Sofia Martinez
Crawl space encapsulation is a method of sealing your crawl space with plastic sheeting to prevent water vapour from seeping up from the soil into your home. This process can be done through a concrete method or an encapsulation plastic method. The concrete method involves installing a plastic vapour barrier seal and then covering it with concrete. The encapsulation plastic method involves laying heavy-duty plastic directly on top of the entire dirt or gravel floor surface. The plastic method is a modern solution that does not require concrete, making it a desirable option for many homeowners.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Control moisture in the crawl space under the house |
| Materials | Plastic sheeting, adhesive seam tape, caulk, sump pump, dehumidifier, concrete |
| Cost | At least $10,000; depends on the size of the area and its condition |
| Installation | Clean and dry the crawl space, then seal the plastic sheeting to the foundation wall with adhesive or nailing strips |
| Benefits | Eliminates moisture, improves air quality, prevents mould and mildew, blocks pests, improves energy efficiency, provides additional storage space |
| Risks | Poor installation can lead to unhealthy air, physical injury or electrocution |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the crawl space
Crawl space encapsulation is a complex process that should be done by a professional with experience in the field. Before encapsulation, the crawl space must be cleaned and prepared. This includes removing debris, dirt, or obstructions and treating mould or mildew growth. The crawl space may also need to be levelled for uneven surfaces.
The first step is to have a professional contractor inspect the crawl space thoroughly. The contractor will check for any issues such as water damage, mould growth, pest infestations, or structural damage. The inspection helps to identify the underlying issues and determine the best course of action.
If your crawl space includes columns, you will need to prepare them. First, apply double-sided construction tape to the columns, just as you did to the foundation walls. Then, use the same lightweight/smaller vapour barrier used on the vertical walls, and termination bars. At each corner of the column, cut a relief slit into the material so that it lays flat. This will allow for a tight, four-sided encapsulation of the column while also providing you with a nice seaming target to use when you roll out the material on the ground.
With a clean and clear crawl space, you can begin the encapsulation process. The wall liner, which will be in a fixed position, will eventually tie into the horizontal ground cover. So, the foundation walls are the best place to start to ensure excess material from your wall liner that turns onto the horizontal plane is overlapped with the ground vapour barrier at 6”. It is important to leave a small gap at the top of your masonry walls to comply with your local building code. If your local building code does not specify the size of the gap, leave three inches exposed for your termite inspector to do their job.
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Seal the plastic to the wall
Sealing the crawl space with a plastic encapsulation is a good idea to eliminate moisture and make your home comfortable and energy-efficient. It is also a great way to prevent mould and mildew from circulating into the living space air. However, sealing the crawl space is an undertaking that requires experts with the right mix of skills and knowledge.
To seal the plastic to the wall, start by covering the exposed foundation walls with 1-1/2 inches of rigid, moisture-proof insulation. Next, attach the plastic sheeting to the wall. You can do this by gluing and sealing the plastic directly to the wall. You can also use adhesive seam tape to seal the plastic to the wall. Make sure to cover the entire wall, running the plastic all the way down into the drainage system. This will ensure that any moisture behind the sheet runs down into the drainage system and stays out of the basement.
It is important to note that a dehumidifier alone is not enough to control moisture levels. Combining plastic encapsulation with other waterproofing systems such as sump pumps and dehumidifiers is a much better idea. This adds an extra layer of protection to ensure that humidity remains within the normal range.
Additionally, the plastic encapsulation should be combined with a vapor barrier for better protection against moisture. The vapor barrier consists of plastic sheeting installed on the floors and foundation walls, typically 10 to 20 millimetres thick. This will help to repel moisture infiltration from the ground into the crawl space, slowing it down so that the dehumidifier can remove the moisture from the air effectively.
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Cap with concrete
Capping with concrete is a complex and expensive process that is often recommended for older buildings to bring them up to current code requirements. This process involves pouring concrete around the original mudsill, embedding it and making seismic retrofitting difficult.
Before beginning the capping process, it is important to shore up the building just inside the foundation line with large beams or "cribbing" to hold the house in place. The cripple wall studs are then cut and nailed into the mudsill before pouring the concrete.
