Disadvantages of a Sealed Crawl Space System Encapsulations cause the air inside the crawlspace to become stale, which reciprocates to poor air quality inside the whole house envelope. Dehumidifiers can over-dry the crawl space causing your expensive hardwoods to shrink and crack.
Potential for Gas Buildup
This can create a hazardous situation, as the buildup of gases can lead to explosions or health problems. To prevent gas buildup, it is essential to ensure that the crawl space is properly vented and that any gas-producing materials are removed before encapsulation.
Vapor barrier installation is an option for most as it's a lot cheaper than crawl space encapsulation, and as it doesn't require any other pumps or air conditioning methods, it makes sense as to why.
The first sign that you shouldn't encapsulate a crawl space is standing water, as in the photo below. If bulk water is coming into the crawl space, covering it up with plastic is may be worse than doing nothing. That water is probably going to find ways to get on top of the plastic.
When you encapsulate your crawl space you are not paying for a kitchen or bathroom upgrade that you get to enjoy on a daily basis, but you are paying for peace of mind and preventing damage to your home.
While crawl space encapsulation aims to block moisture from entering your home, it can also trap existing moisture inside. If not adequately addressed, this trapped moisture can cause mold growth and other issues.
As the saying goes, “It's better to have it and not need it than to need it and not have it.” That said, coverage varies widely for things like crawl space repair and encapsulation. It depends on your provider and policy, but the general rule of thumb is that if it's preventable, it's not covered.
Sealing your crawl space keeps your home more comfortable all year round. Protection against structural damage - By keeping moisture out, you protect your home's foundation, floor joists, and other structural elements from rot and decay. This can save you thousands in repairs down the road.
The moisture can cause mold growth, rotting of wood under your house, and structural damage. A dehumidifier without encapsulation can help. It sucks out the excess moisture from the air and makes your crawl space healthier and drier.
Full crawl space encapsulation is a smart investment for long-term waterproofing, as it offers much better durability than a vapor barrier. While encapsulation has a higher upfront cost, it provides reliable, lasting protection against moisture and pests, reducing the need for future repairs or replacements.
Encapsulation falls under the insulation and air-sealing category. Under the tax credit, you can claim 30% of the cost, up to $1,200. A crawl space that costs $4,000 to encapsulate maximizes this tax credit. If your crawl space costs less than $4,000 to encapsulate, you will not receive the full $1,200 in credit.
Crawlspace encapsulation is the best option here. A team of home performance pros removes any existing mold on the crawlspace walls or floor joists. Then they install a plastic vapor barrier on the crawlspace floor, insulate the walls, seal off the vents and all air leaks, and install a dehumidifier.
If you experience high humidity, moldy smells, fluctuating indoor temperatures, or pest issues, encapsulation can offer significant benefits. It creates a moisture barrier, improves air quality, enhances energy efficiency, and prevents structural damage.
If you have issues with moisture/humidity and cold or hot temperatures in your crawl space, then you probably need both encapsulation and insulation. There are benefits to doing both insulation and encapsulation, including better energy efficiency.
Don't Encapsulate Without a Sealable Space
While encapsulating your crawl space will help keep it dry, it will not work if there are significant air gaps, allowing outside air to enter the space.
Crawl space encapsulation costs homeowners an average of $5,500 but typically ranges from $1,500–$15,000. See which factors will impact your total cost. Mark Howey is a licensed California building contractor with more than four decades of experience in the construction industry.
But Ricki Edwardson, the president of Basement Systems of West Virginia, said crawl spaces don't have to be dreadful places. In fact, she said most of these spaces are outdated, which is why they cause homeowners so many problems. “Since the science of building technology is changing, so are the building codes.
Why is crawlspace encapsulation so expensive? The cost of crawl space encapsulation reflects the comprehensive approach it takes to address moisture control. The process involves not just the installation of a vapor barrier, but also potentially adding insulation, sealing off vents, and installing a dehumidifier.
Average Lifespan of Crawl Space Encapsulation
On average, it can last around 10 to 15 years. However, if properly installed with quality materials, it's not unusual for it to last longer. We have clients whose encapsulation has lasted 20 years.
The cost of crawl space waterproofing ranges from $3,000 to $15,000, depending on the size of the crawl space and material used. If any repairs are required, such as crack repair or installing extra drains, pipes, and wires, plan to pay between $7,000 and $20,000.
An encapsulated crawl space will always require a dehumidification system. However, that dehumidification system can be achieved in one of two ways: tapping into existing HVAC or installing a separate dehumidifier.
Typically, a vapor barrier primarily defends against the gaseous water vapor from the soil, which may not be as protective against water pooling. Encapsulation does protect against water pooling. Unlike vapor barriers, an encapsulated crawl space requires a sump pump and dehumidifier.
Encapsulated crawl spaces can increase home values by an average of 10%. However, you don't need to wait until you sell your home to benefit from an encapsulated crawl space. Sealed crawl spaces stabilize indoor temperatures, which helps ease the burden on your heating and cooling systems.