Signs You Need Crawl Space Encapsulation in Your Maryland Home
Not all homes need crawl space encapsulation. Some have better sealing that prevents humidity intrusion. Some are built on dry ground. However, if you experience any of the following issues, you may want to have your crawl space inspected by a professional:
- Musty Smells: Mold and mildew create a strong, easily recognizable odor. If you can’t seem to find where it’s coming from, it’s likely your crawl space.
- High Humidity: Your home shouldn’t feel humid or clammy. A damp crawl space can prevent your AC from removing moisture from the air.
- Expensive Energy Bills: A poorly sealed and insulated crawl space can increase heating and cooling costs. If your bills seem higher than normal for Baltimore County or elsewhere in Maryland, your crawl space could be to blame.
You can also figure out if you need encapsulation by inspecting the crawl space yourself. If you notice standing water, wood rot, condensation, or an intense musty odor, you’ll definitely want to consider encapsulation.
What Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Involve?
If you’ve realized that your home could benefit from this service, you might be wondering how to encapsulate a crawl space. Encapsulation is a multi-step process that requires a professional. It can entail some or all of the following, depending on your home:
- Air sealing of gaps in the home’s foundation
- Adding insulation to the walls
- Installing a thick sheet of plastic, called a vapor barrier, on the ground and walls to block moisture
- Installing dehumidifiers
- Installing moisture-removal devices like sump pumps
Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation
Encapsulation prevents moisture from building up underneath the home. This provides a range of benefits for your family’s health, comfort, and financial well-being.
Less Risk of Mold
Eliminating moisture from your crawl space removes the environment that mold needs to thrive. This makes your home safer and healthier for your family.
Year-Round Comfort
Crawl space encapsulation can remove constant humidity from the home. Air sealing and insulation can also improve temperature consistency.
Lower Energy Bills
With fewer drafts and better insulation, your HVAC system doesn’t have to work as hard to heat and cool your home. This reduces wear and tear and lowers your energy bills.
How Much Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Cost in Maryland?
The costs of crawl space encapsulation vary based on square footage. At CAC, we offer a weatherization assistance program that provides this service at no cost. It also includes other important services like air sealing and insulation.
If you’ve already started looking for a contractor that performs crawl space encapsulation near you, we encourage you to consider this program. Eligibility is determined based on income and household size.
