What is crawl space encapsulation?

Photo of a crawl space encapsulation

Crawl space encapsulation is the process of lining your crawl space under your home with a heavy-duty plastic barrier to prevent mold and moisture damage and pest infestations. Without crawl space encapsulation, moisture will build from the exposed soil and eventually cause mold and structural rot.

If you have an open vented crawl space that hasn’t been encapsulated yet, you should consider contacting Mold and Water Guys in Springfield, MO before it compromises the structural integrity and health of your home.

How much does crawl space encapsulation cost? 

On average, the cost of crawl space encapsulation is about $8,000. Your cost will depend on the size of your crawl space and the condition it is in.

When you’re spending that amount of money on your home, it’s only right that you want to make sure you’re hiring a caring professional. Mold and Water Guys doesn’t just seal your crawl space and call it good. Some handymen try to keep costs low by taking the shortcut of not adding a drainage system. This does not prevent water entry or flooding which can cause extensive and costly damage.

We always install a drainage system perfect for your home that will direct the water away from your foundation.

Best vapor barrier for crawl space 

Most vapor barrier plastics found at major retailers are cheaper and thinner (around 6-mil or less). Crawl space encapsulation vapor barrier is usually 10 to 20-mil.

Then there’s the perm rating which is the rate of vapor that flows through one square foot of material. Most sheeting found at retailers is Class 1, the lowest accepted thickness acceptable by building code in crawl spaces.

Using a local professional to install a vapor barrier is the best way to ensure the correct materials for your house are being used.

How long does crawl space encapsulation last? 

Homes can have vastly different conditions in their crawl spaces as well as different thicknesses of vapor barriers which will affect the encapsulation’s life span. However, most companies offer 15 to 20 year warranties for their vapor barriers. That being said, with proper humidity levels, drainage, and no catastrophic flooding, a properly installed encapsulation can last more than 20 years.

How long does it take to encapsulate a crawl space? 

Again, no two crawl spaces are the same so it could be one to two days to encapsulate your crawl space. Make sure the crawl space is free from any unnecessary obstructions before installers arrive to help speed things along. However, Mold and Water Guys will provide a timeline after you receive a quote.

Vapor barrier installation in Springfield, MO 

If you live in or around Springfield, MO, Mold and Water Guys are the local experts you can trust to install your vapor barrier. We are licensed, bonded, and insured as well as approved by HomeAdvisor and a Better Business Bureau accredited business!

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