Why A Sealed Crawl Space Makes Sense

A crawl space raises a home off the ground, offers protection from flooding, and can hide ductwork and plumbing. Builders have always loved crawl spaces because they are easier, faster, and less expensive to build than full basement foundations. However, crawl spaces can also be a source of health and safety issues-unless they are sealed. 

The traditional crawl space has openings, or vents, in crawl space walls that allow outside air to circulate. Air from this space rises and flows up into your living spaces. About 50% of the air you breathe (on the first floor) comes from the crawl space. When crawl space air rises, replacement air, which consists of outside air, comes through the crawl space vents. In the summer, the outside air is warm and moist. When it hits the cooler crawl space surfaces, it condenses, causing a steady dose of moisture. This moisture can lead to mold growth and wood rot. Wet wood also attracts insects like termites and carpenter ants, causing additional wood damage. Fiberglass insulation can easily absorb moisture, fall out, and end up on the floor, leading to more problems in the winter time. During winter, a crawl space fills up with frigid air contributing to cold floors and higher energy bills.

Critters and rodents also love crawl spaces. They are clever and have no problem getting into even the smallest hole. Rats and mice are common squatters but other un-welcome guests can include squirrels, possums, skunks, and snakes. Some people have even found a colony of bats residing in their crawl space. These pests leave droppings behind which eventually affect the air quality inside the home. They may also chew on exposed wiring, shred insulation, or tear holes in vapor barriers.

Today, building scientists (engineers who study how buildings perform) recommend that a vented crawl space be sealed or "encapsulated". Crawl space encapsulation isolates this under-house area from exterior temperatures, humidity conditions, and pesky critters. It is a proven method for ending all the problems that plague vented crawl spaces. If you have a vented crawl space, give us a call and we will come out and do a thorough evaluation and give you an estimate. The team at 3 Pros Basement Systems consists of certified technicians that have the training, tools, and patented materials to encapsulate almost any crawl space.