Crawl Space Encapsulation Pros and Cons

There are a number of pros and cons for crawl space encapsulation. On this page, we also go into detail to explain the main differences between crawl space encapsulation vs vapor barrier.

Pros And Cons Of Crawl Space Encapsulation

There are multiple pros and cons of crawl space encapsulation. Below is a complete list of all positives and drawbacks to crawl space encapsulation. There are very few crawl space encapsulation problems other than the additional maintenance.

Pros of Crawl Space Encapsulation

Although it is a costly process, there are many pros of crawl space encapsulation. The investment is well worth it if you consider the following benefits to crawl space encapsulation:

1. Reduces/Eliminates Moisture Problems In The Crawl Space. Humidity is a problem that every home faces. With the help of crawl space encapsulation, you can eliminate any moisture issues that may arise. This helps to protect your home not only from mold and mildew, but also promote a long life for the structure of your home.
2. Prevents Any Future Pests. High humidity areas like Charlotte, North Carolina are associated with pest problems. If installed properly, crawl space encapsulation can protect you from pests like termites, rodents and other wildlife.
3. Reduces Overall Heating Costs. Over the lifetime of the product, you can expect a reduction of heating & cooling costs because the cracks & gaps that would normally leak conditioned air are sealed. Also, a slight energy efficiency is realized by insulating the walls instead of in the floor joist cavity.
4. Reduces/Eliminates Odors In The Home. One of the biggest contributors to foul odors in your home is the crawl space. The encapsulation process will include cleaning and prepping your crawl space. After being professionally sealed, your home will no longer linger with smells associated with mold mildew.
5. Increases Home Value: An encapsulated crawl space is a premium item. It takes a usually dark, damp and foreboding area and transforms it into a clean, dry visually appealing space. The thick reinforced liner is more forgiving to the wear & tear of heavy handed contractors. With more encapsulated crawl spaces being installed in homes, when given a choice, a prospective buyer would select the home with a sealed crawl space for every one of the examples listed above.

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Cons of Crawl Space Encapsulation

Although there are many benefits, you will still need to weigh the cons of crawl space encapsulation. Please read the following:

1. Upfront Investment. According to Home Advisor, the average homeowner can expect to pay $5,500 to install this system. Be prepared to save up for this expense.
2. Additional Cost for Modifications: The materials that we use to encapsulate the crawl space are specialty items and not readily available at the local hardware store. We do provide home owners with a complimentary roll of tape that they can use to make small repairs to the liner. But for major modifications such as additions, major renovations & catastrophic plumbing leaks, you will need to contact your installer for help with repairs at additional cost.
3. Additional Maintenance. After your crawl space encapsulation system has been installed, you will need additional maintenance and inspections throughout the year. The cost of maintenance will be dependent on the amount of features you went with during the installation process. If you live in a geographic region that doesn’t see a lot of rain or moisture, then the sealing advantages of this product might not give you the return on your investment that you need.
4. A Cheaper Solution Can Be Just As Effective: Consider crawl space encapsulation as a premium moisture abatement solution for your home. There are situations where a standard vapor barrier and crawl space dehumidifier can be equally effective for controlling moisture in the crawl space. upgrade your HVAC system

Crawl Space Encapsulation Vs Vapor Barrier

What is crawl space encapsulation vs vapor barrier? The difference between a vapor barrier and encapsulation in a crawl space comes down to thickness and a sealed interior.

Alternatives to Crawl Space Encapsulation

Vapor barrier installation is an alternative to crawl space encapsulation that you can consider for your home. The purpose of a vapor barrier is to reduce ground water from evaporating in your crawl space. To counteract that, a thin sheet usually 4 to 6 millimeters thick covers the floor. The vapor barrier is not a sealed system and typically stops just short of the interior walls.

Because of this, some water can still bypass the vapor barrier and enter the crawl space. A more comprehensive and expensive approach would be to get your crawl space encapsulated to better guarantee no more moisture.

Once the crawl space has been prepped and all the water removed, a thicker plastic lining is installed and all vents, holes and cracks where air can enter is completely sealed. This thicker plastic is usually 12 to 20 millimeters thick. It also has a polyester-cored reinforcement which is more durable than the vapor barrier. Most importantly though all the seams are sealed and the liner is fasted to the floor and all the way up the walls and columns. This completes the crawl space encapsulation process.

Contact Our Crawl Space Experts!

If you are a homeowner who is debating what moisture control solution is best for a wet crawl space and basement, please reach out to one of our experts. We also specialize in mold removal for crawl spaces. Fresh Air Technologies is proud to have served our residential and commercial customers for over twenty years in the Charlotte, NC area!

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