What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
If you’ve ever walked into your crawl space and felt the humidity hit your face or noticed a musty odor drifting up into your living space, you’re not alone. Crawl spaces are often the most overlooked part of a home, yet they can have a major impact on indoor air quality, energy bills, and even foundation stability. That’s where crawl space encapsulation comes in.
Understanding Crawl Space Encapsulation
Crawl space encapsulation is the process of sealing your crawl space from the earth and outside moisture using a vapor barrier, insulation, drainage systems, and often a dehumidifier. Think of it as wrapping your crawl space in a protective, waterproof envelope that keeps out damp air, mold, pests, and the constant seasonal fluctuations that wreak havoc on homes in the Midwest.
At Perma Jack of St. Louis, we use proven encapsulation techniques to solve moisture issues from the ground up—literally.
Why Moisture in Crawl Spaces is a Serious Problem?
Missouri’s mix of heavy rain, clay-rich soil, and freeze-thaw cycles make crawl spaces particularly vulnerable. Here’s what excess moisture can do:
- Rot & Structural Damage: Constant dampness causes wooden floor joists and beams to rot over time, compromising the structural integrity of your home.
- Mold & Mildew Growth: A humid crawl space is a breeding ground for mold spores, which can spread through your HVAC system and affect your health.
- Pest Infestations: Rodents and insects thrive in wet, dark environments—especially when there’s insulation to nest in.
- High Energy Bills: Moisture-rich air takes more energy to heat or cool. Your HVAC system works harder, driving up costs.
- Foundation Issues: Persistent dampness can erode support piers, contribute to settlement, and increase lateral soil pressure.
What’s Included in an Encapsulation System?
At Perma Jack, our crawl space encapsulation systems are custom-designed for your home and typically include:
- Thick Vapor Barrier: A durable liner (typically 12-20 mil thick) is installed on the crawl space floor and walls to block ground moisture.
- Sealing Vents & Gaps: We close off exterior vents and seal openings to keep out humid air and pests.
- Drainage Solutions: If water is present, we install interior drainage systems and sump pumps to keep the area dry.
- Crawl Space Dehumidifier: A high-capacity, energy-efficient dehumidifier maintains ideal humidity levels, preventing mold growth.
- Insulation Upgrades: When needed, we insulate crawl space walls or the underside of the floor above to improve energy efficiency.
Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation
- Protects Your Foundation from water-related deterioration and settlement
- Improves Air Quality by reducing mold spores and allergens
- Enhances Comfort with fewer drafts and temperature fluctuations
- Increases Home Value with a clean, dry, sealed crawl space
- Reduces Repairs to wood flooring, HVAC systems, and more
When Should You Encapsulate Your Crawl Space?
You should consider crawl space encapsulation if you notice:
- Musty odors in your home
- Cold floors or fluctuating indoor temps
- Visible mold, damp insulation, or condensation
- Water stains or puddles in the crawl space
- Sagging floors or warped baseboards
If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s time to call Perma Jack of St. Louis. Our team will perform a full crawl space inspection and provide a custom plan to protect your home from the ground up.
Protect Your Home—From the Bottom Up
Crawl space moisture is a silent but serious issue for many homeowners in the St. Louis area. Don’t wait for the damage to rise into your living space. Whether you’re dealing with sagging floors, musty smells, or are planning to sell your home, encapsulation is a smart long-term investment.
Schedule your free crawl space evaluation today or call us at 636-225-2553 with Perma Jack of St. Louis.