Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is crawlspace encapsulation?
Encapsulation means sealing your crawlspace with a vapor barrier and insulation system to separate it from ground moisture and outside air. It helps control humidity, prevent mold, and improve your home’s overall comfort and air quality.
2. How do I know if my crawlspace needs encapsulation?
Warning signs include musty odors, visible mold, sagging insulation, high humidity, wood rot, or condensation on ducts. Builder-grade liners or open vents are also common failure points that SimpleCrawl can permanently fix.
3. What are the benefits of encapsulation?
Encapsulation reduces humidity, prevents mold growth, protects floor joists, improves indoor air quality, increases energy efficiency, and often boosts home resale value. Many homeowners notice warmer floors in winter and lower energy bills year-round.
4. How long does an encapsulation project take?
Most crawlspaces are completed in 1–3 days depending on size, access, and moisture conditions. Complex jobs requiring drainage, heavy cleaning, or structural drying may take slightly longer.
5. Do I need a dehumidifier after encapsulation?
Yes. A properly sized, crawlspace-rated dehumidifier—such as an Aprilaire or equivalent—is essential to maintain stable humidity after sealing. It keeps moisture in check and prevents mold re-growth.
6. What kind of vapor barrier do you use?
SimpleCrawl uses professional-grade 10 mil, 14 mil, and 20 mil liners depending on the selected package. Each liner is reinforced and sealed with permanent tape and fasteners for long-term durability.
7. Is encapsulation safe for my home’s foundation?
Absolutely. In fact, controlling moisture helps preserve the integrity of your foundation. We maintain termite inspection gaps where required and ensure the system remains fully code-compliant in South Carolina.
8. How much does encapsulation cost?
Costs vary with crawlspace size, condition, and materials. Typical projects range from $4–$10 per square foot, including labor and materials. You can use our online estimator for an instant rough quote and schedule a free onsite inspection for a firm price.
9. What maintenance is required?
Minimal. We recommend checking the dehumidifier filter every few months and confirming drain line flow annually. The liner itself requires no maintenance and is warrantied against failure under normal use.
10. Do you service existing or builder-grade crawlspaces?
Yes—we specialize in upgrading failing or incomplete builder-grade systems. If your old liner is loose, torn, or no longer controlling humidity, SimpleCrawl can re-seal and modernize it for lasting protection.