3 Reasons to Encapsulate Your Crawl Space
Last week, we talked about spring cleaning and how it can help your family’s comfort and health. But we didn’t get too in-depth about crawl spaces, which many Michigan homes (especially those around inland lakes) have. That’s because the best thing you can do to get your crawl space in check is to encapsulate it, and that needs its own blog. Well, it’s time to talk about encapsulation and what it can do for you and your home.
Why are Crawl Spaces Problematic?
The biggest issue with a crawl space is how exposed it can be. Many don’t even have a real floor - like concrete - and instead the floor is just exposed earth from the excavation done for the home. Walls can be block or poured just like any foundation, so they’re susceptible to the same problems as any other concrete walls. Plus, due to outdated building codes, many have vents installed - this is the equivalent of just leaving your windows open year round. Dirt, moisture, mold, and any manner of critters can easily enter a crawl space through the floor, walls, and vents.
What is Encapsulation?
Encapsulating your crawl space consists of installing a thick, antimicrobial, tear-resistant liner like our CleanSpace. CleanSpace is attached to the floor and walls of the crawl space to completely seal it off from anything that might come through the walls or up from the ground and is the only way to ensure protection. Depending on the particulars of your crawl space and how bad its condition is, CleanSpace can be used in conjunction with vent covers, a dehumidification system, and a sump pump to keep it clean and dry.
Three Benefits of Encapsulation
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Your health: Due to the stack effect, the air under your home eventually circulates up through it. If that air is coming from a dirty crawl space, that means it brings dirt, mold spores, and anything else it can carry into your home. This can make allergies and asthma worse and even cause respiratory problems. By encapsulating your crawl space, you can control and condition the air down there and ensure that it’s clean as it circulates.
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Your comfort: An unsealed crawl space is a major source of energy loss. Air leaks out through crawl space vents and even the rim joist (essentially the perimeter of the foundation) and can lead to the air and floors upstairs being uncomfortably cold.
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Your wallet: The same way air leakage can make your home uncomfortable, it can also do a number on your energy bill. Your HVAC system works overtime to combat the air coming in from outside, which leads to higher energy bills. And long term? You’re looking at more frequent filter changes and less of a lifespan in the HVAC unit from constant use.
Your crawl space might not be your top priority - it’s ease to put it out of sight, out of mind, after all - but just because you’re not paying attention to it doesn’t mean it isn’t causing problems. Call today to schedule your free inspection and learn how encapsulation can help you.
