You know how important it is to maintain a dry, clean, and safe crawl space, so you have chosen professional encapsulation with Restore-It. While leaving it in the hands of the experts lifts a weight from your shoulders, you still have a nagging concern: Is there something I can do to make the project move faster? As a matter of fact, there are many things you can do to help us improve your crawl space encapsulation experience.
Having ample experience in over a decade serving our neighbors in South Arkansas, here at Restore-It, we know how much a little bit of preparation can speed up the process. Let's look at some insights to help you, the homeowner, be ready when our technicians arrive.
This guide will address the most common concerns regarding crawl space encapsulation, including the timeline of each process and what to expect from the inspection and the encapsulation itself. You will learn all you need to know about your project to have a satisfactory experience. So, let's get started and learn how to prepare for your next encapsulation project with Restore-It!
What's Crawl Space Encapsulation, and Why It Matters?
Crawl space encapsulation is the process of sealing off your crawl space from the outside environment. This typically involves installing a vapor barrier along the walls and floor, sealing vents and other openings, and sometimes including insulation and a dehumidifier.
Why is it so important? A damp, unsealed crawl space can be a breeding ground for mold, mildew, pests, and structural damage. This can lead to:
- Poor Indoor Air Quality: Air from the crawl space can seep into your living areas, bringing musty odors, allergens, and pollutants.
- Structural Issues: Excess moisture can rot wood, leading to sagging floors and foundation problems.
- Pest Infestations: Crawl spaces provide an ideal habitat for rodents, insects, and other pests.
- Energy Loss: A leaky crawl space can contribute to drafts and make it harder to regulate the temperature in your home, leading to higher energy bills.
Encapsulation creates a dry, clean, healthy environment for you and your family.
What to Expect During an Encapsulation Project
Knowing what to expect during encapsulation can help you prepare and minimize disruptions. Here's a general overview:
- Initial Call and Scheduling: When you contact us, you will be asked questions like the approximate size of your crawl space, if other companies have worked there before, if you are experiencing specific problems, and others related to the crawl space. Afterward, we will discuss when to schedule the inspection.
- Inspection and Authorization: During the appointment, our technicians will go to your home and document your crawl space's current state with pictures and video. This means one will get there to look for moisture and any other issues you may have in this area. After that, a plan of action will be presented, and you will be asked to sign an authorization form so that work can continue.
- Encapsulation Process: Our technicians will hang lights, prep the grounds for encapsulation, install the encapsulation, install the dehumidifier, and install the monitoring equipment. This process typically takes 3 to 10 days.
- Final Inspection and Clearing the Area: After the work is done, we will conduct a final inspection to ensure everything works fine. We will also remove all tools and supplies we brought to the home, and you will be handed an invoice due upon receipt.
Follow This Checklist for a Smooth Project
Working in a crawlspace presents challenges due to limited light and space, complicating movement. However, you can assist our team by following these recommendations. Remember, these are merely suggestions aimed at helping us provide you with a cleaner and safer crawl space more efficiently. If you are unable or unwilling to follow them, that's perfectly okay. Just be aware that the process may take longer to complete.
☐ Safeguard Your Kids and Pets
When you call for crawl space encapsulation services, you acknowledge that you will have a work zone below your home. To prevent any accidents, make sure to keep any pets or kids in safe areas, away from the crawl space.
☐ Remove Obstructions from the Entry of Your Crawl Space
Dark, humid, and crawling with spiders and other critters. That's how most people picture their crawl spaces which is a compelling reason why they rarely (if ever!) venture to this area. However, for our technicians to do their jobs efficiently, they must get there with as little hassle as possible.
This is why we kindly ask you to clear the entry area of any furniture or other large items that may cover it before our team arrives. If the entry is clear, our technicians can do the job (which includes carrying equipment) much faster!
☐ Clear Any Items Stored in Your Crawl Space
Some people like to store things in their crawl space (which is even more viable once the encapsulation is done!). But, as you already figured it out, our technicians need full access to the space, so it will be easier and faster to work there once the area has been cleared before the appointment. The encapsulation process requires putting down a barrier in the ground of the crawl space so nothing can stand between the liner and the floor.
☐ Check for Standing Water
Before you schedule your appointment, you should be able to answer a few questions about the state of your crawl space. The first one is if there is any standing water in the area. Knowing this beforehand will help us take the appropriate precautions.
☐ Check for Mold
Mold loves humidity, and crawl spaces tend to have them in spades. Mold issues require specific steps to be dealt with, so knowing beforehand will give us a more accurate estimation of the work to be done.
☐ Check for Damaged or Rotten Wood
Sometimes, the humidity in the crawl space can erode or even rot your home's foundations. This can present a hazard for your family and our technicians, which is why it's better to know beforehand. Look for signs of rotting, cracks in the wood, or warping due to moisture.
☐ Check for Leaks
Plumbing issues are common and may go unnoticed in areas with difficult access, such as crawl spaces. If you find a leaky pipe here, you will need professional water restoration services to prevent further damage from spreading.
☐ Check for Damaged Wiring
Look for loose or frayed ends in your electrical wiring and report it to us if you find it. To prevent accidental electrocution, do not try to fix it yourself.
☐ Ask About Any Extra Options
Depending on the state of your crawl space, the condition, the size, and the issues that we (or you if you followed this guide) find there, you will be given different options to address your specific situation. Sometimes, we offer larger dehumidifiers or the installation of a sump pump. Whatever the case, feel free to ask our technicians or sales team. They will be happy to answer all your questions.
Restore-It's crawl space encapsulation will give you a safer, cleaner environment while saving on your energy bills and even gaining a new storage area! If you are reading this and are still on the fence, call us, and let's talk. Our team is ready to answer any questions you may have.
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