Fremont is a city in Nebraska with a population of about 27,000 residents. It was founded in 1856, and there are many older homes in the area. They also enjoy history, which is evident from the antique shops that line the streets downtown.
As an older community, they are also familiar with some of the troubles associated with older foundations. Even new homes can experience some of those difficulties, but crawl space encapsulation can help resolve many of those problems, sometimes even before they occur. Contact Epp Foundation Repair for more information.
What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
Prior to having work done on the crawl space, it is subject to a number of problems, including mold, moisture, and pests. The process of crawl space encapsulation seals the walls and floors with a thick layer of poly-sheeting.
There may be repairs that take place before the vapor barrier is put in place. This could include replacing insulation, removing water, and putting in a drain tile system and sump pit.
At the end of the project, a dehumidifier is installed. It will keep the crawl space dry and, since 50% of the air in the home comes from the crawl space, the entire home will benefit.
Who Needs Crawl Space Encapsulation?
If you own a home with a crawl space, your family and your home will benefit from crawl space encapsulation. Even if you aren’t having any crawl space problems, it is a preventative measure that can keep your family healthy and comfortable.
Those who are already experiencing problems with the crawl space will experience the benefits of crawl space encapsulation directly. This includes homes with noticeable air quality issues or an ‘old house’ smell. Frequent respiratory problems and colds may also be associated with crawl space issues.
Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation
Crawl space encapsulation benefits both the home and the family. It increases comfort and improves health by reducing the humidity and eliminating mold growth. It also shields the crawl space from the surrounding area, keeping it clean and dry.
Stop Pest Infestations
An unprotected crawl space is the perfect environment for a pest infestation. The thick poly-sheeting we use as a vapor barrier keeps the bugs and rodents out. The dry air of an encapsulated crawl space will also keep them away.
Prevent Mold and Mildew Growth
Mold grows when it has access to food, water, and oxygen in an area above 40 degrees. That is exactly what is found in a crawl space. Encapsulation keeps it dry and limits the growth of mold immediately.
Improve Indoor Air Quality
Half of the air you breathe in the home comes from the crawl space. Poor-quality air can lead to serious health problems, including asthma and COPD.
Reduces Heating and Cooling Costs
Moisture in the air has a higher thermal mass and holds onto heat, which makes it difficult to cool. It is also harder to heat moist air for a similar reason. Dryer air in the crawl space means dryer air in the home, and less energy to keep it comfortable.
Improve the Floor's Comfort
Gaps and openings in the crawl space allow cold air to enter the area in the winter. Colder air below the floors can make them uncomfortable. It can also increase your heating costs.
Protect Structural Integrity
Water, pests, and other problems impact the structural integrity of the home. Crawl space encapsulation keeps the area clean and dry, reducing the risk of dry rot, wall bowing and cracking, and other issues.
Epp Foundation Repair Services
Since EPP was founded in 1994, we have been helping homeowners with their foundations. Since that time, we have expanded our services to include a wide range of foundation repair services. These are some of the more common services we offer.
Due to incompetent soil and other issues, a foundation may sink or the walls may buckle. We can repair these issues by using push or helical piers, driven to depths where they reach competent soil. They provide stabilization after being attached to the foundation.
Repairing foundation cracks may also be part of the process. Carbon fiber straps are used to keep the crack from expanding. We can then inject epoxy into the crack to seal it permanently.
Basement waterproofing is similar to crawl space encapsulation, only on a larger scale. It typically involves the installation of a water drainage system. We will also cover the walls with a vapor barrier and support the walls if they are cracking or buckling. A dry basement is a usable basement.
We use a process, known as ‘slab jacking’ to raise the concrete back to level again. The specific process uses polyurethane foam, injected through small holes into the concrete. Once it is in the void under the slab, it expands rapidly and lifts the slab into place. The slab can be used within minutes after injection.
