Crawl spaces in Gastonia, NC, are some of the highest areas of concern for homeowners. Although when vented, they can retain moisture and cause problems such as mold growth and water damage in your home. Not only that, but pests and rodents can invade this area and make it their home.
Consider crawl space encapsulation by HydroHelp911 if you’re having trouble handling your circumstance. Let us get a close look at what the problem is and how we can help you.
What is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
Crawl space encapsulation by HydroHelp911 in Gastonia, NC, involves completely sealing the entire crawl space in a waterproof white plastic vapor barrier. In addition, encapsulation requires the installation of a dehumidifier and a sump pump, as the purpose of crawl space encapsulation in Gastonia, NC, is to reduce moisture buildup inside the crawl space.
All of this will help to reduce the risks of mold, and it will also result in much cleaner air. When you choose crawl space encapsulation, the ground is covered in white plastic, with all joints and edges wholly sealed.
Crawl Space Encapsulation Process
Encapsulation is typically a four-step process that addresses every aspect of water damage and prevention in your crawl space. Nonetheless, each home in Gastonia, NC, is unique and based on the intensity of the problem, a complete encapsulation may not be necessary. Instead, it’s best to perform a home inspection by foundation repair expert HydroHelp911 to implement the proper solution.
INSTALLATION OF SUMP PUMP
Installing a sump pump will immediately address any standing water or leakage in your crawl space. To begin, a sump hole is dug in the low place of your crawl space and encased with a liner to keep the mud out. The sump pump is then installed, complete with an airtight lid and a discharge pipe. The cover is critical to the operation of the system.
You don’t want an open pump with water sitting in it because the water will begin to evaporate into the environment of your crawl space. The discharge pipe will direct the water away from your home, typically to a downgrade location in your yard.
VAPOR BARRIER
A vapor barrier liner by HydroHelp911 will protect your home from the elements. These liners are available in various sizes, but the finest choices are at least 20-mil thick. A vapor barrier that is 20 mil or thicker lasts longer and is more durable than thinner liners. It will not only prevent moisture damage in your crawl space but will also reduce your heating and cooling values by up to 20%.
VENTS AND DOORS ARE SEALED
It’s a common misconception that you should air out your crawl space. Conversely, all vents and doors should be sealed. All unregulated air, moisture, debris, and pests will be kept out. The atmosphere in your crawl space is typically more relaxed than the air outside. Humidity forms when the warmer outside air enters and mixes with the inside air. Humidity is your crawl space’s worst enemy, so make sure your vents and doors are properly sealed.
INSTALLING A DEHUMIDIFIER
Adding a crawl space dehumidifier will help to adjust the inside air. Closing your vents will keep outside air out, but the dehumidifier will remove moisture from the air still in your crawl space. This will aid in tackling existing humidity issues and keeping your insulation dry.
As previously stated, based on the condition of your crawl space in Gastonia, NC, you may or may not require a complete encapsulation. Even so, neglecting any warning signs of a problem, no matter how minor, may result in additional damage and even more costly maintenance.
Check the video by HydroHelp911
Advantages of crawl space encapsulation in Gastonia, NC
REDUCES THE SPACE’S HOSPITALITY TO MOLD AND PESTS
Termites and mold, in particular, grow in wet crawl spaces in Gastonia, NC. They can spread rapidly to the upper rooms after invading the crawl space, causing wood rot and foul odors, not to mention the challenge of getting rid of them. Crawl space encapsulation in Gastonia, NC, can allow you to keep moisture at bay while also dissuading rodents and mold from infiltrating your home.
IMPROVES BOTH ENERGY EFFICIENCY AND COMFORT
When you use your HVAC, you are using energy to heat and cool the entire house. Wet or humid environments inside a crawl space cause the HVAC system to work incredibly hard to combat moisture and outside air generated by your home’s unlined crawl space. As a result, your heating and cooling system will use more energy to maintain accommodating conditions. Crawl space encapsulation and insulation will reduce moisture and make your home more energy-efficient, so you won’t have to fret about high power bills.
