Quality Stands the Test of Time: A 6-Year Crawl Space Success Story
Introduction
When Quality Work Meets Proper Maintenance
REVISITING OUR FIRST ENCAPSULATION PROJECT
Just walked out of a crawl space that means a lot to me.
It was my first encapsulation job, done back in June 2019.
Every year since then, I've come back to check on it.
Six years later, it's still in perfect shape - the encapsulation is holding strong, dehumidifier running like it should, and the homeowner couldn't be happier.
You know what makes this special?
This customer took a chance on me when Crawl Logic was just a weekend project.
They trusted me to do their crawl space right, even though I was still working my corporate job and could only do the work on weekends.
The Original Project
Looking back at June 2019, I remember being extra careful with every detail of this job. When you're doing your first encapsulation, you want everything to be perfect. I chose 20 mil encapsulation material - not the cheapest option, but definitely the right choice for lasting quality. Added drain mats too, because I knew proper drainage would be crucial for long-term success.
I was still working my corporate job then, squeezing this project into weekends. But even back then, I had a clear vision: do the job right, use the best materials, and build something that lasts. This customer trusted me with their home before Crawl Logic had crews, before we expanded to Chattanooga, before all the growth we're seeing now. They just knew they had someone who would shoot straight with them and do quality work..
The Technical Breakdown
Let me break down exactly what we did in this crawl space, because the details matter. We went with 20 mil encapsulation material - that's the heavy-duty stuff. Not the 6 mil or 12 mil that some companies use to cut costs. Added drain mats underneath to handle any moisture that might try to seep up from the ground. Sealed all the vents properly too, because a partially sealed crawl space is like having a window cracked in your air-conditioned house - it just doesn't work.
The dehumidifier we installed wasn't just any unit from the hardware store. We put in a professional-grade system designed specifically for crawl spaces. Six years later, it's still pulling its weight, keeping the humidity exactly where it needs to be.
Annual Maintenance: The Key to Longevity
Here's something I've learned over the years: installation is only half the battle. What really makes a crawl space system last is proper maintenance. That's why I've been back to this house every single year since 2019. The homeowner has never had to crawl under there himself - that's my job.
During these yearly checks, we're looking at everything: checking the encapsulation seams, testing the dehumidifier's performance, making sure those sealed vents are still sealed tight. It's about catching small issues before they become big problems. Think of it like getting your oil changed - regular maintenance keeps everything running smooth.
Current Condition (6 Years Later)
Walking through this crawl space today, you wouldn't know it's six years old. The 20 mil material is holding up perfectly - no tears, no separating seams, no issues. The drain mat is still doing its job, keeping any ground moisture from becoming a problem. Even the dehumidifier, which runs pretty much constantly, is working just like it did on day one.
You know what's really satisfying? Seeing a system perform exactly as it should, year after year. This customer invested in quality work and proper maintenance, and it's paid off. Their crawl space today is just as clean, just as dry, and just as healthy as it was when we first finished the job.
Lessons Learned
Looking back at this first job, it really confirms what I've always believed about crawl space work. When you use quality materials - like that 20 mil encapsulation instead of the cheaper stuff - and install everything the right way, it pays off in the long run. Six years later, this customer hasn't had a single issue. Not one call about moisture problems, no mold concerns, nothing.
But here's the thing - it's not just about the initial installation. The relationship we've built, those yearly maintenance visits, they matter just as much. From that first weekend job to now running three crews across Tennessee, we still follow these same principles: quality materials, proper installation, and consistent maintenance.
What This Means for Homeowners
If you're thinking about encapsulating your crawl space, there are some important takeaways here. First, don't cut corners on materials. The difference between basic and quality materials might seem expensive up front, but spread that cost over six years (and counting), and it's actually the smart financial choice.
Second, whoever you choose to work with, make sure they're going to be around for the long haul. Your crawl space isn't a "fix it and forget it" kind of thing. It needs regular attention from people who know what they're doing and care about maintaining their work.
Ready to Protect Your Home?
Whether you're dealing with a problem crawl space or just want to prevent issues before they start, we're here to help. From Nashville to Chattanooga, we're bringing the same attention to detail that went into this first job to every project we take on.
Give us a call for an inspection. We'll show you exactly what's happening under your house with clear video and photos, just like we've always done. Because while we've grown from weekend projects to multiple crews, our commitment to quality hasn't changed a bit.