When capping with concrete, it is crucial to consider the placement of reinforcement bars (rebar) to ensure structural integrity. The rebar is typically placed in the lower third of the form, with at least 1 inch of concrete surrounding it to prevent moisture-induced rusting and expansion (spalling). After the concrete is poured, it needs to cure for about a week, covered with a sheet of plastic.
Concrete is a versatile material that can be used to create beautiful and durable products, such as countertops, furniture, and even plastic crawl space encapsulation. However, it is relatively expensive, and the installation process can be challenging and time-consuming.
To install plastic crawl space encapsulation, it is recommended to first address any moisture issues by using a shop vac or pump to remove excess water and dehumidifiers to dry out the space. The crawl space floor and foundation walls are then covered with a plastic vapor barrier, typically 10 to 20 millimeters thick, to control moisture levels and prevent mold and mildew growth.
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Combine with waterproofing systems
Encapsulating your crawl space with plastic sheeting is a great way to control moisture and prevent mould and mildew growth. However, combining this with other waterproofing systems will provide an even more effective barrier against moisture and potential flooding.
Waterproofing your crawl space involves using a combination of barriers, drains, and pumps. Drain pipes collect water and carry it to a sump pump, which then removes the water outside the home. This system prevents water from causing damage to your home's foundation and basement.
When encapsulating your crawl space with plastic, you can also install sump pumps and dehumidifiers. Sump pumps are especially useful if your area is prone to flooding, as they will remove water from the crawl space, preventing water damage. Dehumidifiers are another crucial component, as they work to control and reduce moisture levels in the air, preventing mould and mildew growth.
It is important to note that encapsulation and waterproofing systems are not simple DIY projects. It is recommended to hire a professional contractor to ensure proper installation and avoid any potential risks, such as physical injury or electrocution. These experts can also advise on the best type of vapor barrier for your needs, such as the popular 20-mil reinforced vapor barrier, which consists of a white top layer, reinforcement cord, and antimicrobial additive.
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Maintain the encapsulation
To maintain encapsulation, it is important to ensure that the crawl space is adequately sealed and protected from moisture. Here are some detailed steps to help you maintain encapsulation plastic under your house:
Firstly, it is crucial to address any existing moisture issues before encapsulation. Use a shop vac or pump to remove excess water from the crawl space. This step ensures that the area is dry before proceeding with encapsulation maintenance.
Next, cover the floor and foundation walls of the crawl space with a plastic vapor barrier. Overlap the sheets slightly to ensure complete coverage. The vapor barrier serves as a protective layer, preventing moisture from seeping into the encapsulated space. It is recommended to use plastic sheeting that is at least 10 to 20 millimeters thick, or 6 to 12 mils thick, for effective moisture control.
Additionally, seal any vents or openings in the crawl space to prevent moisture from entering. Use adhesive seam tape, such as Vapor Tape or 2-Sided Butyl Tape, to create a tight seal along the edges of the plastic sheeting and between the vapor barrier and the foundation walls. This helps to prevent moisture intrusion and maintain the integrity of the encapsulation.
Furthermore, combine the plastic encapsulation with other waterproofing systems for added protection. Sump pumps and dehumidifiers are commonly used alongside encapsulation to control humidity and prevent flooding. These systems work together to ensure that the encapsulated space remains dry and healthy.
Regularly inspect the encapsulated crawl space for any signs of damage, wear, or moisture intrusion. Check for tears or punctures in the plastic sheeting and repair or replace it as needed. Conducting regular inspections can help identify potential issues early on and prevent them from becoming bigger problems.
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Frequently asked questions
Crawl space encapsulation is a method of sealing your crawl space with a plastic vapor barrier to prevent water damage and improve air quality. It involves covering the walls and floor with a thick plastic liner to eliminate moisture and make your home more energy-efficient.
Crawl spaces are prone to moisture problems from water vapor rising from the ground and getting trapped. Encapsulation prevents water damage and improves air quality by impeding mold, mildew, and fungus growth. It also blocks entry to rodents and insects.
First, ensure the crawl space is clean and clear. Then, start by applying double-sided construction tape to the masonry wall, leaving a small gap at the top for a termite inspection. Cut slits in the plastic liner to fit around pipes or other utility penetrations. Finally, seal the plastic to the foundation wall with construction adhesive and tape, forming a tight seal.
