Crawl space encapsulation is one of our most important foundation repair services at Falcone. It addresses certain problems that many homes in western North Carolina and South Carolina experience. In this article, we’ll go over issues like hydrostatic pressure (moisture), mold overgrowth, wood-rotted floors, and more.
What is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
Encapsulation and waterproofing are what we do to eliminate moisture intrusion into your crawlspace. The most important aspect is the Falcone Certified™ Vapor Barrier installation service. That’s where we surround your crawl space with a 10-mil poly plastic vapor barrier to seal off moisture intrusion.
If we think it’s necessary, this may also include other waterproofing measures like exterior drain installation and foundation wall repair. That depends on the circumstances and whether the problem is caught far enough in advance.
How do you know if you’d benefit from some of these waterproofing solutions? Check your crawlspace area and see if you notice any of the following conditions.
Common Signs Your Home Needs Crawl Space Encapsulation
- Substantial Mold or Mildew Patches – Moisture inevitably leads to mold, mildew, fungus, and other dangerous organisms. This is a problem you could run into anywhere around your home, but the basements and crawl spaces are even more prone to it.
- Condensation in Certain Areas – Sometimes that moisture travels to other parts of your home, including windows and glass doors. While that can come from other issues, it may indicate excessive humidity in your crawl space.
- Airflow Trouble Throughout the Home – Inadequate ventilation in the crawlspace can contribute to airflow difficulty throughout the rest of your home. This will also put a greater strain on your HVAC equipment.
- Pest Intrusion – Mold and fungus aren’t the only organisms that love moisture. Insects, rodents, and even snakes might attract to a damp crawl space as well. Therefore, encapsulation is a great way to keep them away from your property.
- Moisture-Damaged Framework – Check your floorboards, walls, and piers around the crawl space. Wooden materials are especially susceptible to rot when humidity is left unchecked.
If you notice problems like these, then it’s time to schedule a crawl space inspection with a licensed contractor, like Falcone.
How Long Does This Address Problems?
How do you know whether encapsulation will provide a long-term fix to your troubles?
In our previous post, we explained a little more about the longevity of encapsulation and insulation. Although the specific lifespan will depend on how much we do, you can expect an encapsulation process to resolve issues for at least 10 years. Our quality materials and installation techniques may protect our crawl space for 15 years or more.
Other Important Benefits of Encapsulation
- Extend the lifespan of your flooring, framework, and foundation components.
- Chase away all those unwanted pests (which have a knack for getting into other areas of your house).
- Eliminate that musty smell that comes from beneath the floors.
- Reduce your exposure to odors, allergens, and other harmful contaminants that result from excessive moisture.
Hire Falcone Crawl Space & Structural Repair for Long-Lasting Waterproofing Solutions
The Falcone team can help you address these concerns and enjoy much better air quality throughout your property with our encapsulation services. We know your crawl space probably isn’t the first thing you think about it when you’re considering home improvement projects. Nevertheless, it’s an essential component, and if you ignore it for too long, there are lots of spillover consequences (mold, wood rot, poor airflow, etc.).
Our services earn us plenty of positive reviews from our clients in communities like Charlotte, Greensboro, Greenville, Winston-Salem, and Charleston. We cover lots of ground because you can’t get reliable foundation repair and waterproofing from just any contractor or handyman. This is also not a “DIY” task for homeowners.
Contact us today to learn much more about crawl space encapsulation and waterproofing for your home in North Carolina or South Carolina.
