Crawl Space Repair Photo Album: The Need for Incapsulation

This crawlspace in Lebanon, IL. was experiencing water leakage and related problems. Many crawlspaces will experience these issues as they are often not maintained or protected and, worst of all, often have dirt floors. These dirt floors can act as a highway for water and other damaging conditions to enter the home from below.   As water enters the crawlspace it can bring with it mold and pests and can evaporate into the air and rise into the rest of the home. The result is water damage to the wooden structure that supports the floors of the home, as well as an increase in the risk of mold and rot growing throughout the home.   The solution is to incapsulate the crawlspace. By incapsulating the area, the homeowner can prevent water and other maladies from entering the crawlspace and causing harm. This system can also help prevent the spread of rot and mold in the crawlspace by blocking water vapor and mold spores. Incapsulating means more than just covering the dirt floor though. It is equally important to block other avenues that water and water vapor can use to enter the crawlspace or else the water will get inside and pool up on the surface of the incapsulation and make the whole endeavor pointless.   That's why, when incapsulating a crawlspace, it is important to block up windows and air vents that lead into the crawlspace, as well as extend the incapsulating material up the walls. Doing this will block water that leaks into the area through the walls and prevents water vapor in humid air from condensing inside.   Once the area is sealed, a sump pump is installed that will remove any water that builds up underneath the surface of the incapsulation. A Sedona dehumidifier was also installed. This dehumidifier will ensure that the air in the crawlspace is kept comfortably dry, which will help protect the home from rot and mold growth as well as help make the home easier to heat and cool. The drier air will require less power to condition, making the whole house more comfortable in the hot summer days and the cold winter nights and saving the homeonwer money.    With an incapsulated crawlspace like this comes a series of great benefits. The entire home is more protected from the damaging effects of water vapor, mold is less likely to grow and spread and the home is easier and cheaper to keep warm or cold than before.