The crawlspace, which is the area below your home that offers structural support and access to wiring and plumbing, is more prone to water damage and mold growth than other areas of your home. After all, the floor in your crawlspace is nothing more than bare earth, so groundwater can easily enter the space if there aren’t any precautions in place.
Moisture in your crawlspace can be very problematic, leading to issues like wood rot, mold growth, and poor air quality in the rest of your home. Two common solutions that can combat these issues are crawlspace encapsulation and vapor barrier installation, which each have their own distinct advantages.
Crawlspace encapsulation involves comprehensive sealing and insulating of the crawlspace to keep moisture out entirely. The crawlspace floor and walls are lined with heavy-duty vapor barriers, which prevent ground moisture from rising and causing a whole host of issues for your crawlspace. In addition, crawlspace encapsulation often requires a sump pump and dehumidifier to eliminate moisture as much as possible.
Vapor barrier installation is similar, only it is not as comprehensive as crawlspace encapsulation. Vapor barriers cover the floor only, and they don’t seal off vents, unlike crawlspace encapsulation. Vapor barrier installation is a more affordable option, but if you need greater protection, then crawlspace encapsulation is the better investment.
Both vapor barriers and crawlspace encapsulation can provide greater moisture control in your home’s crawlspace. To learn more about which option is right for your home, please don’t hesitate to contact our team at Dogwood Crawlspaces today.