3 Reasons to Encapsulate Your Cottage Crawl Space

Now that Labor Day has signaled the end of summer fun, you’re probably planning one last trip to close down the cottage for the winter. And, if you’re like many people with waterfront property, you’re probably already dreading what you’ll find when you open it back up in the spring. The combination of sitting empty, proximity to the water, and the fact that it’s probably sitting on a dirt crawl space means that your cottage is more susceptible to problems in the off-season that you’ll spend precious free time handling in the spring. 

Or, you could encapsulate this winter and never worry again. 

Here’s why you should consider it:

1. More clean, less cleaning

Air circulation from the HVAC starts down in your crawl space. So when your crawl space is dirty (courtesy of a dirt floor) and exposed to the elements, that’s what gets carried up into your cottage. That means hours of washing, dusting, and cleaning when you open up in the spring, and even then the musty smell is still there.

Crawl space encapsulation involves installing a vapor barrier that seals the crawl space off from the walls and dirt floor, and insulates the rim joist (basically the perimeter of the ceiling) to seal off gaps. It not only protects the crawl space from the elements, it protects the cottage, too. Cleaner circulating air means a cleaner home, cleaner air, and less time getting it that way.

2. No creepy crawlies

Crawl spaces are known for harboring everything from spiders to mice to squirrels and raccoons. And they don’t always stay down in the crawl space. Just think of it, your family goes up north to open up the cottage, and meets another family. Of raccoons. Eating your couch.

Encapsulation doesn’t just protect against dirt - it also keeps out the critters. By sealing everything off, including insulating the rim joist, we cut off access points into the crawl space and the home itself.

3.  Peace of mind

It’s difficult to have a piece of property you’re responsible for that’s a hundred (or more) miles away, especially with the problems waterfront homes can have. But adding a waterproofing system to your encapsulation means you don’t have to worry anymore. Water level rises and floods the crawl space? You have a sump pump. Concerned about mold? Your dehumidifier will keep that from happening. 

With so many lakes throughout the state, owning or having access to a home on the water is a privilege many Michiganders have. But the time and energy required to keep the house in tip top shape can be overwhelming. Call us about encapsulation and don’t spend another winter worrying, or another spring cleaning.