Any new thoughts on crawl space encapsulation?
by
Jim Ginas
+5
I had a great response a couple years back stating Venting a Crawl Space is not the best method any longer and to encapsulate. It costs LOTS of money to do that, but may be worth the money if the technology creates the environment without adverse issues.....
5 answers
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For various reasons we encapsulated several years ago. It helped us in many ways. If you do this, also be sure to do similar thing under the floor joists etc above encapsulation.
246978
on Feb 29, 2016
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There is a lot of info on the pros and cons on the internet. You best do your homework. Most issues come from bad instillation and inexperienced contractors. Also lack of adding high cost dehumidifying units which make it an expensive addition. I lived without it nicely all my life in many homes. Rat poison was my only expense for my crawl spaces in my old riverside farm house and my annual check for their outside sealed openings and interior basement space possible openings, both easily sealed when needed be.
Johnchip
on Feb 29, 2016
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Couldn't find anything dated later than 2013, but it appears to be the way builders are building homes now. Found these two link for you that may help you to decide: http://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/blogs/dept/building-science/five-ways-deal-crawl-space-air; http://static.crawlspacedoctor.com/bobvila.html
LD
on Feb 29, 2016
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I have been thinking about this question for a couple of days before I could even answer anything. First off I live in an area that does not really have crawl spaces, that's why I can not answer the question really, but thinking I wondered why not? My first thought would be access. Do you need to get to something? 2nd thought would be moisture, creating an area that dampness and moisture may hide and set up a mold issue. Not good! How old is the place, what kind of wood it has,etc. If its been that way for awhile why would you enclose it? Do you need the space, is it an eyesore or codes? If it were me, considering i have not seen this, I would probably either leave it alone or just patch it with ventilation access. Like the others have said research this and get all your options before you spend the bucks! Sorry I wish i could do better but I wish you luck! Let me know how things turn out!
Barbara Valenti
on Mar 03, 2016
- See 1 previous
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** UPDATE: So as I research, I get a few websites (including gov't) showing encapsulation is the new technology home builders are going with today. (not sure all regions and REGIONALLY, that could be the issue), and was becoming comfortable that this is a good solution for protecting against moisture, cold winter floors, cleaner air in the house and warmer water pipes. Had ONE company tell me their 46 yrs experience tells them FULL encapsulation is NOT good die to FULL encapsulation hides possible termites, so not found till AFTER damage, plus a high water table is not good, pests can get UNDER the materials, duct work and water pipes under house will sweat and cause condensation. They state ONLY need full floor coverage, NO WALLS and a Dehumidifier to make sure insulation is not absorbing moisture and creating wood absorbing FROM the insulation is not getting mold and rot, thus termites. This MAY be VALID, or it MAY be they just don;t specialize in ENCAPSULATION and are offering services they sell. From what MOST say, the space enclosed and same temp (2 registers installed) would alleviate that condensation. (??) I'll continue to research and see what others say about this. *** MY Concern is floors cold in the winter from the crawl space (only about 30" in height) and water pipes staying warm in winter! Other solutions, vice a full encapsulation??
Jim Ginas
on Mar 03, 2016
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