Are There Negatives to Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Crawl spaces can be a real problem for Maryland homeowners, where the weather is often wet and that moisture can find its way into homes. Over the years, homeowners have used different strategies to fight back against water in crawl spaces. But as anyone who has asked “Is my crawl space making me sick?” knows, some crawl space solutions are more effective than others.

One of the most effective steps you can take for your home on the Eastern Shore or in Anne Arundel County to create a drier, healthier home is encapsulating your crawl space, but we still get friends and neighbors wondering if there is a negative side to crawl space encapsulation. Today, we’ll try to answer that question once and for all! 

What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Crawl space encapsulation is a multi-step process aimed at protecting your crawl space (and by extension the rest of your home) from outdoor temperatures, water, humidity, and pests. This is accomplished with:

• Professional Evaluation

• Air Sealing and Crawl Space Insulation

• Crawl Space Vapor Barrier Installation

• Crawl Space Dehumidifier Installation

What Are the Benefits to Crawl Space Encapsulation?

By properly encapsulating your crawl space, you can benefit from:

• Lower heating and cooling bills

• Higher indoor comfort levels

• No more cold floorboards in the winter

• Healthier indoor air throughout your entire house

• Prevent mold growth and funky odors

• A drier, cleaner crawl space

Crawl space encapsulation can also increase home value (just like any home improvement project), and with a home that’s easier on your wallet and better for the environment, you’ll be able to take advantage for years to come with proper maintenance.

What Are the Negatives to Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Contrary to what some people may tell you, there’s no such thing as a home that’s too airtight, and that includes the crawl space! The more well-sealed a crawl space is, the more control you have over the inside of your home.

If there’s one downside, it’s similar to other home upgrades—crawl space encapsulation costs are not insignificant, and encapsulating your crawl space isn’t a simple DIY project; it’s intended to be a long-lasting improvement to your home, and as such requires an investment on the part of the homeowner.

Crawl Space Rebates and Tax Credits

The good news is that, as mentioned earlier, crawl space encapsulation services help lower heating and cooling bills, which can save you money for years and years to come. And there are also crawl space incentives available to help you reduce upfront costs, including:

• Up to $7,500 in rebates through the Home Performance with ENERGY STAR program—We’re one of the only local Eastern Shore contractors who can help you qualify for these rebates on crawl space services

• Tax credit on energy-efficiency home improvements—Starting in 2023, homeowners will be able to claim a federal tax credit of 30%, up to $600, on insulation and air sealing upgrades, which includes crawl space encapsulation

Schedule Crawl Space Improvements with Total Home Performance

How much will crawl space encapsulation cost for your home? Schedule a home energy audit today, which includes a crawl space inspection from our team of local crawl space experts. We’ll talk to you about the specific problems you’re experiencing in your home and find a solution tailored to your family’s needs.

Learn how crawl space encapsulation can benefit your Maryland home. Call (410) 822-1390 or contact us today to get started.