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Crawl spaces are one of the most important factors to the overall structure of your house. This small area can serve various purposes and even act as a storage compartment. However, many homeowners ignore their crawl spaces and don’t keep them clean. This causes mold infestation and ruins a perfectly good area to install air conditioning and heated air ducts.
The best way to protect your crawl spaces in Indianapolis is encapsulation. This process covers the entire crawl space floor and part of the walls with vapor barriers, and seals all vents and air passages. Encapsulations require a conditioning unit to control the humidity levels. We have listed the pros and cons of crawl space encapsulation in Indianapolis to help you decide whether it’s worth it or not.
Pros of Crawl Space Encapsulations in Indianapolis
1. Eliminates Moisture Problem in Crawl Spaces
During the warmer seasons in Indianapolis, humidity in the air can cause extreme moisture levels in crawl spaces. Crawl space encapsulations not only prevents moisture from outside air in but also removes it from the air.
2. Reduces chances of Pest infestation
Open space beneath your house is an invitation for bugs. Isolating this area from the outside not only prevents humidity but also keeps the bugs out. Crawl space encapsulation covers all the openings in your crawl space that might welcome any wildlife.
3. Decreases Heating/Cooling Cost
Crawl spaces are openings inside your floor. This means that the air inside your home travels to your crawl space, and vice versa. If done properly, crawl space encapsulation can seal these openings and keep the cool or warm air circulating inside your house. This might reduce your electricity consumption by 20%.
4. Additional Storage Space
As we mentioned above, crawl spaces can turn into excellent storage space. However, the air circulation might destroy your belongings because of water vapor. Crawl space encapsulation covers your crawl space with vapor barriers, which prevent moisture, and you can safely store your items.
5. Increase Home Value
A clean and good looking crawl space usually means that the foundation, structure, and home is well taken care of. Encapsulating your crawl space can be an investment that adds value to your home, and puts it above other homes on the market whenever you want to sell it.
Cons of Crawl Space Encapsulation
1. Upfront Investment
Crawl space encapsulation in Indianapolis can get a little pricey. However, if you value your home, making a one-time investment can protect your home for a lifetime.
2. Cost of Foundation Wall Insulation
If you ask for an estimate for crawl space encapsulation in Indianapolis, your contractor might suggest installing foundation wall insulation. The foam board insulation is somewhat expensive, and can add a big cost to the already expensive encapsulation.
3. Maintenance Cost
Crawl space encapsulations are not only a hefty upfront cost, but they can also have maintenance and inspection costs to keep your warranty. You could have to pay an annual fee for an inspection to ensure everything is working properly and staying intact.
4. Upgrade your HVAC System
Crawl space encapsulation reduces the air circulation in your house. This boosts the efficiency of your home but also decreases oxygen levels for combustion-based furnace or heater. So you might have to upgrade your HVAC system.
If you have decided to encapsulate your crawl space, you should first test for mold infestation. Because if you encapsulate your crawl space with mold it would be all for nothing. EcoBak Restoration is a professional mold removal company with EPA registered products and IICRC Certification. So your house is in safe hands when you reach out to EcoBak.