Key takeaways
- A liner covers the soil and walls
- Vents are sealed and gaps closed
- Humidity is controlled with a dehumidifier or conditioned air
- Water problems are fixed first
Encapsulation turns a vented, damp crawl space into a sealed, dry one.
The pieces
- A heavy vapor barrier over the soil and up the walls, with taped seams
- Sealed vents, doors and gaps
- Wall or rim joist insulation
- A dehumidifier or other humidity control
Why it works
Bare soil releases water vapor and vents bring in humid air. Covering the soil and closing the openings cuts off both sources, so the space can stay dry.
What comes first
If liquid water enters the space, drainage and a sump pump go in before the liner. Mold and rot are cleaned or repaired too, so the finished space starts clean and dry.
Related services
Questions about your own crawl space? Call or text 800-224-9245, or use the quote form below.