While a bathroom remodel or landscaping overhaul are arguably more flashy home renovations, crawl space encapsulation increases your home’s value in a way new shrubs or an updated shower never will. In addition to home buyers finding your property more appealing, encapsulation provides numerous benefits to the quality of life inside your home. Let’s look at the benefits of crawl space encapsulation.
Experts estimate that 50 percent of the air you breathe comes from your crawl space. As a result, your home’s comfort depends mainly on the condition of the space below your home.
Musty, moldy, and dust-filled air from an untreated crawl space will end up in your lungs. Encapsulation controls the air quality of your home by mitigating moisture in your crawl space and making it impossible for mold to grow below your home.
When the area below your home is open to the elements, your furnace must work harder. Sealing the crawl space keeps the temperature consistent, meaning you will run your heater and AC less. Encapsulating your crawl space seals out outside air and helps your home feel cooler in the summer and warmer in the winter.
An untreated crawl space is the perfect breeding ground for insects and rodents. Animals are often drawn to the humid environment for protection. Encapsulating your crawl space makes the area much drier and less attractive, sending bugs and vermin looking elsewhere.
When properly encapsulated, and depending on the size of your crawl space, you could use your crawl space for storage. With the threat of moisture eliminated, some homeowners like to store holiday décor, or seasonal equipment like skis or water tubes in their encapsulated crawl space.
Note: Keep in mind that this isn’t the most effective way to store your personal belongings. Some homeowners decide to do it because encapsulation makes it an option. We highly recommend keeping items in your home rather than the crawl space.
By sealing your crawl space, there are fewer temperature fluctuations, meaning the space stays warmer during cold weather months. This keeps your floors more comfortable and protects your pipes from freezing and possibly bursting.
Humidity is the number one culprit in your crawl space. Left untreated, mold leads to wood rot, threatening the structural integrity of your home. Virginia’s humid climate and natural moisture in the soil create a perfect environment for mold to thrive.
Like other home improvements, encapsulation will maintain the value of your home. No one wants to buy a home with a nasty crawl space. Homeowners who have struggled with crawl space problems in the past will jump at the opportunity to buy a home with the problem permanently solved.
It’s common for your home’s HVAC, water pipes, electrical, and cable lines to reside below your floors.
While it may not seem like a big deal, any repairs to these essential systems are much more enjoyable in a clean, dry space rather than a nasty, musty, wet area since you most likely will be crawling or crouching the entire time.
Since 1993, JES has been helping homeowners protect their crawl spaces and create safer homes. With industry-leading crawl space solutions, we’re committed to creating the best home conditions for our Virginia, DC, and Maryland neighbors.
Come see why homeowners through the Mid-Atlantic trust us. Contact us today to schedule a free inspection, and we’ll create a custom plan to fix your crawl space issues. Better crawl space health is possible, and working with JES helps make it a reality!
JES Foundation Repair teams proudly serve homeowners throughout Virginia, including:
While there isn’t a hard dollar amount in terms of value, your home will certainly sell for more as compared to a home with standing water inside.
From cleaner indoor air and mold protection to warmer floors and lower energy bills, a conditioned crawl space is more appealing to potential home buyers.
Encapsulation is just the term used to seal the crawl space and circulate conditioned air throughout your home.
Without a complete encapsulation system, like drainage and a vapor barrier, you would be spending money and not experiencing the full benefits of the repair.
Encapsulation typically involves some type of drainage system, insulation, sealing of the walls and floors, and an air purification system.
Like a home, each crawl space is unique. A trained professional will assess the specifics needed to protect your home.
The duration of the project varies based on the crawl space size, the extent of existing damage, and the specific solutions implemented. Most encapsulation projects take between one and three days to complete, including moisture control, insulation, and sealing. JES Foundation Repair teams work efficiently to ensure your crawl space is fully protected on schedule. Contact us for more information and to schedule a free inspection.
Sudden increases in utility costs without changes in usage, cold floors, high indoor humidity, and musty odors may signal crawl space problems. JES Foundation Repair determines the root of the issue and proposes customized repair solutions during a free inspection.
Absolutely. Addressing crawl space moisture protects your home’s structural integrity and ensures a healthier living environment, providing long-term benefits. Delaying action can lead to more severe issues like structural damage and health hazards. Reach out to JES Foundation Repair for a detailed, free inspection and quote.
Groundworks Editorial Team
