Crawl Space Encapsulation

South Dakota | Nebraska | Wyoming

moldy-crawl-space

Warm, humid air can enter a crawl space through open vents during summer, while cold air can enter during winter. These conditions can increase energy costs, create condensation, contribute to moisture damage, and make it easier for insects and other pests to enter the space.

A complete moisture-control plan may include a durable crawl space vapor barrier, airtight vent covers and doors, drainage where needed, and a properly sized dehumidifier. Together, these improvements help create a cleaner, drier, and more energy-efficient area beneath the home. Learn more about the installation steps below, or schedule a free crawl space inspection for your South Dakota, Wyoming, or Nebraska home.

Step 1: Install Airtight Crawl Space Doors and Vent Covers

Sealing crawl space vents stops the cycle of moisture and cold that are constantly entering your home year-round. Covering the vents with an airtight seal will go a long way towards making your home more energy efficient.
Old-fashioned crawl space doors are most likely not airtight either so it is important to replace them with new, airtight ones when you seal the vents to ensure that the crawl space is protected from outside air infiltration.

Step 2: Remove any Standing Water in the South Dakota, Wyoming or Nebraska Crawl Space and Stop all Flooding

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If a crawl space has experienced flooding, standing water and its source should be addressed before encapsulation begins. A drainage system can collect groundwater and direct it to a dependable crawl space sump pump, which then moves the water safely away from the home.

Plumbing failures can also introduce water into a crawl space. Because homeowners may not enter these areas regularly, leaks can go unnoticed for long periods. Repair active plumbing leaks before encapsulation and inspect the space periodically to help protect the finished system.

Step 3: Encapsulate the Crawl Space

Ground moisture can evaporate upward into a crawl space, raising humidity and contributing to odors, mold, and wood damage. Encapsulation helps block that moisture with a durable, tear-resistant vapor barrier installed across the exposed soil and foundation surfaces.

Blackburn’s system uses a seven-layer, 20-mil liner made with reinforced polyester cord and high- and low-density polyethylene. Its white surface reflects available light, making the crawl space brighter and easier to inspect. When termite-inspection clearance is needed along block walls, the installation can preserve a visible inspection area while sealing the remaining surfaces. Explore our crawl space products to learn more.

Step 4: Install a Dehumidifier in your Damp South Dakota, Wyoming or Nebraska Crawl Space

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After a crawl space is sealed, a properly sized dehumidifier helps remove moisture remaining in wood and other materials while maintaining more consistent humidity. Blackburn installs Aprilaire dehumidifiers designed for automatic, energy-efficient moisture control. The system drains automatically and is selected to match the size and conditions of the crawl space. Learn more about our humidity-control and basement air solutions.

No matter what your needs in your basement or crawl space, Blackburn Foundation Repair of South Dakota, Wyoming and Nebraska can help. For a free, no-obligation crawl space vapor barrier installation quote, call or e-mail us today.

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Testimonials

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Casey Lillefloren profile picture
Casey Lillefloren
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Very knowledgeable team, very up front on the issues we had and didn’t try to book any unnecessary work. Worked with us to customize the job and stay within our budget
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Brenda Schlup
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Technician was very personable, friendly and knowledgeable. The project turned out great. Now, only time will tell about longevity.
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Michael Miles
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Was very professional. Very knowledgeable. Tanner and his crew were awesome. Hopefully we won't need anymore repairs. But if we go, they will be the first call.
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Wanda
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Tanner was very friendly and knowledgeable
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Lois Mack
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Very friendly, knowledgeable and prompt. He answered all of our questions!
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Lowell Christensen
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Tanner and his crew were very professional, always keeping me in the loop as the project progressed.
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Rob Houdek
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The Blackburn team was very professional and explained to me exactly what the were going to repair. They also asked me to inspect their work to ensure I was satisfied.
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Sacora Rogers
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Sinan was through and explained everything in detail to my parents. He gave multiple options and was very honest on current and past issues and why other things did not work before. He was super patient and kind.
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Kasthuri Church
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Lot information and estimate on the repair of our foundation.
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Gwen Lehman
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The service technician was thorough and polite. He gave us a report on our system.
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Crawl Space Encapsulation FAQs

What is crawl space encapsulation?

Encapsulation covers exposed soil and foundation walls with a durable vapor barrier to help separate the home from ground moisture.

What problems can encapsulation help address?

It can help control dampness, musty odors, condensation, and humidity that may affect the crawl space and the living areas above it.

Does a crawl space need drainage before it is encapsulated?

Standing water and active leaks should be addressed first. Depending on the home, drainage and a sump pump may be included before the vapor barrier is installed.

Is a dehumidifier still needed after encapsulation?

Some crawl spaces benefit from a properly sized dehumidification system to maintain healthy humidity after outside moisture sources are reduced.

How do I know what my crawl space needs?

An inspection can identify water, humidity, insulation, and structural concerns. Schedule a free crawl space inspection with Blackburn Foundation Repair.

Blackburn Foundation Repair
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