I've got a bit of a dilemma here. My crawlspace has started accumulating water, and considering I live in humid KY where springs and falls are especially wet, I'm worried about long-term damage. My house is from the 70s and previous water damage has already led to some repairs like sistered floor joists and a basic vapor barrier. I reached out to Crawlspace Ninja and was impressed by their thoroughness. They quoted me around $13k for the basic encapsulation, while their 'Gold' package is about $18k and includes extras like mold removal and baking soda blasting. I'm torn because while we thought this house was temporary, the market has shifted and it might be our forever home. Between health concerns about mold and the integrity of our foundation, I want to know if those who've done crawlspace encapsulation are satisfied with their decision. Would you do it again?
6 Answers
We had a huge encapsulation project, and while it's really well done, it was incredibly pricey. It does help a lot with air quality, but the cost was insane—nearly $30k after negotiations with multiple companies. Our crawlspace is so much better now, but just make sure you’re ready for a big financial commitment. I wouldn’t want to go back to a non-encapsulated space after experiencing the change!
I say go for it, but keep in mind it’s tough to do on your own. I tried and learned the hard way! Make sure the materials used in encapsulation don’t have weird odors. That baking soda blasting they mentioned? It’s meant for removing problems caused by leaks, and with mold already present, it's definitely something to take care of fast. Plus, if you’re planning on kids, mold can lead to serious health issues, which could cost you down the line. I wish I had jumped on encapsulation sooner myself!
We went through with it and would totally do it again. We bought a house where the previous owner ignored necessary repairs, which led to mold issues. We invested in encapsulation and a dehumidifier, and the air quality has drastically improved. It’s a big cost upfront, but it pays off in the long run.
Honestly, encapsulation is mainly for energy efficiency. If water is your issue, that’s a separate problem that needs addressing first. You might want to focus on fixing drainage, grading, and downspouts. If you still prefer encapsulating, just be mindful that it might not be the ultimate solution for moisture problems. You could consider ways to keep your crawlspace vented effectively if the humidity is manageable. Fix the water issues as a priority!
Good point! Addressing the water issue first is key. Can't just cover everything over if the root problems aren’t tackled.
Honestly, I wouldn’t go for encapsulation. I'd just vent the crawlspace properly. Fresh air flow seems way better than sealing it up.
I did my own encapsulation, and while it's tough work, it's doable if you’re committed. Just make sure to set up lighting in the crawlspace for any future trips down there.
That’s a solid point about health risks! It’s kind of a big investment, but it sounds like the could save you money in the long run.