Crawl spaces are vulnerable to moisture intrusion in older homes and properties in cold climates with heavy rainy seasons. Signs of dampness, musty odors, or biological growth indicate the need for crawl space repair. Early repair and proactive waterproofing can help prevent further damage to your property. Here are a few long-term cost savings of crawl space encapsulation in cold climates:
Prevents Moisture Damage
Crawl space encapsulation involves installing a polyethylene liner on the walls of the crawl space to create a waterproof barrier. Cold climates are marked by extended periods of rain, storms, and freeze-thaw cycles. The increased moisture content may lead to soil expansion. Soil expansion causes lateral movement and exerts hydrostatic pressure on crawl space walls.
The pressure may lead to bowed walls, cracks, peeling paint, and moisture intrusion. You can schedule crawl space repair for such issues, but being proactive with waterproofing helps minimize the chances of major structural damage. Some liners contain an antimicrobial coating to prevent biological growth. Biological growth can cause the liner to break down and decay.
Minimizes Structural Repairs
By preventing moisture damage, crawl space encapsulation reduces the need for costly repairs. Moisture intrusion may lead to wood rot and damage to concrete and insulation. Encapsulation provides a waterproof barrier that collects and directs water to the right drainage channel. The barrier lowers humidity levels, keeping the subfloor joists, ductwork, and plumbing dry. Low humidity also discourages biological growth.
Signs of dampness, musty odors, or biological growth indicate the need for crawl space repair. These issues often result from excess moisture accumulating beneath the home due to poor drainage, foundation cracks, or inadequate ventilation. Left unaddressed, moisture can weaken structural components, attract pests, damage insulation, and create unhealthy conditions that affect indoor air quality.
Supports Energy Efficiency
Crawl space encapsulation often helps retain heat and better complement structural insulation. The material seals the vents, walls, and floors with a vapor barrier and insulation that reduces heat loss through the home’s foundation. If your crawl space is exposed to cracks and broken sealing, heat transfer through the walls and floors can lead to increased heating and cooling requirements.
Sealing crawl spaces reduces the workload on HVAC units by preventing heat exchange that causes erratic indoor temperature variations. During summer, the encapsulation prevents hot air from entering your crawl space and basements, reducing the need for air conditioning. If other factors that influence heating and cooling requirements remain constant, encapsulating the crawl space will result in lower energy consumption.
Increases Home Value
If you own a property with a crawl space or basement, encapsulating it may lead to an improved value. Property buyers look for signs of damage and potential issues, such as water intrusion, pests, biological growth, and poor insulation. In cold climates, proper insulation and protection from biological growth are attractive to most buyers.
Preventing biological growth creates a dry, safe living space with improved air quality. Your home is protected from structural damage caused by biological growth, such as subfloor joist and beam rot and decay. Biological growth also causes drywall deterioration, metal component corrosion, insulation and foundation surface damage, and wall staining. Preventing these problems reduces the need for maintenance and repairs, increasing the value of your home.
Schedule Crawl Space Repair Today
Crawl spaces are used for utility access, moisture and air control, pest prevention zones, and foundation ventilation in homes with ventilation systems. Some homes have space for storing seasonal tools and other items if the area is dry and encapsulated. Consult with a foundation and basement contractor to learn more about crawl space repair and encapsulation.
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