Research results indicate that a sealed crawl space is a great moisture control strategy with impressive energy saving potential, as reported by Advanced Energy.
As opposed to what many building scientists believed years ago, new research has shown that vented crawl spaces create the perfect environment for mold growth, wood rot, insects and moisture problems.
A sealed crawl space is the perfect defense against these detriments, and has proven to also create a healthier living environment and reduce energy costs.
Moisture and high humidity in this crawl space resulted in mold and mildew growth and damage to the insulation. The homeowner wanted to encapsulate the space, so our team set to work cleaning out the crawl space, air sealing vents, the rim band, sill plate, and any other openings through the foundation wall to the outside. They treated the microbial growth with an antimicrobial, installed a new CleanSpace Vapor Barrier, applied Foam Board insulation to the foundation walls, and installed a dehumidifier to regulate the relative humidity.
These homeowners in Louisa wanted to encapsulate the crawl space on their newly constructed home. The exposed dirt flooring of the crawl space would continue to allow the earth's moisture to rise into the crawl space unless covered and sealed. The moisture rising from the earth can increase the relative humidity of the crawl space, which can then lead to mold growth, condensation, and moisture damage to certain materials. We placed a 10-mil CleanSpace vapor barrier over the dirt flooring to help protect the crawl space from the rising moisture. This liner gets wrapped around all pillars and is mechanically sealed to the foundation walls six to eight inches above outside grade. Any seams and gaps are sealed with a unique vinyl tape. The vapor barrier will help to prevent moisture from elevating the relative humidity, and it gives the crawl space a brighter and cleaner aesthetic.
This homeowner in Montpelier was having moisture issues within the crawl space of their home. As a result of the excessive outside influence, their home was uncomfortable and the energy bills were high. We encapsulated their crawl space using a CleanSpace Light vapor barrier to help seal off the earth's moisture from the crawl space. Then, we sprayed an inch and a half of closed-cell R-10 spray foam over the foundation walls. All penetrations and vents are also sealed, and the spray foam acts as an air barrier and vapor retarder, protecting the crawl space from the outside influence. With their crawl space encapsulated and insulated, the homeowner should enjoy a much more comfortable home with lower energy bills. If you are interested in sealing your crawl space or basement, then give us a call at . We'll help to keep the outside, outside!
Since the natural airflow in a home is from bottom to top, the air that is circulated back into the home from the sealed crawl space will be clean, dry air, creating a healthier environment.
Additionally, the air circulating back into the home is now conditioned air, reducing the need to heat or cool it, resulting in lower energy costs.
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