Crawlspace Encapsulation - Keep the Earth out of your house.
Challenge
This homeowner called in with concerns about water vapor and dirt in the crawlspace causing allergens within the home. They noticed when they run their furnace a layer of dirt coats surfaces and furniture and there was a damp/mildew smell when the weather warmed up.
Solution
Our solution is to isolate the home from the earth with a crawlspace vapor barrier. This is likely the key to solving your dirt crawl space problem. In deciding how to isolate your crawlspace and house from the earth, there are a few criteria you will need to meet. The solution must:
1. Stop water vapor from flowing up from the soil
2. Stop water vapor from flowing through or off the crawl space walls
3. Allow water to drain from the walls to the sump location
4. Allow water to drain from the floor to the sump location
5. Not get ruined when someone crawls on to it
6. Be durable so it lasts as long as the house does
7. Be affordable!!
BONUS -- Be treated with an antimicrobial ingredient so mold and bacteria will not grow on it
There are two basic approaches: a concrete floor and a plastic liner.
