At Energy Consulting Services, our goal is to identify ways to improve comfort levels and decrease power and gas consumption in the home. One of the many improvements that we often recommend is crawl space encapsulation. Crawl space encapsulation makes for a clean crawlspace environment for HVAC and ductwork to operate. This improves air quality, makes it hard for bugs and critters to enter the home, and keeps the floors from being cold in winter months.
What is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
Crawl space encapsulation is entails sealing your crawl space off from outside air and humidity including sealing off vents to the exterior using a high quality vapor barrier and closed cell spray foam. It creates a clean operating environment for HVAC and duct work which eliminates mold, warms up the floors in winter months, and helps keep bugs and critters out.
Encapsulated crawlspace creates a clean operating environment for HVAC and ductwork which eliminates mold, warms up the floors in winter months, and helps keep bugs and critters out.
Crawl Space Encapsulation Procedure
Crawl space encapsulation can be a complicated process, which is why ECS is here to help. The process entails installing a sturdy, reinforced vapor barrier along the entire floor of the crawlspace, then sealing it along all seams and at least 6″ up all piers and foundation walls for complete coverage. This prevents ground moisture from entering the air. Different types of vapor barrier can be used, ranging in material type to difference in thickness. Reinforced 10mil or 12mil polyethylene vapor barriers are the most commonly used vapor barrier type because they are the most durable and reliable, although unenforced polyethylene vapor barriers are also available. Closed-cell spray foam is then applied along the foundation walls, piers, and the top of the rim joist to secure the vapor barrier in place and seal off the crawl space from the Earthen floor and outside air. To circulate and avoid stagnant air in an encapsulated crawl space, a few different methods of ventilation can be used including: running a supply and return line to your HVAC unit, using a dehumidifier, or using a small exhaust fan.
Reasons You Need Crawl Space Encapsulation
Crawl space encapsulation can make a big difference to your home, especially here in the north Georgia climate. Vapor barrier encapsulation prevents mold growth, which can affect the HVAC ductwork and so provides cleaner air. It keeps water and humidity from building up or getting into the crawl space, and it keeps those unwanted pests like termites or opossums from setting up camp under your feet. It also keeps your floors warmer in the winter months. All of these differences can help save you the money you would have spent on pest control and repairs. While encapsulated crawl spaces are unquestionably better than vented crawl spaces, vented crawl spaces are still commonly found in many homes in the region, which can cause several problems to arise. Some of the most common issues we’ve seen in vented crawl spaces in the north Georgia climate are listed below:
Poor air quality
The damp environment in the crawl space is often a breeding ground for mold and other growth that can negatively impact indoor air quality, leading to health problems. Crawl spaces allow air from beneath your house into your conditioned living space through the various penetrations along your subfloor and through the exterior wall cavities. Insufficiently sealed HVAC ductwork located in crawl spaces can also draw crawl space air into the HVAC system and distribute it inside your home.
Infestations
Insect and critters are well-suited to living in the dark, temperate climate under your home. All too often, these pests can make it into your living space from below, causing problems such as fleas, aggravated allergies, and damages.
Structural and mechanical damage
Buckled floors, rusting pipes and ductwork, and rotting of structural woodwork are all commonly seen due to the high humidity present for prolonged periods in the Atlanta climate.These issues can seriously affect the safety and sturdiness of your home, as well as cost a good chunk of money and deliver a lot of headaches.
We’re here for everyone
Whether you’re a small business or a big family, live in downtown Atlanta or on the outskirts of the suburbs, we’re here for you! We take pride in providing expertise in deciding exactly what is the best solution for your home. Call or Contact us today for an estimate: 404.931.9593
