Crawl Space Repair Photo Album: Crawlspace Encapsulation in St. Louis, MO

Managing moisture in a crawlspace is critical to the long-term health and durability of a home. Homes with dirt crawlspaces and open vents, like the one shown in this photo album, are especially vulnerable to excess moisture. This can lead to mold growth in the crawlspace, allow mold spores to enter the living areas, and create unhealthy air conditions throughout the home. To protect this home and create a cleaner, healthier living environment, our team installed our sump pump encapsulation system in the crawlspace. This solution helps control moisture at its source, reducing the risk of mold and improving the overall air quality for everyone inside the home.

Why Crawlspace Vents are Bad

While it may seem beneficial to ventilate a crawlspace with exterior vents like those shown in the photo, this approach often does more harm than good. Open vents allow outside elements to enter the crawlspace, including humid air, cold air, warm air, and even water. This constant exchange of uncontrolled air creates moisture problems and unstable conditions below the home. Because air naturally rises, the air entering the crawlspace does not stay there. It moves upward into the living space, carrying moisture and potential contaminants with it. This can negatively affect indoor air quality, comfort, and the overall health of the home. Our team will always seal vents as part of the crawlspace waterproofing process.

Before Installation

This image shows what the atmosphere of the crawlspace was before installation.

Encapsulation System

The white encapsulation material installed along the crawlspace floor and walls plays a key role in controlling moisture levels within the crawlspace. It is designed to cover exposed dirt surfaces and porous block walls, which are common sources of moisture intrusion. By sealing these areas, the encapsulation helps prevent moisture from entering the space, creating a drier, cleaner, and more stable environment beneath the home.

Encapsulation System

We cover the crawl space floor and walls with the heavy-duty CleanSpace® vapor barrier. CleanSpace is a 20-mil reinforced polymer liner that's offered with a 25-year warranty against rips and tears. When installed as part of a complete crawl space encapsulation system, CleanSpace provides a dry, healthy crawl space that can be safely used for storage.

Greater Energy Efficiency

Homes with a sealed crawl space use an average of 20% less energy (according to Advanced Energy's study).

Usable Storage Space

A crawl space sealed with CleanSpace provides a clean, bright storage area with no worry of belongings being ruined by moisture, mold, termites, or pests.

Fewer Pest Problems

Crawl space encapsulation helps keep out pests and wood-destroying insects.

Improved Air Quality in the Home

Vented crawl spaces negatively affect the air inside your crawl space and upstairs.

More Comfortable Living Conditions

Your home won't feel damp in the summer and floors won't be cold in the winter.

Multi-Problem Solving

The CleanSpace® Crawl Space Encapsulation System addresses each of the main threats to your crawl space: outside air, excess moisture, water, mold, and pests. A dry, clean crawl space means a healthier, more comfortable home overall.

Before Encapsulation

Before encapsulating your crawl space, it's important to take care of any water intrusion issues, including plumbing leaks, foundation leaks, and drainage problems to prevent water damage and keep your crawl space dry. Woods Basement Systems, Inc. can help stop water from coming into your crawl space by installing a perimeter drainage system and sump pump designed specifically for the crawl space.

Combat Harmful Dangers to a Home's Foundation

Moisture enters your crawl space through the ground and foundation walls. Adding a vapor barrier in your crawl space helps prevent mold growth, wood rot, and pest infestations.