5 Long-Term Benefits of Crawlspace Encapsulation

5 Long-Term Benefits of Crawlspace Encapsulation   

What is a Crawlspace?  

Crawlspaces serve various purposes including protecting the home from flooding, structural support, and acting as a buffer between the earth and a home’s living areas. Over time, crawlspaces can become problematic and cause high humidity, mold and more.  

What is Crawlspace Encapsulation? 

Crawlspace Encapsulation is the process of installing thick polyethylene material to the walls and floor of the crawlspace. CleanSpace is a high-quality, anti-microbial vapor barrier system that can permanently protect a crawlspace from mold and moisture. CleanSpace is made of a 20-mil 7-ply sandwich of high and low-density polyethylene with polyester-cord reinforcement.  

Here are the long-term benefits of the CleanSpace Crawlspace Encapsulation. 

Crawlspaces can cause allergens to collect because of all the dirt and dust they can produce. The air in the crawlspace finds its way to the rest of the home through what is called the Stack Effect. This is when the warm air rises and escapes through the upper levels of a house. It can cause up to 50% of the air in the home to come from the crawlspace. Once this area is completely sealed, the house will be separated from the ground below and your family can breathe cleaner air. 

Water can seep into the crawlspace and create wood rot on the support beams. This can lead to a bigger, more expensive structural problem. The rotting wood that supports the house would potentially need to be completely replaced. The CleanSpace drainage matting, which is installed first, creates a space for water to move to a perimeter drainage system. The CleanSpace covering will then fully seal the area and moisture will have nowhere to go but away from the space.  

You may have heard horror stories about animals and insects infesting the crawlspace of a home. They can wreak havoc by tearing into wood, ruining insulation and leaving traces of feces around. With the air in your house being made up of up to 50% of the crawlspace air, this would not be healthy to breathe in. CleanSpace is a tear and rip resistant product that can keep pests out for good. 

4. It’s Energy Efficient  

Part of the CleanSpace system is the SilverGlo insulation that is installed on the walls before the wall covering is put up. SilverGlo is a graphite-infused vapor barrier that reflects heat back into the crawlspace. In addition, the thickness and durability of the CleanSpace wall covering also adds extra insulation so that you can ultimately save energy and money!

5. It Stops Mold Growth      

Mold can appear in crawlspaces when dampness and high humidity levels remain stagnant over time. Since the air from the crawlspace can access the rest of the house, it can cause symptoms such as headaches, stuffy nose, respiratory problems and more. CleanSpace Crawlspace Encapsulation System can prevent mold and mildew growth at the source! 

We offer on-site inspections and free estimates to homeowners in Northeast Ohio. Call Cleveland Basement Systems today!