Crawl Spaces

Weatherseal Insulation offers crawl space encapsulation, basement insulation, basement finishing and crawl space air sealing services throughout the state of Virginia.

Crawl space encapsulation is a relatively new term referring to the process of reducing excessive humidity, prevent mold growth, and eliminate unhealthy conditions in crawl spaces. The process completely isolates the crawl space from the ground and outside air by lining the foundation walls and crawl space floor with an extra-heavy reinforced vapor barrier and installing either a dehumidifier or a conditioning system. The goal is to completely eliminate outside air and ground moisture from entering the building envelope (your living space). The crawl space is no longer neglected, and instead is treated as a part of the home like a basement.

Crawl Spaces

One of the biggest advances in building science over the past decade is the research that proves definitively that vented crawl spaces are not advisable in our climate.

In 2002, Advanced Energy studied a group of 12 houses in their home state of North Carolina. They found that the 8 that had encapsulated crawl spaces had relative humidity that stayed less than 60% all summer, whereas the 4 vented crawl spaces had humidity levels that tracked the outdoor humidity.

Crawl Spaces

The graph to the right shows the results of the research. The red line shows the relative humidity in the encapsulated crawl spaces. (The terms closed crawl space, sealed crawl space, and conditioned crawl space are sometimes used to describe crawl space encapsulation as well.)

The reason the vented crawl spaces had higher humidity is actually pretty simple. Warmer air can hold more moisture, so in the summer time, the outdoor air can bring a lot of extra water vapor with it when it comes into a crawl space through the vents. When that warm, humid air comes into the crawl space and cools off, the relative humidity can go even higher. You can see that in the graph above, as the blue line (vented crawl space relative humidity) is often higher than the outdoor relative humidity.

What is Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Crawl Space Encapsulation

Weatherseal Insulation’s crawl space encapsulation process seals and insulates the entire crawl space for improved energy efficiency and indoor air quality throughout the home. Sealing the crawl space with a combination of poly wrap and insulation, we are able to reduce air infiltration and moisture infiltration, ensuring a healthier and safer home with less risk of mold and reduced energy bills.

How Does it Work?

We begin by surveying your home with our energy diagnostic tools including an infrared thermal imaging camera and a blower door to identify rates of air leakage and areas where insulation is missing or compromised, and where cracks and gaps in the building envelope are leading to air leakage. We then address these areas using air sealing materials which may include a combination of insulation, caulk, weatherstripping, poly wrap, spray foam, and any other appropriate materials. At the end of the project, we will have brought your crawl space inside the building envelope, which leads to improved air quality, lower energy bills, improved comfort and a variety of other benefits.

Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation

There are a variety of benefits of crawl space encapsulation, including, but not limited to:

  • A more comfortable home
  • Reduced energy bills
  • Fewer drafts
  • Reduced risk of mold & moisture problems
  • Improved indoor air quality
  • No more critters

For more information about our basement and crawl space encapsulation services, or to schedule a no-obligation phone consultation today, contact us here!

SERVICES WE PROVIDE
Foundation Waterproofing

Using Mar-flex 5000, we can waterproof any structure with an adhesive seamless barrier that coats your foundation with a high-quality membrane.

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Spray Foam Insulation

The spray application method allows for continuous insulation and an air sealing barrier on walls, roofs, in tight corners, and all contoured surfaces.

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Cellulose Insulation

Made of 75-85% recycled paper, cellulose is the most environmentally friendly and efficient way to insulate your new or existing residential or commercial buildings.

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Green Remodeling

Beyond energy efficiency, weā€™ll work with you on a number of eco-friendly building improvements that help you qualify for certifications such as LEED for Homes or ENERGY STAR.

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Fiberglass Insulation

Made of up to 40% recycled materials, fiberglass is available as blown-in loose fill, rolls, or batts, and is one of the best ways to reduce your energy bills.

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Radiant Barriers

In a climate such as Virginiaā€™s, radiant barriers or ā€œfoil insulationā€ can be used in tandem with other materials to reduce cooling bills in the summer.

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Energy Audits

Weā€™ll find the leaks and shortfalls of your current insulation, then provide a cost-effective plan that works for you and your project.

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Weatherization

Optimizing your buildingā€™s energy efficiency is one of the best investments you can make for comfort, lower bills, a reduced carbon footprint, and air quality.

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Crawl Space Encapsulation

Vented crawl spaces are no longer the way to go. Reduce excess moisture and prevent mold growth by isolating the crawl space from outside moisture.

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Mold Remediation

From the lab test to the mold removal to prevention systems, our whole-home approach to air quality ensures comfort and safety for your family.

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