Does your crawlspace need encapsulating in the Lehigh Valley area?

Vented dirt crawlspaces simply do not work. Outside influences such as rain, summer humidity, winter cold and snow can create a crawlspace environment filled with dampness and mold while also affecting your furnace, hot water pipes as well as increasing your utility bills.

Have you thought about having your crawlspace encapsulated to stop the incoming moisture, humidity and cold air in? The process requires closing the vents, sealing the walls and floors, installing an airtight door, and dehumidifying the entire space.

After the crawlspace has been encapsulated, this dry space can keep your buildings materials dry while maintaining the structural integrity of your home and make the best use of your energy usage.

The process to proper encapsulation of a crawlspace.

If your crawlspace is prone to flooding, a waterproofing system will be installed, which may include a sump pump at the low spot on the floor. Drainage matting is installed under the vapor barrier lining that provides a water channel to the perimeter drain and sump pump. A drain in the crawlspace liner will be installed if you have no floor to prevent plumbing failures.

Any structural damage should be done before the encapsulation process. Beams that are rotten should be replaced or reinforced with a sister beam.

Since moisture continually comes into the crawlspace through the dirt floors and foundation walls, and concrete, grout and brick are porous enough to create water vapor, a thick durable water vapor sealant will be applied that will prevent the moisture from entering the crawlspace.

Crawlspace vents bring in moisture and are only second to flooding, especially during the hot summer months where humid air can enter. When the air enters and cools in this dark environment, the cooling causes the humid air to drop its moisture (condensation) which saturates insulation, wood and any other water attracting materials. The vents will be sealed as well as an airtight crawlspace door that will protect against humidity and save your utilities during the cold winter months.

At Restoration 1 in the Lehigh Valley, we can seal or encapsulate your crawlspace to keep your home structurally safe and free from moisture and mold.