Why does it matter?

Along with creating a more comfortable environment throughout your home, waterproofing the crawl space through encapsulation helps you avoid potentially costly issues:
It reduces the risk of mold and lessens the likelihood that termites or other insects and pests will take up residence and damage your home foundation.
In addition, crawl space encapsulation reduces the risk of flooding. The heavy-duty barrier provides a protective layer that keeps water out, even during the heavy downpours we get in this part of the country.
With encapsulation, the expensive water damage associated with flooding is less likely.
Improving the air quality, in the crawl space and throughout your home, also helps you maintain the proper humidity, so your heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system doesn’t have to work as hard.
Less stress on the HVAC helps extend the life of this critical household system and leads to lower utility bills.

Who handles crawl space encapsulations?

As you might guess, this particular home improvement project isn’t your basic DIY on the weekend chore.
It’s also not a one-person job.
To be most effective, a crawl space encapsulation should be handled by professionals.

The basic process of encapsulating a crawl space involves:

Assessing and cleaning the crawl space. The clean-up is important: While the barrier installed is strong and sturdy, rocks and sharp debris could damage it and are best removed before installation.
Measuring and cutting the barrier material to fit the room. This is where the old, “measure twice, cut once,” rule comes in handy: The material needs to allow for proper overlap and sealing.
Encapsulating the crawl space. Typically, the barrier material is installed on the foundation walls and ceiling first, and then the floor. Particular attention must be paid to the floor joists.
Maintaining proper humidity. Once the crawl space is fully encapsulated, it’s important to maintain the proper level of humidity in the room. Crawl space dehumidifiers can be installed to keep the humidity level at a healthy 45-50%.