Is Crawl Space Encapsulation Worth It?

Crawl space encapsulation is often worth it when a crawl space has moisture, mold, musty odors or pests, because it addresses the moisture that causes those problems. Whether it is worth it for your home depends on the condition of your crawl space and what the work costs, which a free inspection shows.

Encapsulation seals the crawl space to help keep it clean and dry. This article covers its benefits, what it costs and the signs that point to it.

What Are the Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Crawl space encapsulation has several benefits. These are the main ones to weigh against the cost.

Moisture Control

The main purpose of crawl space encapsulation is to control moisture in the crawl space. A liner covers the floor, foundation walls and piers, so ground moisture stays behind the barrier. Keeping moisture out reduces condensation and humidity, which leads to the benefits below.

Reduction of Mold and Mildew

Less moisture in the crawl space discourages mold and mildew. Mold and mildew can damage wood in the crawl space, and the EPA notes that mold can trigger asthma episodes in people with asthma. Controlling moisture helps prevent mold.

Pest Prevention

The barrier that keeps moisture out also helps keep pests out. An open, damp crawl space can give insects and other animals a place to settle.

Pests can cause damage that needs repair later. Encapsulation helps make the crawl space less inviting to them.

Protecting the Wood Structure

Moisture in a crawl space can cause wood rot, which can weaken the wood supports over time. Encapsulation helps protect that framing from moisture.

Usable Storage Space

An encapsulated crawl space can also become a cleaner, drier place to store some belongings. Without encapsulation, damp crawl spaces are often a poor place to keep anything.

Energy Efficiency

Encapsulation can also help your home use energy more efficiently. A sealed crawl space lets less outside air in under the house, which can help your heating and cooling systems work less to keep the rooms above comfortable.

How Much Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Cost?

There is no single average crawl space encapsulation cost: the price depends on the size of the crawl space and the work it needs. The crawl space encapsulation page shows the range HydroHelp911 publishes for it. The price for your home is set in a written estimate after a free inspection.

What moves the price within that range:

• The size of the crawl space
• Its condition, such as standing water, old insulation or debris that has to come out first
• Whether it also needs an interior drainage system, a sump pump or a dehumidifier

For a ballpark figure before an inspection, try our cost calculator.

Many homeowners find the benefits outweigh the cost, because controlling moisture can help prevent problems that would need repair later.