MAINTAINS STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY
A flooded crawl space can endanger your home or property’s safety. Attaching a polyethylene vapor barrier to your crawl space not only inhibits dampness but also precludes water retention and seepage to the soil around your house’s foundation. This is critical for the structural stability of your house. The result is a solid foundation that will be stable and free of erosion for a long time.
Other typical advantages of HydroHelp911 crawl space encapsulation:
- It significantly reduces musty odors.
- Creates a clean, dry, clean, and usable storage space.
- Insulates the crawlspace and lowers energy costs.
- Allergens such as mildew and dust mites are reduced throughout the home.
- Significantly improves indoor air quality throughout the house.
- Excessive, destructive moisture is removed, which could lead to wood rot.
- It keeps soil gasses at bay.
An encapsulated crawl space provides numerous long-term benefits, including a cleaner, healthier, and more comfortable home. If you believe your crawl space requires direct encapsulation, request a free crawl space encapsulation quote in Gastonia, NC. Waterproofing and structural repair experts HydroHelp911 will dispatch skilled crawl space encapsulation technicians to carry out a thorough inspection and examine your encapsulation requirements.
WHAT EFFECT DO MOISTURE AND HUMIDITY HAVE ON MY CRAWL SPACE?
The most common issue in a vented unsealed crawl space is moisture. Mold growth, wood rot, and pest infestations are all caused by high humidity and excess water. In addition, crawl space moisture frequently drifts upstairs due to the “stack effect,” causing structural damage, musty odors, and high energy bills.
IS A DEHUMIDIFIER REQUIRED IN MY CRAWL SPACE?
A dehumidifier regulates humidity and removes moisture from the air, preventing mold and property damage and improving overall comfort. Waterproofing and crawl space encapsulation experts HydroHelp911 in Gastonia, NC, can assess your crawl space and suggest the best moisture control solution.
Check our video before you decide to install a dehumidifier.
IS THERE A PROBLEM WITH STANDING WATER IN A CRAWL SPACE?
The simple answer is an unequivocal yes. A persistent problem with standing water that has not been rectified indicates that mold is present somewhere because extensive repairs are more than likely required. If water persists in entering your crawl space, consider crawl space sealing and encapsulation to keep all moisture out from beneath your house.
HOW MUCH DOES ENCAPSULATION OF CRAWL SPACE COST?
The cost may vary depending on numerous factors, including:
- The dimensions of your crawl space.
- The state it is in.
- The materials you employ.
- Which contractor you hire.
Before hiring a contractor, do some comparison shopping to find the most affordable crawl space encapsulation services.
DO I NEED TO INSTALL A DRAINAGE SYSTEM?
Some house owners believe that encapsulation will keep water out of their crawl space and that a drainage system is unnecessary. The error is that encapsulation does not prevent water entry or flooding beneath houses. Repairing a water-damaged foundation can be heavy on your pocket.
Install a water drainage system that guides the water away from your house. For example, a French drain system or a sump pump installation by HydroHelp911 can be beneficial.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF CRAWL SPACE ENCAPSULATION IN GASTONIA, NC?
Encapsulation has numerous advantages, including:
- Keeping mold, rotting wood, and other moisture-related issues at bay.
- Keeping your foundation and floors in good condition.
- Keeping animals, rodents, and insects at bay.
- Lowering your energy bill.
- Improving the air quality in your home.
Encapsulation presents the following difficulties:
- Spending the money for what can be an expensive service.
- If you choose to do it yourself, you will have to work in a small, cramped space.
- Make sure that the task is done perfectly to avoid other issues.
WHAT IS A VAPOR BARRIER?
This is a different installation process in which you lay plastic throughout the crawl space. Because the vents are not sealed, as with crawl space encapsulation, a dehumidifier is not required. In addition, vapor barrier installation does not need a sump pump. Most people prefer vapor barrier installation because it is less expensive than crawl space encapsulation and does not require additional pumps or air conditioning methods.
