Encapsulation & Sealing
Reliable Basement Services Encapsulation Services in Chicago, IL
Does your home have a crawl space, and is it encapsulated? The team at Reliable Basement Services offers encapsulation services for homeowners in Chicago, IL. It’s estimated that about 20% of new homes in the United States have crawl spaces. These spaces can house your HVAC, plumbing, electrical, gas lines, and irrigation systems. If your home has an open vented crawl space, there’s a good chance you have moisture problems, including mold and mildew. These types of issues can compromise the durability and efficiency of your HVAC equipment and lead to expensive crawl space repair. The best solution is to encapsulate your crawl space. Our experts provide free inspections and estimates related to crawl space encapsulation. We’ll explain the crawl space encapsulation pros and cons and explain more about this essential service.
What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
Crawl space encapsulation includes adding a heavy-duty moisture barrier to the floor of the crawl space, as well as insulated walls, foundation vents, and a crawl space dehumidifier. Sealing the space completely leads to the most effective crawl space encapsulation. Once your crawl space is encapsulated, you can effectively use a dehumidifier to regulate the moisture levels in the room.
Is Encapsulation the Same as Insulation?
Homeowners commonly confuse crawl space insulation and crawl space encapsulation. These two services are quite different. Encapsulation is ideal for problems with ground moisture or humid air. Insulation is the best way to solve issues with cold floors. The team at Reliable Basement Services can provide a free inspection and determine whether you should have your crawl space encapsulated or insulated.
The Do’s & Don’ts of Crawl Space Encapsulation
You should always leave crawl space encapsulation services to the professionals.
With that said, there are certain do’s and don’ts when it comes to crawl space encapsulation.
DO
- Get your crawl space ready for encapsulation. Issues that may need to be addressed include insufficient drainage around the foundation, mold or mildew growth, and back-drafting from any appliances.
- Seal your walls, floor, and vents completely. This can be done by installing a heavy plastic vapor barrier on the crawl space floor, sealing off every opening and vent, air sealing all gaps and cracks, and choosing the professionals at Reliable Basement Services to perform your encapsulation.
DON’T
- Encapsulate without a sealable space. Encapsulation will not be effective if you have significant air gaps that allow outside air in your crawl space.
- Overlook the value of a drainage system. Encapsulation services do not prevent water from entering or flooding under your home. Fixing a water-damaged foundation can be very costly, so installing a water drainage system is imperative.
- Use fiberglass between floor joists. Fiberglass is not a preferred material for insulation or encapsulation. Fiberglass soaks moisture and loses R-value during the process. It can also sag from the weight of water and create a haven for mold growth.
Crawl Space Encapsulation FAQ
We often receive questions about crawl space encapsulation. We’ve provided the answers to some of the questions we frequently received for your reference.
The benefits of having your crawl space professionally encapsulated include protection from mold, improved air quality, and avoiding structural damage.
Moisture is a common issue if you have a vented, unsealed crawl space. Excess moisture and humidity can result in mold growth, pest infestations, and wood rot. Moisture can migrate upstairs and lead to musty odors, high energy bills, and structural damage.
A sump pump can help with removing moisture from your home’s crawl space. Your drainage control needs will determine the best crawl space sump pump. Our team can assist with a durable, high-capacity sump pump system for your crawl space.
If any of the following apply to your crawl space, you should contact us for an inspection:
- Open vents and a dirt floor
- Family members with allergy or asthma symptoms
- The presence of fiberglass in your crawl space
The cost for crawl space encapsulation services depends on a variety of factors, including the size and condition of your crawl space, the materials you use, and the company you hire. We’re happy to provide free inspections and estimates.
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Schedule Your Free Crawl Space Inspection
Whether you know you have a moisture problem in your crawl space or you just want to be sure, the team at Reliable Basement Services would be happy to visit your home anywhere in the Chicagoland area to provide a free inspection and estimate. We have more than 12 years in the industry and specialize in basement waterproofing and much more. Contact us today to get started.