Do I Need a Crawl Space Encapsulation?
If your home has a crawlspace, encapsulation and radon mitigation go hand in hand. In fact, radon mitigation without crawlspace encapsulation is much less effective and may not even be worth the investment.
But wait. What is crawl space encapsulation? And does crawl space encapsulation work? Keep reading to learn more about this vital process and why you should consider it for your home.
What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
Crawlspace encapsulation involves installing a specialized vapor barrier in your crawlspace and sealing it to trap moisture and radon gas. Vapor barriers are made of polyethylene plastic that attaches to your home's foundation walls and is then sealed with spray foam to prevent leaks.
How Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Relate to Radon Mitigation?
Radon mitigation is the process of using a radon fan to create negative pressure that effectively moves radon outside before it can enter your home. In a house with a basement, this is done underneath the slab of your foundation. In a home with a crawlspace, however, there needs to be a barrier between the ground and your house to capture and move the radon effectively — that’s where crawlspace encapsulation comes in.
Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation
Encapsulation is the most effective method of radon mitigation in a home with a crawlspace. Since you don’t have a slab that acts as a barrier between the air of your crawl space and the ground, the air volume in your crawl space is too large for the radon fan to work correctly.
Aside from radon mitigation, crawlspace encapsulation can also help with:
Dehumidification of your crawlspace
Mold prevention
Odor reduction
Creating a cleaner storage space
Improved indoor air quality
Increased energy efficiency
Should I Encapsulate My Crawl Space?
If you have a crawlspace and are considering radon mitigation, crawlspace encapsulation is essential for the mitigation system to work effectively. Without crawl space encapsulation, the radon mitigation system can’t adequately move radon outside of your home. That means you won’t get your best shot at improving the indoor air quality of your home.
What if my crawl space already has plastic in it?
The plastic on the floor of your crawl space may not be effectively installed or made of low-quality material. True crawl space encapsulation, when it comes to radon mitigation, uses reinforced plastic that won’t break down over time. It is also professionally installed to ensure that there are no gaps, holes, or material damage that can prevent the negative pressure needed for your radon mitigation system to work.
Is crawl space encapsulation worth it?
Yes! Aside from the benefits of moisture management and reducing mold, crawlspace encapsulation is a necessary part of radon mitigation. According to the EPA, radon is the second largest contributing factor to lung cancer in the United States and the largest factor for non-smokers. So, investing in ensuring that your radon mitigation system works as best as possible is investing in your health.
Does crawl space encapsulation add value to a home?
As if your health were not enough of a reason to have your crawl space encapsulated, according to the real estate experts at Fast Expert, it can also increase your home’s value. By improving your home’s air quality and energy efficiency and protecting it from radon, crawlspace encapsulation can increase your home’s value to prospective buyers who would prefer not to do the work themselves.
Turn to The Radon Guys for Crawl Space Encapsulation and Radon Mitigation
Thinking about encapsulating your crawl space? Trust the experts at The Radon Guys in Nashville to provide professional crawl space encapsulation services. Our team can help you protect your home from moisture and improve indoor air quality. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and learn how crawlspace encapsulation can benefit your home.
