If you aren’t sure whether you need both crawl space encapsulation and insulation, the experts from Anthem Insulation & Home in Woodstock have your answer. Protecting your crawl space against moisture is key to preventing problems like wood rot and mold growth, but maintaining a comfortable indoor temperature and energy efficiency requires blocking airflow from outside. Continue reading to understand why it’s critical to invest in both encapsulation and crawl space insulation in Woodstock, GA.
The Basics of Crawl Space Insulation and Encapsulation
Insulation in your crawl space prevents cold and warm air from entering. Adding foam boards, fiberglass batting, or spray foam to the concrete walls reduces temperature shifts that affect your home heating and cooling and reduce the chance of pest infestations or damage from mold and moisture. Insulating the crawlspace walls also helps protect the pipes under your home from damage during chilly Woodstock winters.
Crawl space encapsulation is the application of a vapor barrier to the walls and floor under your home. The vapor barrier is a thin plastic sheet that blocks moisture by catching it before it enters the air in the crawl space. Water vapor hits the plastic, condenses, and then flows into channels and away from your home via a sump pump and discharge lines.
Why You Need to Encapsulate and Insulate the Crawl Space
Most Woodstock homes need both crawl space encapsulation and insulation to prevent a few common problems. Although insulation can stop air infiltration into the crawl space, it does not help prevent moisture. This means you could have issues with standing water and excess moisture underneath your home, which can eventually cause structural deterioration, mold, and poor air quality. Likewise, encapsulation does not block airflow, causing cold floors and plumbing damage.
The only time you do not need both insulation and a water vapor barrier is when you choose closed-cell spray foam insulation for the crawl space. Closed-cell spray foam is already moisture-resistant and creates an airtight seal, so you don’t need the additional protection encapsulation provides.
Solving Crawl Space Problems in Your Woodstock Home
Blocking air and moisture from your crawlspace starts with addressing underground leaks and seepage issues. Even with encapsulation, water flowing up from cracks in the floor or into the space from outside can damage insulation and render it incapable of blocking air. Cleaning the area to eliminate organic matter before installing the plastic vapor barrier helps prevent mold growth.
Once the crawl space is ready, contractors install the encapsulation first, then the insulation. This ensures air and moisture don’t become trapped between the plastic and the insulation.
A wet or cold crawl space, extreme temperature fluctuations in your home, and mold growth are all reasons to call a crawl space insulation company. Investing in crawl space encapsulation and insulation can solve the issue and make your home more comfortable and energy efficient. To learn more, reach out to Woodstock’s leading insulation experts, Anthem Insulation & Home.
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