Crawl Space Encapsulation in Alpharetta GA

Crawl space encapsulation is necessary if you want to avoid having to deal with mold, dry rot and other moisture problems that can plague an open crawl space.

In the past, having a vented crawl space was the norm. People believed that leaving the walls of the crawl space open would allow for free circulation of air in the space and therefore maintain a healthy environment. However, research and experience are proving that the opposite is true. A vented crawl space leaves the space prone to moisture problems, mold and pest infestations and various other problems.

The Conditioned Crawl Space

The introduction of crawl space encapsulation has seen crawl spaces become healthier spaces. Moisture problems, mold and pest infestations as well as other crawl space issues can be easily solved by sealing off the space from the external environment.

A conditioned and sealed crawl space has been shown to result in 18% energy savings. It has also been shown to reduce humidity in the home by 20%.

Features of a Conditioned Crawl Space

The benefits of crawl space encapsulation outlined above can only be achieved if the following features are included in the crawl space:

1. Drainage system

It is important to ensure that the crawl space has a well-designed drainage system. This ensures that rain or melting snow runoff from the surrounding landscape is directed away from the crawl space. The water therefore does not accumulate near or beneath the foundation where it can cause havoc.

2. Insulation

A properly sealed crawl space should include insulation. This will help to avoid loss of heat to or gaining of heat from the surrounding environment. Insulation may be achieved by installing polystyrene foam panels.

3. Ground cover

The floor of the crawl space should be covered. This will prevent moisture from the soil evaporating into the air in the crawl space and increasing humidity levels. You may want to consider installing a barrier that can also prevent the penetration of dangerous gases such as radon from the soil.

4. Humidity control

It is important to install a system to control the level of humidity in the crawl space. This may include a dehumidifier.

5. Supply and return air ducts

These ensure that the crawl space is conditioned. Air from the HVAC system is pumped into the space through the supply duct and removed through the return duct. This also helps to balance pressure in the crawl space with that of the living space above.

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