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Crawl space encapsulation remains crucial in preventing humidity issues in a home. Such spaces are essential because they help improve the quality of air in a home and allow service providers to reach plumbing, electrical fixtures, and HVAC systems that need repairs or maintenance. Still, they are likely to have leaks if not sealed.
So the question is, does crawl space encapsulation add value to a home? The answer is a resounding yes, and Direct Waterproofing can get it done professionally.
A crawl space is a section with the lowest height in a basement. Although it serves a vital role in the house, it can also lead to several moisture-related problems if not taken care of properly. Possible water leaks from the foundation and ground can cause humidity to accumulate in the space. A crawl space encapsulation system can prevent all these problems and make the basement livable.
The process involves:
All these contribute to the effectiveness of the whole system.
Benefits of encapsulating a crawl space basement include:
By sealing off allergens and dust that could reach the house from the ground, the air circulating in the crawl space vents and around the house will be cleaner and safer.
Sealing the space ensures you do not use much energy to keep the house warm.
Prevention of mould, mildew, and excess moisture protects the foundation structure.
The basement will not have rotting wood that attracts insects and rodents. The airtight barrier will also keep insects from reaching the space.
“Does an encapsulated crawl space need a dehumidifier?” is a popular question among homeowners, and the answer is yes. Crawl space encapsulation is creating a waterproof barrier in the crawl space to provide insulation against excess moisture or humidity. It is one of the best and no doubt most popular ways of dealing with moisture problems in a basement, but it is thorough and requires meticulous planning and approach.
Usually, a polyethylene barrier is used to cover the floor, foundation, and, if necessary, the ceiling. A sealing tape is used to ensure the entire barrier covers every section, after which a dehumidifier is used to control the moisture levels. The vapour barrier must cover the whole space; otherwise, it will not work as it should.
Encapsulating the basement is one of the best home improvement methods to invest in, which answers whether or not crawl space encapsulation adds value to the home. All the benefits can make a home safer, better, and more valuable.
Vapour and moisture from the ground can seep through the foundation and floors and cause a lot of problems in the basement. If left unresolved, issues like mould growth, separating floors, and insect problems can quickly spread to the rest of the house, resulting in expensive repairs.
Some of the factors to consider before starting an encapsulation project are:
Bulk water issues: Encapsulation cannot be done if there are water stains on the walls and floors, or you have had water that pools in the basement for long. The cause of the problem must be addressed first.
Backdrafting: This must be checked in basements that have combustion appliances.
Termite control: Consult termite control companies before covering the space, especially if you have a termite bond.
Assessing and cleaning the crawl space before the sealing is a crucial first step. It needs to remove any sharp objects that could puncture the barrier, such as rocks. When satisfied with the cleanliness, it requires measuring the entire space, especially the floors, walls, and ceilings. Then goes levelling the ground and cutting the encapsulation material. The goal is to ensure the dimensions of the materials are a little bigger than the measurements of the space to avoid dealing with gaps.
Vapour barrier installation is the most crucial part of the process. It ensures vents, doors, and every other opening is covered. Pipes and wires connected from outside must also be sealed to prevent outside air from coming into the room.
A double-sided seal tape is used under the floor joists before a plastic barrier is placed along the walls. The barrier must be consistent throughout the surface. The floor should be covered after the walls are done.
For insulation, a plastic barrier is added to the surfaces. It should be thick enough and must be big enough to cover all the floors and walls. A minimum of 6 mm thickness is recommended, and the overlap should be at least one foot.
It should be stapled down for maximum protection. If the plastic is too thin, it will not withstand pressure during inspections and other services.
The excess moisture in the room after sealing must also be taken care of through dehumidification. The vents connecting to the main living space are the main target, and a quality dehumidifier should do the job properly. In case there’s flooding, a sump pump installation will also be mandatory.
As tempting as it may be, do not ignore this step. You could invest in a flood alarm instead of a sump pump.
Does crawl space encapsulation add value to home is something most people wonder about, and the answer is yes. It not only protects the house and the people living in it; it also appeals to potential homebuyers.
Direct Waterproofing is here to help you figure out how to encapsulate a crawl space in the most stress-free manner. Our experts take pride in helping homeowners across Canada prevent mould, moisture, and rot problems that can be too costly to fix.
The products we use to insulate the walls and floors ensure you get the optimal value, and we take measures to prevent damage from flooding if your area is susceptible to floods. Our drainage matting system, together with the sealing and insulation products we use, will make your crawl space basement a desirable place to be. Reach us today for more information.
