The crawlspace beneath your home is important because it acts as a buffer between your house and the damp earth. It also helps to protect your home against flooding and can serve as an area for utility access. Your crawlspace may not be on your mind often, but one thing you may want to consider is crawlspace encapsulation, as it has a variety of benefits to offer.
Here are a few benefits of crawlspace encapsulation to keep in mind:
- Energy Efficiency – Because crawlspace encapsulation involves completely sealing the space off from outside air, it can help to keep your home more comfortable. Instead of allowing conditioned air to escape or outside air to enter, an encapsulated crawlspace can keep them separate and reduce your heating and cooling costs as a result.
- Improved Air Quality – Crawlspace encapsulation is meant to offer moisture and humidity control. Crawlspaces are very dark and damp, which is the perfect environment for mold growth. If you encapsulate your crawlspace, you can reduce moisture and the risk of mold and help your home maintain good air quality as a result. After all, about 50% of the air on your first floor comes from the crawlspace.
- Pest Prevention – Pests like rodents, termites, cockroaches, and spiders love crawlspaces because of the moisture, shelter, and food they can find there. Crawlspace encapsulation makes your crawlspace less hospitable for these critters and is an effective prevention strategy.
- Structural Integrity – Moisture in your crawlspace can cause wood rot, which may leave your home less structurally stable. Ensure your home stays standing for a long time by making crawlspace encapsulation a priority.