardboard boxes.
Without proper insulation and humidity control, energy loss and mold will be a factor. A crawl space should be treated like the rest of the house.
As crawl spaces are used as an access point to various maintenance/repair needs, the ductwork in a home is what makes the home breath. A vent in the crawl space is no longer needed and should be sealed permanently.
Crawl space vents were used back in the day to allow fresh air to enter and circulate inside the home. Today in modern times, homeowners now consider air conditioning units to be a necessity for a comfortable living environment.
Let’s assume there is a vent in the cold room and the outside temperature is hot if the homeowner has the air conditioning unit on the duct and the room above will be cold. The outside air will be in contact with the cold duct [and any other cold surface in the crawl space] and produce condensation.
This will increase the humidity and create an ideal environment for mold growth and other problems like termite infestations which can deteriorate a home. Installing insulation in a crawl space is a hybrid solution. If the humidity is quite high, the insulation can absorb the water, weigh it down and crumble.
Crawl Space Encapsulation
Sealing the crawl space vent, installing an airtight vapor barrier system and a dehumidifier can significantly decrease moisture levels and reduce any risk of mold, mildew, termites, odor, allergies, dust mites, and other poor indoor air quality issues.
Ways to prevent leaky, moldy, and a musty smelling crawl space
Seal crawl space vent
Install air tight vapor barrier system
Install dehumidifier to reduce moisture and increase good air quality in the home
