Mt. Juliet Crawl Space Encapsulation

Crawl space encapsulation is the process of completely sealing off the crawl space beneath a home to prevent moisture, pests, and other unwanted elements from entering. This usually involves installing a heavy-duty vapor barrier with drainage matting over the ground surface and encapsulation material up the walls of the crawl space, as well as sealing all vents and openings to create an airtight seal. Once the crawl space has been encapsulated, it can be further insulated with foam board or spray foam insulation to help regulate temperature and improve energy efficiency. This process can also include dehumidifiers or other ventilation systems to control humidity levels and reduce the risk of mold growth. 

What Are the Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Excessive moisture in your crawl space can trigger many types of problems that tend to worsen if the underlying cause is left unaddressed. Investing in a crawl space encapsulation system will help resolve these issues and facilitate a wide range of improvements. Put simply, crawl space encapsulation helps make your home a healthier place to live. 

Some of the benefits of crawl space encapsulation include:

• Improved indoor air quality by reducing mold, mildew, and allergens
• Reduced humidity in the crawl space which in turn reduces moisture and moisture damage
• Potential reduction in energy costs by improving insulation and reducing drafts
• Protection against wood rot and moisture damage to the home's foundation and structural components
• Increased comfort and healthier air in the living spaces above the crawl space
• Prevention of pests such as rodents and insects from entering the crawl space
• Long-term cost savings by preventing costly repairs due to moisture damage or pest infestations
• Increased resale value of the home due to a well-maintained crawl space

If you have questions about whether your home or commercial building’s crawl space needs to be encapsulated, do not hesitate to reach out to USS. Our Mt. Juliet crawl space encapsulation team is happy to answer your questions and address any concerns. We also never try to sell you unnecessary repairs, so if we do not think your crawl space requires encapsulation, we will tell you so. 

Signs Your Home Needs Crawl Space Encapsulation

The presence of mold and mildew are clear, indisputable indicators your crawl space needs professional attention. However, there are also other, less obvious symptoms that can suggest the need for crawl space encapsulation.

Consider reaching out to USS about crawl space encapsulation if you notice any of the following warning signs:

• Condensation on insulation or ductwork. When warm, humid air enters a cool crawl space, it can condense on surfaces such as insulation or ductwork. This excess moisture can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and other damage over time.
• High moisture content. The term “high moisture content” refers to the amount of water vapor present in the air or materials in a particular environment. In a home, high moisture content in your crawl space’s wood framing can be caused by poor ventilation and excessively high humidity levels. High moisture content can worsen indoor air quality and trigger wood rot and mold.
• Unpleasant odors. Foul smells permeating the living spaces of your home can be a sign of underlying issues in your crawl space. These odors are often the result of undiscovered mold and mildew buildups, which will also adversely affect air quality. 

Our Comprehensive Approach to Crawl Space Encapsulation

Many businesses offer crawl space encapsulation services, but no one offers the high standards we do. At USS, our Mt. Juliet crawl space encapsulation team can develop a system customized to suit your building’s unique specifications and needs. We use 12-millimeter-thick plastics and take the time to carefully seal all vents, seams, and cracks with spray foam and caulk.

In our comprehensive approach to protecting crawl spaces, our technicians follow four key steps to controlling humidity:

1. Installing an interior drainage system that drains groundwater out of your crawl space
2. Encapsulating the crawl space to isolate it from adjacent soil
3. Closing all gaps, vents, and openings to prevent moist air from entering the crawl space
4. Installing a dehumidifier to control humidity levels