While they tend to be an effective means of providing access to different sections of your home, crawl spaces are also a breeding ground for all kinds of issues. Most of the problems associated with crawl spaces are due to moisture that finds its way into the area.
When water comes into a crawl space, often due to either drainage issues, leaks, or condensation on pipes and duct work, a host of problems tend to follow. Mold, musty odors in the house above, rotting woodwork, rust, and buckled flooring tend to be the most common crawl space issues caused by moisture.
There is a Simple Solution to Solving Crawl Space Issues
Fortunately, a single solution can work to guard against all of these common problems. Rather than just trying to ventilate a crawl space, sealing the area entirely will prevent a lot of headaches homeowners face with an untreated crawl space.
When was the last time you even entered the crawl space under your home? Most of the time, it is only HVAC repairmen or other service providers who even make their way into the space. Therefore, homeowners tend not to notice issues with the crawlspace until it has led to a major issue elsewhere.
Sealing Your Crawl Space Now Will Save You Money Later
Encapsulation is the sealing of a crawl space using a rigid polyurethane barrier. Polyurethane foams are one of the world’s most popular ways to insulate a home. Due to the nature of a polyurethane encapsulation, not only will it prevent moisture from wreaking havoc, but it also increases the efficiency of the home.
Another well-known frustration with crawl spaces is the inability to maintain a comfortable climate in the living space above due to air moving through the area. With an encapsulated crawl space, however, the air you want out stays out and the air you keep in is less affected.
HVAC systems do not have to work as hard to compensate for drafty air making its ways into living spaces when the crawl space has been encapsulated. This in turn helps homeowners save on their energy bills. Also, encapsulating a crawl space helps to maintain the structural integrity of the house by creating a barrier against water in the surrounding soil.
For an estimate on encapsulating your crawl space, call Tom’s Basement Waterproofing at (586) 949-7826 or use our online contact form to request more information on the many benefits of sealing your crawl space.