How Crawl Space Encapsulation Raises Home Value

Increasing your home’s value is about more than just aesthetics; it’s about making smart, long-lasting improvements to its structural integrity and efficiency.

Crawl space encapsulation, particularly with the use of foam board insulation, and a strong vapor barrier, is one such smart improvement.

By creating a dry, energy-efficient space beneath your home, encapsulation can drastically reduce moisture-related issues, improve indoor air quality, and lower energy costs.

Not only does this make your home more comfortable and healthier to live in, but it also makes it more appealing to potential buyers, raising your home’s overall value.

What is Crawl Space Encapsulation? 

Simply put, encapsulation is the process of creating a controlled environment in a home’s crawl space by preventing moisture build-up. At Innovative Basement Authority, we use the CrawlSeal™ vapor barrier as our preferred encapsulation tool. 

Many crawl spaces have dirt floors and open vents along their walls. Both of these can contribute to high levels of moisture in a crawl space. 

When it rains, water soaks into the soil under your home and evaporates into your crawl space. This can cause condensation, mold, and wood rot to wreak havoc on the structural integrity of your home. Plus, mold spores can seep into your home’s air and cause health issues or exasperate allergies.  

Similarly, humidity and high levels of moisture outside can travel through crawl space vents and cause issues. As outside moisture mixes with the air inside your crawl space, the same moisture problems can arise and once again damage your home.  

No matter the cause, these warning signs indicate that your home will benefit from crawl space encapsulation. Once the vapor barrier has been installed, it can drastically improve your home in various ways. Now that you understand why crawl space encapsulation is needed, let’s explore the added benefits that come with it.  

Beyond controlling moisture levels, encapsulation also makes it more difficult for unwanted pests to infiltrate your crawl space. Without a proper barrier, your crawl space can become a home for rodents, insects, stray cats, or any other animal seeking shelter.  

Pest Control 

After all, the Dakotas, Minnesota, eastern Montana, and western Wisconsin are no stranger to cold temperatures— often reaching below freezing in the winter months. Animals may be seeking a warm place to rest – that could end up being your crawl space.  

Sometimes, these animals can leave behind health hazards under your home such as feces or urine. In some unfortunate cases, an animal might even die under your home and leave behind an unpleasant stench or decaying matter.  

With encapsulation, you can prevent these issues from arising and increase your home’s value; if you’re looking to sell your home at any time, you can mention your pest control measures.

Who wouldn’t want to buy a home that actively prevents infestations?  

Increased Air Quality 

As mentioned before, encapsulation can help stave off mold and pest infestations. As an added bonus, mold and pests won’t be able to put your air quality at risk. 

Like we said, pests can leave waste or decaying matter behind which can enter your airflow and cause health issues or unpleasant smells. Mold can act similarly, spreading its spores into the air around your home and causing allergies. Not only does encapsulation keep the air clean, but it also prevents mold from spreading around your home.  

You can see how this benefits the value of your home. Putting your home on the market and being able to show that the air quality is consistently clean can be a big selling point for any home buyer.  

Lower Utility Bills 

Besides keeping your home’s air quality clean, encapsulation also lowers your utility bills. Since the vapor barrier blocks moisture from building up in your home, it also prevents the stack effect from occurring.  

Essentially, the stack effect is when warm air rises from the lowest parts of a structure and escapes through the uppermost sections. This process often occurs in crawl space homes without encapsulation systems.  

First, moisture levels increase below the home and warm up. Next, the warm air rises up through your home’s floorboards and is distributed throughout your house. Finally, the warm air continues to rise through all the levels of your home until it escapes through the top level.  

When that humid, warm air enters your home, it forces your HVAC system to work on overdrive. Your air conditioning works harder, and your utility bills climb.  

No one wants to be a home that costs a ton to simply cool down. Using encapsulation, you can save utility costs and raise the value of your home at the same time.  

Minimal Foundation Repair Costs 

Installing an encapsulation system is an effective way to prevent moisture damage in your crawl space. With this extra protection, your crawl space can stay safe and secure for a long time.  

Not only does this save you costs, but it can increase the value of your home and make it more lucrative on the market. Home buyers will be happy that they don’t have to make huge investments on repairing the home’s foundation.  

Ensure These Benefits with Crawl Space Encapsulation 

As you can see, crawl space encapsulation can greatly impact your home’s value for the better. Beyond monetary value, these benefits simply make your home safer and your life easier.  

If you want to experience the advantages that come with crawl space encapsulation, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team of foundation experts at Innovative Basement Authority is ready to help install your encapsulation system today!