If your home has a crawl space, chances are it stays out of sight and out of mind. However, just because you don’t walk through it every day doesn’t mean it should ignored — especially if it isn’t encapsulated.
A crawl space that’s not encapsulated has the potential to cause serious issues in your home or cabin.
Keep reading to learn why RVI suggests crawl space encapsulation.
What is a Crawl Space?
Many homes have a crawl space below the living area. A crawl space is an unfinished area of limited height (2’ to 3’ — just enough height to crawl) that creates a buffer between the ground and the floors of the structure.
An unfinished, unencapsulated crawl space will generally have cinder block walls and a dirt or stone floor. The space typically vents directly to the outside. Plumbing, HVAC, and wiring will be easily accessible.
Crawl spaces are less costly to construct than a full basement and simpler to install than a concrete slab, which is why you might have one in your home.
Potential Problems of an Unencapsulated Crawl Space
Unencapsulated crawl spaces are often plagued by issues.
Many crawl spaces are very poorly ventilated and insulated. The drastic difference between the temperature of the house and the temperature of the dirt floor can cause moisture and condensation issues.
Left unchecked, this can quickly lead to rot within exposed wood components, mold and mildew growth, and musty smells within the home. Unencapsulated dirt floors allow radon gas to seep into the home. Pests are often a problem, too.
Lastly, the poor insulation that is often standard in most crawl spaces means the home is less energy-efficient and costs more to heat and cool.
What is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
At RVI, we suggest getting your crawl space encapsulated.
Encapsulation includes removing debris, grading the floor, covering the ground with an impenetrable vapor barrier, and adding insulation to walls, rim joists, and seams.
Crawl space encapsulation of Wisconsin homes and cabins turns an open, exposed environment into a controlled environment. RVI’s crawl space encapsulation contractors utilize the latest building science research and techniques to create safer, healthier, and more comfortable homes.
After crawl space encapsulation, you can expect:
- Better air quality throughout the living space.
- Energy efficiency improvements; in fact, some studies indicate a 20% reduction in energy costs after crawl space encapsulation.
- Fewer pest and critter problems.
- Improved durability of flooring, HVAC equipment, and other components in the crawl space.
- Greater home comfort due to improved temperature balance.
Contact Us To Learn More About Crawl Space Encapsulation Services in Rhinelander
Whether you’re a homeowner or builder, RVI offers crawl space encapsulation services in Northern Wisconsin. If you’re dealing with moisture issues, pest problems, or have other concerns about your crawl space, our team can provide answers and offer guidance.
Get in touch today!
TESTIMONIAL
I would recommend these folks to everybody.
Sam and his crew did a terrific job of cleaning out 45 years of debris from our “rathole” of a crawlspace and turning it into what I now refer to as our “surgical suite.” The space is now totally dry, level, insulated and sealed. We could eat off the new plastic floor which covers our old sand base. I now even look forward to going down into what I used to refer as my personal pit from hell. It’s totally dry, clean and habitable. Sam even said that he would take care of any problems that might arise for the indefinite future. I would recommend these folks to everybody. Thanks from a totally satisfied homeowner.
// Jeff Archibald
