Crawlspace Encapsulation Near You
Transform your musty crawl space into clean, usable storage. Installing a sealed vapor barrier in your home not only keeps your crawl space bright and dry, but helps with radon levels and adds value to your home. Next time you need to check something under the house, you'll be happy you have it.
What is a Crawlspace Encapsulation?
While many homeowners may think a vapor barrier on the floor of a crawlspace constitutes an encapsulation, there’s actually a bit more to it than that. The idea of the crawlspace encapsulation is to seal the crawlspace from the ground as tightly as possible. This entails:
Attaching the polyurethane barrier to the foundation walls using masonry anchors, not just tape or caulk, to fasten the barrier to the wall permanently;
The polyurethane sheeting is spread out across the floor and sealed to the material attached to the wall using vapor barrier tape;
All piers are wrapped with the polyurethane sheeting and sealed to the barrier on the floor using vapor barrier tape;
The top edge of the polyurethane barrier is sealed along the top edge of the perimeter using either expanding spray foam or caulk.
The polyurethane sheeting should never extend all the way to the sill plate. There should always be a viewing window for pest exterminators to inspect the foundation wall.
Radon Mitigation and Crawlspace Encapsulation
For homes built on a crawlspace foundation the encapsulation is a crucial part of the radon mitigation process. Unlike with slab and basement homes, there’s no concrete barrier in place that contains radon gas as it is coming out of the ground. This requires the installation of a sealed vapor barrier, or encapsulation.
As radon gas is coming out of the ground it needs to first be contained by a vapor barrier so that the other components of the radon system, the fan and the piping, can properly draw the gas outside. The encapsulation works in this way like a concrete slab would, trapping the gas so that a negative pressure can be used to draw it outside before it can enter the home.
What Else is an Encapsulation Good for?
Efficient radon mitigation isn’t the only reason to encapsulate your crawlspace. An encapsulation is also going to help with moisture problems stemming from the crawlspace. Ground moisture can be a big problem in crawlspaces, leading to high humidity, mold growth, pest issues, poor air quality, and nasty odors. The good news is that an encapsulation can block this ground moisture from entering the air and causing these problems.
Crawlspace Encapsulation FAQs
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Crawlspace encapsulation is like wrapping your home's underbelly in a protective shield. We seal off moisture and musty odors with a heavy-duty vapor barrier, improving air quality and preventing mold. In Nashville’s humid climate, this helps keep your home dry and energy-efficient.
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Yep! Radon loves to sneak in through the ground, and encapsulation helps block its entry. While it’s not a standalone radon solution, pairing it with a proper home radon mitigation system in Tennessee can seriously cut down radon levels in your home.
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Costs vary based on your crawlspace size, condition, and materials used. In Nashville and Middle Tennessee, prices typically range from $5,000 to $15,000. Crawlspace companies generally charge per square foot. However, encapsulation isn't necessarily standardized. One company may quote you $1,000 and another $5,000 for the same sized crawlspace, but the $1,000 quote may be for the cheapest black 6 mil poly (which won't hold up worth a darn). The company charging $5k may be using a white reinforced polyethylene barrier, which will hold up well for the long haul! Higher quality materials, higher price tag.
You definitely want to compare encapsulation quotes, but be sure to ask what's included and what materials are being used so you're comparing apples to apples. The best way to know how much your crawlspace will cost to encapsulate? Get a free quote from The Radon Guys—we’ll check out your space and give you a clear estimate.
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If you like dry floors, lower energy bills, and fewer creepy crawlies, then yes—crawlspace encapsulation is a solid investment. In Nashville’s humid climate, unsealed crawlspaces can become breeding grounds for mold, attract pests, and allow radon and moisture to seep into your home. While not every house requires encapsulation, if you’re dealing with musty odors, high humidity, or foundation issues, it’s worth considering.
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Absolutely! Crawlspace encapsulation protects your home from moisture damage, improves indoor air quality, and even boosts energy efficiency (hello, lower HVAC bills!). Plus, if you’re considering selling your home in Middle Tennessee, a sealed crawlspace can increase property value and keep home inspectors happy. It’s like putting a raincoat on your foundation—you won’t regret it when the storms roll in!
