Buford and Norcross homes are continually impacted by floodwater and groundwater concerns, protecting crawl spaces separating the ground and these elements from the main living areas of your property is important. Many property owners think some crawlspace designs are exclusive to preventing flooding to the main level of your home, but there is more that can be done to protect your property.

What is Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Crawlspace encapsulation manages moisture by controlling the moisture from the earth using thick fiberglass reinforced plastic that is very strong doesn't rip and tear very easily. Every seam in the plastic is taped up using a special waterproofing tape so everything is nice and sealed. Rigid foam boards are used to seal up any vents. Once the crawl space is sealed, the air is conditioned in the sealed crawl space with a dehumidifier. Learn more about our water damage services.

Moisture and Structural Degradation

One of the most significant purposes of crawlspace encapsulation is the impact to your home's main floor. Persistent moisture in this area can cause structural damage like rotting floor beams and even become a breeding ground for mold.

4 Steps to Encapsulating a Crawl Space in a Nutshell 

Step 1: Inspect and Repair any Water Damage  

Before we can start, the crawlspace needs to be clean, dry area. We have extraction tools and drying equipment to help after flood damage. We utilize multiple air mover units to dry out and protect the structure's damp surfaces. Hygrometers measure environmental humidity levels to determine when we have reached ideal ranges for the property. 

Step 2: Prevent Molds from Forming

After the area has been completely dried, we can apply spray antimicrobial and sporicidal products on visible surfaces. These inhibitors stop mold and microbial development in moist environments to prevent mold growth underneath plastic sheeting installed on structural supports and joists. When combined with later efforts to stop water intrusion, naturally-occurring mold spores do not have a chance to establish and thrive in this environment. 

Step 3: Installing Water Drainage and Diversion

Preventing water intrusion can be as simple as drainage elements installed around the house. The most common installation choice in this regard is a French drain system. This connected series of perforated pipes collect runoff and redirects it away from the house's crawlspace. Sealing up cracks and imperfections in the foundation walls can also reduce water intrusion before installing the plastic sheets. The moisture content of the crawlspace is helped by the later installation of a strong moisture barrier and sealed foundation vents, but a permanent dehumidifier can keep humidity manageable

Step 4: Covering Exposed Surfaces With Plastic Sheeting

As previously mentioned thick plastic sheeting is installed on all supports and the ground. 12-mil plastic sheeting is more rugged and better resistant to the elements and thus is the choice for what is placed along the exposed soil. The 6-mil sheeting is attached to the walls with adhesives for a long-lasting bond resistant to environmental changes like freezing conditions. Covering the seen surfaces is a visual representation of the protection the crawlspace receives and creates a clean and moisture-regulated space if this area needs to be used. This can add safer storage space for cartons, and other belongings and tools. 

Additional Advantages to AdvantaClean of Norcross and Buford Crawl Space Encapsulation

Another vital discussion point for encouraging crawl space encapsulation for frequently flooded spaces beneath your home is improving indoor air quality (IAQ.) The positioning of the barriers also restricts the intrusion of gases and odors to this area which can infiltrate the main floor of the house. 

Look to our AdvantaClean of Norcross and Buford team to help with post-flooding cleanup and crawl space encapsulation when you call (470) 819-2070.

AdvantaClean of Norcross and Buford

3050 Business Park Drive # D

Norcross, GA 30071

(470) 819-2070

Map: https://maps.google.com/?cid=7806233179985540622

Schedule an Appointment or Call (470) 819-2070

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Phone to call (470) 819-2070
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