How We Turned a Clarksville Crawl Space Into Something to Be Proud Of
Introduction
A Complete Encapsulation Done Right
WHAT HIGH-END CRAWL SPACE WORK ACTUALLY LOOKS LIKE
We just finished a job in Clarksville, Tennessee. High-end encapsulation, top to bottom. And when we were done, the client told us they got their value and wouldn't have found a cleaner job anywhere else.
That means a lot coming from a homeowner who did their homework and got multiple quotes. They knew what they were paying for. They just wanted to make sure they actually got it.
This is what they got.
A crawl space encapsulation is only as good as the materials used and the care taken to install them correctly. There's a big difference between a job that checks the boxes and a job that actually protects your home for years to come. We're going to walk through exactly what went into this one so you know what to look for when you're comparing your options.
Starting From the Ground Up
Every solid encapsulation starts at the floor. On this job we laid down a drain mat before anything else went in. Drain mat creates a channel for any water that finds its way in to move toward the sump pump instead of sitting under your liner and causing problems.
On top of that we installed 125 mil poly. That's the plastic liner that covers the floor and ties into the walls. A lot of companies use 6 mil or maybe 12 mil. It's cheaper and it gets the job done on paper. But 125 mil is a completely different level of protection. It's thicker, it's tougher, and it holds up a lot better over time.
Think of it this way. You wouldn't put the thinnest possible shingles on your roof and call it a quality job. The same thinking applies here. The liner is the foundation of the whole system. It's not the place to cut corners.
When a company uses thinner material it's usually because it saves them money, not because it's better for your home. That's the kind of thing worth asking about when you're getting quotes.
Sealing It Tight
Once the floor was done, we moved to the walls. We sprayed an inch and a half of closed cell foam across the entire wall surface. Closed cell spray foam is one of the best materials you can use in a crawl space. It creates an air barrier, it resists moisture, and it bonds directly to the surface so there are no gaps for air to sneak through.
On top of that we foam boarded the vents and then wire screened them. Both steps matter and here is why. Foam board seals the vent so outside air and moisture cannot get in. Wire screen goes over the top to keep rodents out. One layer handles the air. The other handles the pests. Skip either one and you have left a door open.
We also sealed around the HVAC opening. This is one of those steps that a lot of crews rush past or skip entirely. But that opening is a direct pathway for unconditioned air to get into your crawl space. If it is not sealed properly, you are working against your own encapsulation. It is a must on every job we do.
The Details That Set a Job Apart
This is where a good job becomes a great one.
The dryer vent on this property needed to go. We pulled it out and replaced it completely from scratch. A damaged or poorly installed dryer vent pumps warm moist air directly into your crawl space. That moisture works against everything your encapsulation is trying to do. It is a small fix that makes a real difference.
We installed our AprilAire E70 dehumidifier and dialed the humidity settings into the low 40s. That is the sweet spot for a healthy crawl space. Too much humidity and you are creating conditions for mold and wood rot. The AprilAire E70 is the only brand we use because it is built to handle the demands of a crawl space environment and it holds up over time.
And then there are the lights. We put down 10 of them on this job, same as we do on every job. A fully lit crawl space means there is nowhere to hide a bad job. Our crew knows that. I know that. And when the homeowner comes down to check the work they can see exactly what they paid for without squinting at it with a flashlight.
That is the point. You spent good money on this. You should be able to see it clearly.
What Homeowners Should Look For
If you are getting quotes for crawl space work, there are a few things worth asking about before you sign anything.
What thickness of liner do they use and why? If the answer is 6 mil without a clear reason, that is worth a follow up question. What do they do about vent sealing? Do they use one layer or two? Do they seal around the HVAC opening? What dehumidifier brand do they install and how do they set it up?
A company that does this work the right way will be able to answer all of these questions without hesitating. They will want to walk you through it because they are proud of what they do.
Watch out for quotes that seem unusually low. In crawl space work, the price usually reflects the materials and the effort that go into the job. A cut rate quote almost always means something is being cut somewhere. It might not show up right away but it will show up eventually.
The finished product should speak for itself. Ask to see photos of completed jobs. Ask if you can come down and look at the work when it is done. A company that stands behind their work will not have a problem with either of those requests.
Get Straight Answers About Your Crawl Space
If you are in the Clarksville area or anywhere in Middle Tennessee and you have questions about your crawl space, reach out. I am happy to talk through what you are dealing with and give you an honest answer about what needs to be done.
We offer free inspections and I do every single one myself. You are not going to get a commissioned salesperson showing up with a laptop full of videos trying to upsell you on things you do not need. You are going to get me. I will go under the house, show you exactly what I find with photos and video, and give you a clear picture of your options.
No pressure. No gimmicks. Just straight answers from someone who has been doing this for over a decade and takes pride in every job we do.
If the Clarksville job we walked through in this article is any indication of what we bring to every crawl space we work in, we think you will like what you see.
