Many homes have crawl spaces; however, they are often a neglected, forgotten area beneath the house. You are a typical homeowner if you don’t think about yours much, but the truth is that it performs an important service for your home, and likely more than one.
Why Your Crawl Space Is Important
First and foremost, the crawl space acts as a buffer between your structure and the natural ground. Even in drier environments (which Arkansas is definitely not), the earth is cold, damp, and porous. The crawl space behaves like a shield to prevent excess moisture from penetrating the upper levels of your home. The ground soil also typically contains bacteria, insects, animals, and vegetative growth. Your crawl space shields your home from those elements as well. It is also often a handy access point. Plumbing, electrical conduits, and other utilities pass through it, providing an organized space where they may be easily serviced when needed.
Common Crawl Space Problems
Unfortunately, not all crawl spaces are created equal, and some may not be well-constructed or maintained. And hey, we get it. Overall, it’s an unpleasant, gloomy, cramped place filled with creepy crawlies that nobody wants to visit unless they have to. But with avoidance comes a host of common problems that may become a serious concern.
Without proper construction or maintenance, your crawl space can be more than just damp; it may be a breeding ground for bacteria, mildew, mold, and fungus that can eventually become airborne and find their way into your HVAC system and other parts of the home. This serious health hazard is linked to numerous illnesses like frequent colds, infections, asthma, and chronic lung disease. Furthermore, the moisture attracts more insects and other pests, which can cause additional problems within the home.
The Solution That Makes The Difference: Encapsulation
The good news is even if your crawl space is in questionable shape, there is a terrific solution, encapsulation. Encapsulation is a professional service that turns that damp, dinghy, dirty, and often bug-infested space into a clean, dry, and more inhabitable place. Encapsulation makes you feel more comfortable and confident when visiting your crawl space for any reason. It has also been shown to improve your home’s air quality dramatically, one of the most valuable things you can do to preserve and protect the well-being of your family.
How Encapsulation Works
Encapsulation involves the installation of a water-tight vapor barrier lining, often constructed of reinforced polyethylene. It dehumidifies, prevents structural deterioration, eliminates pest activity, extends the life of your flooring, reduces stress on your HVAC system, and keeps your home warmer and drier, lowering your electricity bill. It also increases your home’s value and makes your house more attractive to buyers should you ever decide to sell. It’s a win-win service and a great investment that more than pays for itself.
The Most Trusted Encapsulation Service In Town
If you’d like to explore what crawl space encapsulation can do for your home, there is no better choice than McMahons Cleaning & Restoration. With over two decades of experience in our local Arkansas communities, encapsulation is just one of our many specialties. We also do top-notch restoration work, antimicrobial fogging, install sump pumps and French drains, perform mold and other intensive cleanup, and much more.
Contact us today for an estimate.
