CRAWLSPACE ENCAPSULATION
Even though crawlspaces are closed off from the rest of the home the moisture problems they present aren’t. Crawlspaces, especially ones with dirt floors, are highly susceptible to water and dampness during times of rain and high humidity.
Some signs that moisture has invaded your crawlspace are musty or mildew smells, uneven floors, drywall cracks, increased allergies or asthma symptoms.
Crawlspaces are already dark and warm, but the addition of moisture creates the ideal environment for mold, dust mites and insects, including termites. Further exacerbating this issue is the open vents homes tend to have to crawlspaces. Instead of drying out the crawlspace the transfer of air allows mold an opportunity to enter directly from the outside as well as raising the relative humidity to well above the acceptable range to prevent mold growth. As long as those vents are open if it’s 75% relative humidity outside it will be 75% relative humidity in your crawlspace. Mold and dust mites thrive anywhere that’s above 50% relative humidity
Crawlspace encapsulation is often the solution. Crawlspace encapsulation uses high strength reinforced plastic membrane adhered with specialized sealers to turn a damp, unusable area of you home into a clean, dry environment that will lower your energy costs and even function as a storage area.
Benefits of Encapsulation include:
- Reduced energy costs
- Prevents mold, dust mites and insects
- No more musty smells
- Increased storage space
- Prevents swelling of wood and cracking of drywall on upper levels
Main Line Waterproofing can inspect your crawlspace and suggest whether crawlspace encapsulation is right for you.