How to Encapsulate a Crawl Space: Your DIY Guide

Have you noticed your home has been humid recently? If so, your crawl space may actually be the cause! A humid crawl space can lead to a myriad of issues, including pest infestations, mold growth, and even structural damage. One of the best ways to keep your crawl space dry and get rid of the humidity is by encapsulating your crawl space. Today, we’ll show you how to encapsulate a crawl space and answer any questions you may have about the process!

What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?

If you have a crawl space, you know that they are prone to high levels of humidity, pests, and water damage. This can cause pests to get into your home and cause issues for the foundation of your home. In an effort to prevent these issues, many homeowners opt to encapsulate their crawl space. This means they completely seal the crawl space from outside elements, install barriers against moisture, and place a dehumidifier to keep the space dry. This process allows you to maximize the benefits of dehumidification while protecting your crawl space from pests, water, and other outdoor elements. 

How to Encapsulate a Crawl Space: Step-by-Step

If you want to encapsulate your crawl space by yourself, here’s your step-by-step guide on how to go about it!

1. Prep Work 

The first step is to get all the prep work out of the way. You’ll first want to prepare your tools and materials. Some of the items you’ll need include: 

• Lights such as flashlights and lamps
• A utility knife
• Protective gear, including masks if there’s mold growth
• Measuring tape
• A roller
• Trash bags
• Clothes you don’t mind getting dirty
• A drill or a staple gun depending on your fastening method
• A caulking gun
• Vapor barrier 
• Sealant 
• Insulation
• Strong, vapor-resistant tape
• A crawl space dehumidifier 

You may also want to find a helping hand or two for this job. Depending on the size of your crawl space, you could be looking at hours if not days of work, and as the saying goes, “Many hands make light work.” 

Once all your materials and tools are gathered, you’re ready to start preparing your crawl space. 

2. Examine the Space

Now it’s time to actually get down into your crawl space. But before you start any work, you’ll want to examine the space. You want your crawl space to be as dry and clean as possible before you begin the encapsulation process. Any trapped water or pests can become a problem if they’re not removed before you begin. You want to remove the following: 

• Standing Water: This is not only a breeding ground for pests, but it can also be an electrocution hazard when you begin working with wires and installation. We’d recommend you consult a professional if you see standing water in your crawl space. 
• Pests: The dark, humid environment of a crawl space makes a great home for pests. If you don’t have an infestation, you may be able to simply remove any strays through DIY pest control; however, be careful of any venomous spiders that may be lurking in dark corners. If you do have an infestation, you may need a professional pest control company to get rid of the problem before you begin work. 
• Structural Damage: From burst pipes to gas leaks, you’ll want to ensure the structure and utilities of your crawl space are working properly. This could mean calling in an electrician if you notice wiring issues or a plumber for your pipes. It could even mean replacing wooden structures if they’re rotting from water damage or termites. 
• Mold: Humidity and standing water often lead to mold. This is one of the reasons you’ll want to wear a mask when you enter the crawl space, as mold can irritate your lungs if you breathe it in. Make sure to deep clean and remove any mold before beginning so that you don’t trap it under the sealant and installation. 
• Debris: Make sure your crawl space is as tidy as it can be. Clean up as much dust and dirt as you can. Remove any sharp rocks to protect yourself while you work. 

3. Seal the Crawl Space

Once your space is clean and safe, you can begin the process of encapsulating your crawl space! You can start by adding the sealant to any cracks or openings. Vents, gaps in the floor or wall, and openings to the outside (even around pipes or pillars) should be completely sealed off. This step ensures that no pests or water can make their way into your crawl space. 

4. Remove Old Materials 

If you had a vapor barrier installed before, you’ll want to remove it at this stage. You may want to level the area you removed it from to make installing your new vapor barrier that much easier. Have your trash bags handy, so you can toss the old materials and move on to the next step!

5. Install New Vapor Barrier

Now it’s time to install your new vapor barrier. You may find it easier to start with the walls first and then move on to the floor. When installing the barrier on the floor, leave an extra 12 inches at the seams to ensure you get a tight seal. This step is where a measuring tape and utility knife will shine.

When you get to any pillars, pipes, or wires, make sure you cut the barrier material as close as you can to the diameter of the object, and use the tape to secure the seal. Once everything is placed, secure it with either a drill or staple gun. This is also where you may want to utilize the roller to get out any trapped air bubbles. 

6. Insulate the Walls

With the vapor barrier placed, it’s time to insulate the walls for extra protection. Make sure the insulation is cut to the exact size of your wall and flush against the walls without any gaps. You may also want to have the insulation extend to the floor slightly to get the best seal you can.

7. Set Up Dehumidifier

Now for the star of the show: the dehumidifier. You’ll want to purchase a dehumidifier that’s designed for the size of your crawl space. If you buy one that’s made for a smaller crawl space, it won’t be able to do its job efficiently and can lead to higher humidity levels. Place the dehumidifier in the center of the crawl space, and make sure all appropriate drainage lines are connected. This will ensure that your crawl space remains dry and properly encapsulated. 

8. Perform Routine Maintenance

The hard work is over, but that doesn’t mean you’re done. To ensure all the effort you went through doesn’t go to waste, make sure you perform regular maintenance on your dehumidifier. Take note of any gaps or tears in your seal and try to fix them immediately. 

With just some minor maintenance here and there, you’re good to go!

How Much Does It Cost to Encapsulate a Crawl Space?

Right now, the average cost to professionally encapsulate a crawl space is about $8,000, but it can be as high as $15,000 or as low as $1,000. It will really depend on the size of your crawl space, the extent of preparation needed, and the quality of materials. When you do it yourself, you can expect to spend closer to $1,000 to $4,000, but you’ll be responsible for all the labor, which can be time-consuming for a project like this. 

Should I Get a Professional for Crawl Space Encapsulation? 

Whether or not you should hire a professional will depend on a number of factors: 

• What’s your budget?
• Do you have the time to dedicate to an intensive project? 
• Do you feel comfortable working around electrical wires and pipes?
• Is there extensive damage or issues in your crawl space? 

Ultimately, the largest benefit to hiring a professional, like the team at Clint Miller, is they’ll be able to encapsulate your crawl space correctly and efficiently. Encapsulation is a big project to take on just to find out you messed up a step and now need a professional anyway. If you want to save time and potential headaches, we’d recommend you go with a professional right from the start. 

Keep Your Crawl Space Clean & Dehumidified with Clint Miller!

At Clint Miller Exterminating, we can do it all for your crawl space! Got an infestation of pests? We can send out our pest control technicians to exterminate them. Need to seal your crawl space? We specialize in that too. Want to invest in a dehumidifier and moisture barrier for your home? We use only the best products and materials to keep your crawl space dry and your home comfortable. We know how to encapsulate a crawl space, and we’re ready to do the same for you!