Crawl Space Repair & Encapsulation In Tallahassee, FL

Stop Moisture in your Crawl Space and Protect your Home.

For years, homes have been constructed with ventilated crawl spaces exposed to Florida’s heat and humidity, often using just a simple, unsecured plastic sheet as a vapor barrier. However, modern building practices reveal that these vented crawl spaces can lead to numerous issues, including poor indoor air quality, heightened allergies and sensitivities to mold and mildew, rotting and decay of essential structural components, increased presence of insects and pests, and reduced energy efficiency due to damp, ineffective insulation.

Your crawl space is essentially a hidden room beneath your home, and because it’s rarely accessed, it can conceal a variety of moisture-related problems.

What to Expect During the Crawl Space Encapsulation Process

Since crawl space encapsulation involves multiple components, it’s advisable to entrust the installation process to experts like Tony Kelly Heating and Air Conditioning. Here’s what to expect when working with crawl space professionals:

Clear Debris from the Crawl Space
Before the encapsulation process can begin, professionals need to remove any debris from the crawl space. Moisture damage can leave behind various obstacles that may hinder repairs. For example, damp, sagging insulation, rotting wood, mold on support beams and walls, and even animal remains may need to be cleared. This not only prepares the space for waterproofing solutions but also makes it immediately healthier.

Regrade the Soil and Install Drainage
Once the debris is cleared, the next step is to regrade the dirt floors, which are common in Florida crawl spaces. This helps to quickly channel any standing water or moisture trapped in the soil toward the foundation’s edges. Then, a crawl space drain system, is installed to capture and redirect groundwater, offering long-term protection against water accumulation.

Install a Sump Pump and Seal Open Vents
After the drainage system is in place, the next step is to install a sump pump, which provides additional protection against rising water levels and can work in conjunction with a drainage system. Sealing any open vents is also crucial, as these openings allow outdoor humidity to seep into your foundation.

Insulate Walls, Install Vapor Barrier, and Dehumidify
The final stages of crawl space encapsulation include wall insulation to better regulate the temperature and reduce humidity levels. Following this, a 20-mil thick vapor barrier is installed, covering the entire crawl space to prevent groundwater and outdoor humidity from entering the area. Finally, a high-performance dehumidifier is added to ensure continuous moisture control and protection against water vapor.