Crawlspace Encapsulation: Pros And Cons

 

Crawlspace encapsulation is a process where you seal off your home’s crawlspace to improve energy efficiency. This has become a popular option for homeowners in recent years, as it can help save on energy costs. There are several advantages and disadvantages to this approach that you should know before deciding to get crawlspace encapsulation.

Aqua Dry Restoration Co professionals discuss the pros and cons of crawlspace encapsulation and help you decide if it is suitable for your home in Westminster, CO.

Pros

Pests Control

Depending on the season, the pests at hand may be ants, termites, spiders, or even rats. Undesirable bugs and vermin can never enter a sealed crawlspace again due to the impenetrable barrier. You’ll need to remove existing pest colonies in your crawlspace, but you will never have to deal with these unwanted visitors if that is done. If you’re stressed over a particular bug, you might even request pest-specific barriers from your contractor.

No More Musty Smell

A sealed crawlspace promotes a reduction in musty smells coming from the crawlspace. Dampness and humidity are ongoing problems associated with a crawlspace, leading to mold, mildew, rot, and fungus growth.

Reduced Heating Bill

Crawlspace encapsulation can also lower your heating bill. Ducts bring cold air from the crawl space into your home during the colder months of the year, which is why they need to be adequately insulated to prevent heat loss. If you seal your insulated ducting except the elbow entry point, you allow cold air to enter your house. Since cold air falls, this means that most of it will enter directly into the crawlspace instead of being forced up the vents and out the registers in each room.

Airtight Seal

When your crawlspace is encapsulated, it creates an airtight seal that prevents hot air from escaping in the winter. Likewise, cool air remains trapped in the summer.

Cons

Cost

Cost is the most apparent disadvantage of crawlspace encapsulation. A homeowner should anticipate paying anything from $1,500 to $15,000 on average for the work. The cost will be determined by the size of your crawlspace, the supplies used, the crawlspace’s condition, and the work needed. Furthermore, you may incur additional fees while preparing for the encapsulation.

Maintenance

Like any other section of your home, you’ll need to maintain your crawlspace as well since you’re no longer disregarding it. This will entail crawlspace inspections on your annual home maintenance checklist to ensure that the area is adequately insulated and maintained.

 

Low Storage

If you don’t have access to your crawlspace through a door, you’ll lose access to a storage area you could have been utilizing. If you maintain storing goods in your crawlspace, you’ll have to breach the seal to get to them, negating the benefits of the encapsulation, so you’ll have to find a new home for them.

Aqua Dry Restoration Co. in Westminster, CO, is an expert cleaning and damage repair firm. We provide water damage restoration, mold remediation, crawl space restoration, sewage clean-up services to homeowners and businesses in Colorado. You can always contact us for help or get a free estimate now!

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