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If your home has a crawl space, you should consider encapsulating the area. This will not only create a dry, sanitary environment, but also make additional storage space available. Crawl space encapsulation costs around $5,000. Regardless of the cost, this project must be done properly. Failure to encapsulate properly can lead to air leaks, moisture, and ground gases in the home. Hiring a professional is highly recommended.

You can save money on crawl space encapsulation by doing the installation yourself, but if you’re new to home ownership, you’ll want to hire a professional. Depending on the size of your space, you can choose a cheaper option. However, you’ll have to invest in additional materials, like a thicker liner. Additionally, if your crawl space is large enough, you may need to level the dirt or remove old construction materials. In addition, it can be difficult to install a crawl space encapsulation system without additional structural repairs or electrician fees.

Once the encapsulation is complete, you should be sure to periodically inspect the space. If there is a problem, a dedicated crawl space dehumidifier will help keep the space dry. Experts recommend a 45%-55 percent humidity level for healthy home comfort. During a crawl space inspection, it’s recommended to run a radon test to check for mold and moisture. Once the encapsulation is complete, you’ll have a better understanding of how to keep the area dry.

After cleaning the area, the moisture barrier will be installed. Some encapsulation systems are comprised of a thin plastic liner. Advanced encapsulation systems include a thicker plastic liner and a multilayer vapor barrier. The moisture barrier is adhered evenly to the walls, columns, and floor joists. Once the encapsulation process is complete, you’ll want to call a professional foundation contractor.

Open vented crawl spaces can get chilly in the winter or hot in the summer. This cold and heat transfer through the floor into the home. Encapsulation can improve your home’s energy efficiency by up to 20 percent. By using less energy, you’ll reduce your carbon footprint as well. Crawl space encapsulation can even qualify you for tax rebates and incentives, so you might as well take advantage of them.

If you want to completely encapsulate your crawl space, the first step is to install a sump pump. These pumps can cost from $60 to $170 and work to remove accumulated water. It is vital that these pumps be powerful enough to handle a heavy rainfall, and must be mounted in an airtight bucket. Adding a lid will also prevent water from pooling and evaporating back into the crawl space.

Whether you hire a professional to complete your project or attempt the project yourself, it’s important to hire someone with the experience and proper tools to do the job right. Hiring a professional will ensure you get quality results and a properly-installed system that won’t need to be replaced. It’s also safer to hire a professional instead of attempting this project yourself. Not only will this ensure a quality job, but you’ll save money in the long run.

While crawl space encapsulation is a difficult process, the benefits are well worth the effort. Once you have it installed, you’ll have a dry and moisture-free crawl space that won’t let moisture in and rot. You’ll also have peace of mind knowing that your home’s foundation is protected from the elements and moisture. It’s also easy to install and can be done in a day.

Depending on the type of encapsulation you need, a basic encapsulation can cost between $2 and $4 per square foot. More comprehensive encapsulation can cost upwards of $10 per square foot. However, it’s important to hire a professional for this job to avoid making mistakes that can trap moisture and damage your home’s structure. While the cost may be higher than you’d like, the benefits far outweigh the expense.