A homeowner from Nashville, TN was spending some of their free time researching potential problems that might come about from their unencapsulated crawl space. They were especially driven to discover ways to identify any current problems as well as prevent any potential ones, seeing as their lakefront home was located by a large body of water: they were well aware the moisture levels around their home were significant. What they discovered was how important encapsulating their crawl space was for correcting the issues that high moisture makes in a crawl space. The list below touches on the more prominent problems that can be corrected with an encapsulation project:
- Symptoms ranging from minor allergies to severe sinus infections
- Inhalation of lung cancer causing radon gas
- 15% to 35% higher heating and cooling costs
- Musty and moldy odors in the home
- Structural decay such as rotted sills, joists, and floorboards
- Stuck doors, windows, and buckled hardwood floors
- Poor resale value of the home
- Cold and drafty floors
- Uncomfortable humidity levels
Once they discovered the reality of the benefits of crawl space encapsulation, they called their local professional contracting company, Barrier Waterproofing Systems. A job was scheduled for later in the week and our team of professionals came out to take a look around. The first order of business was to evaluate the condition of the crawl space to determine just what kind of repairs needed to be made and the degree of damage that might already exist.
Fortunately for this homeowner, no substantial damage was discovered, and aside from the beginnings of some mold growth on the floor joists, things were looking pretty beneficial for an encapsulation job. The insulation job was started first. The exposed walls were covered in foil-faced insulation that was measured and cut for every cavity in order to fit around the uneven slope of the property below the house. If the insulation was not cut properly, and was left in contact with the ground, it could wick up the moisture from the earth floor and harbor even more mold.
Next, the plumbing lines that enter and exit the home create a communication with the outside that allows moisture-laden, humid air to fill the crawl space. Sealing any vents, holes, or openings to the outside air is essential for keeping the inside dry once the project is complete. Putting up the insulation and installing other waterproof materials alone will not be enough to keep the moisture out entirely.
After this, the next step is to install a high quality vapor barrier that really “seals the deal” for the moisture that wants to creep into your crawl space from all around, especially the dirt floor. After it is rolled out along the ground, it is wrapped around all of the footer support columns, then it is all taped shut together. Once it is all wrapped and packed up, their crawl space encapsulation process was complete! Another job well done.
Give Barrier Waterproofing Systems a call today at (615) 257-1060 | (931) 536-1168 and schedule a free evaluation to determine the possible extent of any damage that might exist and what measures will need to be taken to repair them, as well as the best waterproofing system option.
