Winter is a Good Time to Encapsulate Your Evansville Crawlspace

Most of us think of spring or summer as a the time to 

install a new vapor barrier in our Evansville homes. Mainly, we think about the vapor barriers because there's a very high chance that our dirt crawlspaces are flooding. Here at Healthy Spaces, we agree that a flooding crawlspace is definitely a priority for immediate encapsulation and flood water removal, as well as mold remediation. There is another time of year that encapsulating a crawlspace is a good idea. Winter.

You're probably wondering why it's a good idea to encapsulate your 

1. Moisture Control crawl space in the winter.

Moisture Control in the winter is extremely important because your furnance is on. Whether or not your furnance is located in your crawlspace, the warmer indoor air increases the relative humidity in your crawlspace. This creates a situation where your subfloor joists may squeak, bow, bend, or warp.

As cold, moist outdoor air is drawn into your crawlspace, it condenses against your subfloor. The warm indoor air heats the subfloor joists and creates the perfect environment for mold and fungus growth. The moisture is absorbed into your joists and promotes premature failure from rot, warping, or the like.

The best solution is to decrease the relative humidity in the crawlspace. Healthy Spaces accomplishes this by encapsulating the crawlspace in CleanSpace, which isolates the crawlspace from the dirt and is a barrier against moisture intrusion all year long. Next, they install whatever water mitigation system might be required. Finally, a SaniDry dehumidifer system will help lower the relative humidity to levels that inhibit mold and fungus growth and keep subfloor joists straight.

2. Insulation

Insulating your crawlspace help keeps your entire home more energy efficient, cozy, and cost effective as possible. We've all experienced the freezing cold floors that make winter an unpleasant prospect in our homes, but most of us don't think about how easy it can be to resolve the problem.

By installing quality insulation that won't rot, gather mold, or need to be replaced frequently, we can create a home that's more pleasant all year round.

Healthy Spaces uses an R-11 board insulation called SilverGlo beneath it's CleanSpace product and between all subfloor joists. This keeps the crawlspace warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer, which helps keep the relative humidity steady inside. SilverGlo also helps with heat loss, so your furnance kicks on less often and when it does, more of the heat stays in your home where you want it.

3. Security

Another reason to encapsulate your crawlspace this winter has to do with security and peace of mind. A sealed crawlspace discourages curious or cold critters from bedding down inside your home.

Healthy Spaces offers the Turtl crawlspace door system, as well as the Everlast Door system. Both of these are made from durable, rigid plastic that seals tightly and can be locked for more security. Your crawlspace can then become a safe storage area for your seasonal decorations, special memories, and cherished momentos without the depravations of hungry rodents or voracious bugs.

If your floors are cold, squeaking, or sagging, now is the perfect time to have your crawlspace encapsulated so you can enjoy a new year with energy efficiency and peace of mind. Call us today for a free estimate and be sure to ask your crawlspace expert about our 6 months same as cash financing and other options.