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Nope—just the opposite! When done correctly, encapsulation prevents mold by sealing out the moisture that mold needs to thrive. However, if a crawlspace is encapsulated without proper drainage or ventilation, trapped moisture can cause problems. That’s why The Radon Guys install high-quality vapor barriers and dehumidifiers to keep your crawlspace dry and mold-free in Nashville’s muggy summers.
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Maybe! While crawlspace encapsulation isn’t always directly tax-deductible, some energy-efficient upgrades—like insulation or moisture control improvements—may qualify for tax credits or rebates, especially in Tennessee. If your encapsulation helps with energy efficiency or radon mitigation, check with your tax professional to see if you can get a little love from Uncle Sam.
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Absolutely! If you have a wet crawlspace in Nashville, a sump pump is often a must-have before encapsulation. It removes standing water, keeping your crawlspace dry and making the vapor barrier and insulation more effective. The Radon Guys can install or integrate a sump pump into your encapsulation system so your crawlspace stays dry, no matter how much it rains in Tennessee.
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Yes—but where you insulate matters. Insulation is typically added to the foundation walls rather than the floor joists in encapsulated crawlspaces. This insulation placement helps regulate temperature, improve energy efficiency, and prevent moisture buildup. In Nashville’s mix of hot summers and chilly winters, the proper insulation can help keep your home comfortable and lower energy bills.
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Most of the time, yes! Even with a vapor barrier, some moisture can still sneak in (thanks, Tennessee humidity!). A dehumidifier helps keep humidity levels low, preventing mold, musty odors, and wood rot. In Nashville’s damp climate, it’s often the key to ensuring your crawlspace stays truly dry and problem-free.
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You bet! A properly encapsulated crawlspace protects your home from moisture damage, improves energy efficiency, and makes your house more appealing to buyers. In Middle Tennessee, where humid summers can cause foundation issues, encapsulation is a strong selling point. Home inspectors and buyers love seeing a clean, dry, mold-free crawlspace—it could even help you sell your home faster and for a higher price.
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Yep! An encapsulated crawlspace is cleaner, drier, and much more pleasant to walk in than a typical dirt-floor crawlspace. While most are still low-clearance (so you won’t be setting up a home gym down there), you can definitely move around without dodging cobwebs, mud, or mystery puddles. If you ever need to check the plumbing, wiring, or HVAC components, you’ll be glad it’s encapsulated.
And here's a bonus for you—contractors LOVE nicely encapsulated crawlspaces. If your crawlspace is not encapsulated and is dirty/in disrepair, your contractor may upcharge for services if they have to spend any material time there. You don't want to spend time in the mud and mold, and they don't either!
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Usually, homeowners insurance won’t cover crawlspace encapsulation since it’s considered a preventative home improvement, not a repair. However, if you’re encapsulating due to flood damage or mold issues, some policies may help cover costs. It’s always a good idea to check with your insurance provider—if there’s a chance for coverage, why not take it?
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Yes, but it requires extra planning. If your home is in a flood-prone area of Nashville or Middle Tennessee, encapsulation can help protect against moisture, but it must be done with proper drainage, a sump pump, and a flood vent system. Otherwise, water could get trapped, causing more harm than good. The Radon Guys can design a flood-smart encapsulation system to keep your home dry—even when Tennessee weather isn’t cooperating!
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Technically, yes—but it’s not as easy as slapping down some plastic and calling it a day. Proper encapsulation requires installing the right vapor barrier, using the correct kind of crawlspace tape to seal seams, wrapping and taping piers and supports, spray foaming foundation walls, and often adding a sump pump or dehumidifier. Doing it wrong could trap moisture instead of preventing it, leading to mold and wood rot. If you want it done right (and without frustration), The Radon Guys are happy to handle it!
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Nope! Once encapsulated, a crawlspace is sealed off from ground moisture, so traditional ventilation isn’t needed. In fact, leaving vents open can let in humid air, defeating the whole purpose. Instead, encapsulated crawlspaces rely on a dehumidifier to maintain proper humidity levels—keeping your home safe, dry, and energy-efficient. Conditioning a crawlspace will actually cause condensation to form on cooler surfaces like ductwork, even if it's well sealed.
Get in Touch for a Free Crawlspace Encapsulation Estimate
Hours
Monday–Friday
8am–5pm
Phone
(629) 249-7655