Sealing

Why Vented Crawl Spaces Are Inefficient

Traditionally, many homes have vented crawl spaces designed to let air circulate in and out, supposedly to reduce moisture buildup. However, this design is inefficient and problematic for several reasons:

  • Moisture and Humidity: Vents allow moist air from outside to enter the crawl space, creating a constant source of moisture. This leads to mold, mildew, wood rot, and pest infestations.
  • Temperature Fluctuations: In cold climates, vents let in cold air during the winter, causing freezing temperatures in your crawl space. In warm climates, hot air enters, making your HVAC system work harder to maintain indoor comfort.
  • Air Quality Issues: Vented crawl spaces can contribute to poor indoor air quality, allowing allergens and pollutants to enter the living space above.
Wooden crawl space with concrete supports underneath.
Industrial loft with wooden beams and lights.

How We Seal Crawl Space Vents & Air Leaks

Sealing vents and air leaks is a crucial part of the encapsulation process. At Josh Lowe’s Dr. Energy Saver, we use proven techniques and high-quality materials to block unwanted air from entering your crawl space. Here’s how we do it:

  • 1 Crawl Space Vent Sealing: We use durable, airtight materials to permanently seal crawl space vents. This prevents outside air from entering and ensures your crawl space remains dry, warm, and energy-efficient.
  • 2 Air Leak Sealing: We identify and seal gaps and cracks in the foundation, walls, and around pipes. Air leaks allow moisture and outside air to infiltrate, undermining your home’s energy efficiency. By sealing these openings, we create a tight barrier that helps stabilize your home’s temperature.
  • 3 Airflow Control: We also address the airflow dynamics in your crawl space, ensuring proper ventilation where necessary to prevent moisture buildup, while still sealing off unwanted sources of humidity and cold air.

The Benefits of a Sealed, Conditioned Crawl Space

Sealing your crawl space vents and air leaks as part of the encapsulation process offers multiple benefits:

  • Improved Home Comfort: With a sealed crawl space, your home will have more consistent temperatures, eliminating drafts, cold floors, and temperature fluctuations.
  • Lower Energy Bills: Sealing air leaks reduces the load on your HVAC system, allowing it to work more efficiently, leading to lower heating and cooling costs.
  • Enhanced Indoor Air Quality: A sealed crawl space reduces moisture and contaminants that can seep into your living areas, leading to healthier indoor air for your family.
  • Prevent Structural Damage: Sealing the crawl space prevents moisture from causing wood rot, mold growth, and pest infestations, protecting your home’s foundation and structural integrity.
  • Increased Home Value: Homes with properly sealed, encapsulated crawl spaces are more energy-efficient and have a higher market value, making your investment in sealing pay off over time.

Seal Your Crawl Space

Sealing your crawl space vents and air leaks is a smart investment in your home’s comfort, health, and energy efficiency. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation estimate to get started on your crawl space encapsulation project.

Request a Free Crawl Space Sealing Estimate