Which is the more effective process, encapsulation or insulation? That depends entirely on how much water your crawl space takes in after a storm. To give homeowners all the details they need to make informed decisions, Special Touch Restoration has put together information on the differences between encapsulating and insulating and their benefits.

What Is Crawl Space Insulation?

Crawl space insulation helps maintain your entire home’s energy efficiency. Without insulation, heat and cool air are easily lost through the floor. Insulation also helps to preserve the air quality and reduce energy costs.

In moderate or dry climates without the threat of sustained subfreezing temperatures, insulation between floor joists makes sense. Where winter temperatures are extreme, water in crawl space can be present. Opt for insulating the walls and sealing off the crawl space entirely.

• Save Money – An inadequately insulated basement or crawlspace is a major source of heat loss. Concrete or stone basement and crawlspace walls and the soil that surrounds them offer little resistance to heat loss.

• Increase Comfort – A well-insulated house is a comfortable house. By insulating your crawl space, you can add to the livable area of your home at a modest cost.

• Conserve Energy – Much of that energy can and should be saved. Insulating your home will help save our valuable energy resources at a cost lower than producing new energy supplies.

• Help the environment – Making your home more energy-efficient means fewer greenhouse gas emissions, which is good for the environment. In addition to these major benefits, insulation can often improve the appearance, longevity and safety of your home.

What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Crawlspace encapsulation refers to the process of dividing the area below your home from your actual living space. The goal of crawl space encapsulation is to keep your crawl space dry. The focus is on eliminating water and moisture that may lead to other kinds of damage including basement water damage. If you live in an area that experiences regular rain or snowmelt, then encapsulation is probably the way to go.

• Prevents Moisture Problems – Reduces or eliminates moisture problems in the crawl space. The goal of encapsulation is to maintain relative humidity below 60% in the crawl space regardless of the outdoor humidity.

• Prevents Pest Infestations – This can also help prevent future pests. You will likely witness a drop in the number of termites and rodents when you encapsulate your crawl space.

• Saves on Energy Costs – After you encapsulate your crawl space, you’ll be losing less heat to bad ventilation and poor airflow. This means that you’ll spend less on your utility bills.
• Improves Indoor Air Quality – Your overall air quality will drastically improve. Encapsulating your crawl space and sealed openings won’t spread the mold even if they grow. Gasses released by soil as well as dust and allergens are also effectively blocked.

Special Touch Restoration uses the most up-to-date and advanced mold restoration and removal technologies and processes to restore your residential or commercial property.

Call us at (256) 330-4822 for North AL or (251) 512-1424 for South AL. You can also fill out our contact form to request a free estimate.