Call UsCrawl Space Encapsulation in Providence, Boston, Cape Cod & Nearby
Do you know what is lurking in your crawl space? What you can’t see can still affect you, your family and your property in many ways, including:
- Musty Odors
- Poor Indoor Air Quality
- Mold, Dry Rot & Structural Decay
- Bouncy or Sagging Floors
- Cold Floors in the Winter
- Uneven Temperatures & Draft in the House
- High Energy Bills
A Crawl Space Encapsulation System is the science-backed way to solve and prevent all these problems.
The Problem With Crawl Space Vents
The old-fashioned way to build and treat crawl spaces, opening the vents and lining the floor with plastic sheeting, was proven to be not only inefficient but also disastrous. Modern building science concluded that this type of treatment was either causing or aggravating the common crawl space problems which are so prevalent across the U.S.
Crawl spaces get moisture from two sources: groundwater and outside air. The typical plastic floor cover doesn’t completely isolate the crawl from the ground, so groundwater is still evaporating into the space. To make matters worse, it tends to rip, tear and crumble overtime.
Crawl space ventilation, once thought to help dry things out, is allowing humid air from the outside to come in. That is especially bad during the summer because when the humid air enter the cool crawl space, relative humidity levels reach above 100%, at which point condensation starts to occur. Wood beams and joists soak up the water, and the moist, soft wood invites mold, dry rot, and termites.
Level 2 Healthy Crawl Space Protection:
CrawlShield™ Encapsulation System, the Ultimate Solution for Crawl Spaces
- Completely isolates the crawl space from all sources of moisture.
- Serves as a deterrent for pests and wildlife
- Prevents radon gas from ascending into the crawl.
- Helps lower energy bills
- Strong tear resistant, 16-mil thick liner
- Quality Product Made in USA
- Class A Fire Rated
FAQ
Why is the floor above the crawl space sagging, bouncy or creaking?
Bouncy, sagging, and creaking floors above a crawl space are a sign that the floor structures are being weakened or compromised by excessive moisture in the crawl space. Untreated, this moisture can lead to mold, dry rot and compromise the structural integrity of your home.
Can my vented crawl space be the cause of my high energy bills?
Vented crawl spaces are notorious as a source of energy waste year-round, especially if you have HVAC ducts running through them. During the summer, the cool air running through ducts housed in a hot crawl space start to gain temperature before it reaches the rooms. During the winter, the hot air in the ducts will cool down in the freezing crawl space. Your HVAC will be working harder than it should all year to keep your home comfortable.
Why are the floors above the crawl space so cold during the winter?
Freezing air from the outside is constantly being sucked in through the vents, and then moving upwards through the floors making them cold to the touch, and often causing cold drafts that make the entire indoor space uncomfortable and hard to heat.
What is the best way to insulate the crawl space?
For many years, contractors and DIYers alike have been insulating vented crawl spaces by applying fiberglass batts between the floor joists. That can be a costly mistake. Fiberglass does not air seal the floor. Air can still pass through. To make matters worse, it is also known to soak moisture like a sponge, support mold growth and fall apart due to the weight of the moisture.
Building scientists recommend that homeowners encapsulate and seal the crawl space to completely isolate it from groundwater and outside humidity, before installing any type of insulation. Depending on where you live, you might not need insulation at all once the crawl space is sealed.
What is the best type of insulation for a crawl space?
Crawl spaces are very prone to moisture and related problems. For that reason, they should be encapsulated and sealed prior to insulation. As for the best insulation materials, choose those that are impervious to moisture and mold, such as rigid foam board or closed-cell spray foam. Fiberglass is the worst possible choice.
iBasement Systems & Crawl Space Systems Certificates
We offer 6 levels of iBasement Certificate, and 5 levels Crawl Space Systems Certificate, each designed to solve specific problems and protect your home, family, and property value on the long run.
Steps towards a healthy basement and a Nationally Backed Warranty.
All of our Healthy Basement / Crawl Space Contractors are trained and certified.
Steps towards a healthy crawl space and a Nationally Backed Warranty.
All of our Healthy Basement / Crawl Space Contractors are trained and certified.
Why does my basement smell musty?
That infamous musty odor indicates the presence of mold in your basement, even of you can’t see mold spots yet. Mold is a smelly fungus that loves damp and dark environments like a basement. Even in small concentrations it still releases spores and odors in the air.
Is mold in the basement dangerous?
Only a few species of mold, such as black mold, produce hazardous mycotoxins that can trigger serious health problems. Yet, every species of mold growing indoors releases spores which, in high concentrations, will negatively impact indoor air quality. This can trigger mild to sever allergy symptoms in sensitive people.
How to clean up mold in my basement?
If you have a visible mold infestation in your basement, start by getting rid of all the moldy items. Cardboard, paper, fabrics, upholstery, wood, drywall, and insulation must be removed and properly discarded. You can then clean mold from the walls and other hard surfaces using these CDC guidelines. https://www.cdc.gov/mold/mold-cleanup-bleach.html
How to get rid of basement mold?
The most effective way to permanently kill mold and keep it from growing back is to always keep Relative Humidity Levels in the basement below 60%. That can be accomplished by running a good basement dehumidifier that will constantly monitor RH levels and run as needed of the levels are too high.
What are those stains in my basement wall?
Stains in basement walls can have different causes. Some stains are mold. Others, like rusty-colored stains can indicate the presence of iron ochre in the groundwater, and a white, powdery substance covering the walls can be efflorescence. Basement wall stains usually are a sign of water seepage, and that your basement would benefit from drainage improvements.
What Our Customers Say About Us
Accreditations
Angie’s List Super Service Award 2016
Home Advisor Screened & Approved
Basement Health Association Member
Better Business Bureau Rating A+
BestPickReport.com -4th year as a Best Pick!
Service Area
Pioneer Basement offers a variety of services from waterproofing to foundation repairs. We offer the following services in your area, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, sump pump installation and service, basement crack repair, vapor barriers and moisture control.