The crawl space is out of sight for most homeowners. And since out of sight is mostly out of mind, very little consideration is given to how the crawl space may be affecting the house. If you come across a chilly floor and the thermostat is cranked up to maximum, energy inefficiency may be the cause. This may also man that your crawl space needs encapsulation. Crawl space encapsulation involves using insulating material, such as insulation board, to help the house maintain temperature and improve air quality.
How do insulation boards work?
An insulation board is essentially a panel of insulation that further enforces a vapor barrier. Unlike particle boards, insulation boards have a rigid foam structure which means they cannot absorb water, making them ideal waterproofing material. An insulation board often costs less than spray foam but still possesses the same R-value. There are several benefits to using insulation boards over other alternatives. For one, insulation board traps heat that would have been lost through ductwork, thereby improving the house’s energy efficiency.
Likewise, during cold seasons, the pipes running in the protected area are protected from freezing, reducing the risk of bursting pipes. By keeping the crawlspace dry, insulation board also prevents rot and mold from growing which is good for interior air quality. In fact, the only disadvantage is probably the complexity of installing it since you would have to crawl into the space to do it. But that’s where the professionals come in.
How does crawl space encapsulation work?
Crawl space encapsulation involves installing a vapor barrier in a crawl space to reduce humidity and the effects of mold. It works by sealing any spaces in the joints and under the floor that air may be leaking through. Mostly it is done by fixing a plastic sheet and fiberglass batt or insulation board. The use of insulation board is the simplest and most efficient method of encapsulation.
The process of installing it begins by first measuring the length, width, and height of the crawl space. After which, plastic sheeting is run and stuck using adhesive through the length of the crawl space. Thereafter, the insulation board is cut to fit around the joints and stuck up just like the plastic sheeting. A small amount of insulating foam may be sprayed to waterproof the insulation board joints, but after that, the crawl space is completely protected.
Of all the home projects you could undertake, crawl space encapsulation is one the best ways to lengthen the life of your home. It secures your home’s structural integrity, keeps the moisture out, and guarantees a better indoor air quality.
If you are interested in the best crawl encapsulation services, like ours here at Barrier Waterproofing Services, don’t hesitate to reach out to us! Give us a call at (615) 257-1060 today and ask for a free quote.
