5 Ways To Use an Encapsulated Crawl Space

Encapsulating your crawl space is one of the smartest decisions you’ll ever make. Not only does it stop moisture issues and water damage, but it also makes the crawl space usable. This means you’ll have extra storage space where you can stash all your unused or old items without worrying about gnawing pests or mold.

What You Can Do With a Sealed Crawl Space

Like everyone who’s just cleaned up and encapsulated their crawl space, you could be wondering what you should do with all the square feet of space. Here are some practical ideas.

1. Extra Play Area

As your household grows, you will realize you might not have the room to accommodate everyone. This can put pressure on existing rooms. Converting your clean crawl space into an extra playroom for the kids and grandkids can help you create the space you need for playing hide-and-seek and storing toys.

2. Storage Space

When your home gets cluttered, there’s one area you can turn to in your quest to declutter and that’s your newly cleaned and sealed crawl space. It’s a dry area with several square feet of space. You can store your old appliances, clothing, shoes, and hardware. Just make sure whatever you store isn’t sharp or pointed.

3. Home Theater

If you’ve always wanted to create a dedicated home theater somewhere within the home, using your crawl space for this purpose might be an option for you. It’s a quiet, secluded place where you can watch your favorite movies and TV shows in peace. Use the appropriate lighting and soundproof it for a cinematic experience.

4. Workspace

Some homes across Fargo, ND, have offices and workspaces in the basement. Don’t envy those who have. Convert your clean crawl space into a work area, bring down all your tools and supplies, and start working on your essential projects. You’ll have a clean, quiet area where you’ll get to test out your ideas and get things done.

5. Pantry

If you’re used to buying food items in bulk and are struggling to store it all in your pantry, consider taking the extras down to the clean crawl space. Canned foods and sealed grains are the perfect candidates. Bottled drinks and water joins this list too. Make sure you package the food carefully so you don’t invite pests for a free lunch.

Preparing the Crawl Space for Storage

Before utilizing your crawl space as a storage area, it’s imperative to ensure it’s properly prepared to safeguard your belongings. Start by thoroughly insulating all heating, plumbing, and electrical systems to prevent any potential damage or safety hazards. Additionally, managing the humidity level is crucial. If you notice high moisture levels, installing a dehumidifier is a must to maintain a dry environment. This step is vital not only for the longevity of stored items but also for the structural integrity of your crawl space. By creating a controlled environment, you can confidently use this space for storage without worrying about moisture-related damage.

Things You Shouldn’t Store in the Crawl Space

While transforming your crawl space into a storage area is a practical solution, it’s important to be selective about what you store there. Certain items are not suitable due to the unique environment of a crawl space. For instance, avoid storing rolled-up carpets and rags, as these materials can absorb moisture, leading to mold and mildew, and they’re also attractive nesting materials for pests like mice and insects. Firewood, though seemingly harmless, should also be stored elsewhere since it’s prone to moisture damage and can invite wood rot and pests. Highly flammable items, such as extra propane tanks or unused kerosene, pose a significant fire hazard and should never be stored in a crawl space – a well-ventilated shed is a safer alternative. Lastly, soft toys and any items susceptible to mite infestation should be stored in a dry, controlled environment, preferably in plastic, tightly-sealed containers if they must be in the crawl space. By understanding and adhering to these storage guidelines, you can effectively utilize your crawl space without compromising safety and functionality.

Transform Your Crawl Space with Innovative Basement Authority

At Innovative Basement Authority, we understand the value of a well-maintained crawl space. If you have a vented and unfinished crawl space, our professionals can assist in sealing it with a durable vapor barrier, creating a dry, clean, and usable space. Contact us today for a free crawl space encapsulation inspection and estimate, and unlock the potential of your home’s hidden space.