Crawl Space Vapor Barrier & Encapsulation System
Musty odors and high humidity are often signs of ground moisture entering your home, and we correct these issues by sealing your crawl space with our CleanSpace® encapsulation system.
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Everything You Need for a Dry Crawl Space in South Carolina, North Carolina, Alabama and Georgia
At Cantey Foundation Specialists, it’s our job to make sure that your musty crawlspace is transformed into a cleaner, drier, healthier, and more energy-efficient space by installing our vapor Barrier and encapsulation systems to lock out dangerous moisture.
what is Vapor Barrier and Crawl Space Encapsulation?
- Vapor Barrier: A thick plastic sheet laid across the dirt floor of the crawl space, primarily preventing moisture vapor from rising from the ground. It stops at the walls and columns.
- Encapsulation: A more comprehensive solution where the entire crawl space (ground and walls) is covered with a thick liner, all vents are sealed, and often a dehumidifier and sump pump are installed. This creates a conditioned space within the home’s building envelope. Cantey Foundation Specialists emphasizes encapsulation as a superior solution.
When to Encapsulate a Crawl Space
Musty Odors or High Humidity
Musty Odors or High Humidity
You might notice a persistent, damp smell in your living area that simply won’t go away. This odor often signals that moisture is continually rising from the ground and getting trapped in your home’s air. Since a large portion of the air you breathe comes directly from below your house, these smells mean you are inhaling dirty crawl space air. High humidity levels can also warp wood furniture and encourage mold growth throughout the upper levels of the house. Encapsulation stops this moisture migration at the source to keep your indoor air fresh and dry.
Cold or Sagging Floors
Cold or Sagging Floors
If your floors feel uncomfortably cold in the winter or start to dip and squeak when you walk on them, your crawl space is likely the culprit. Cold floors usually mean unconditioned outside air is leaking in through open vents and cooling your home from below. Sagging often indicates that long-term moisture exposure has rotted the wooden floor joists and beams supporting your house. This structural damage will only get worse if the wood remains damp and soft. Sealing the space protects your home’s framework and helps maintain comfortable floor temperatures.
Visible Mold or Wood Rot
Visible Mold or Wood Rot
Seeing fuzzy growth or decaying wood under your home is a clear warning sign of a severe moisture problem. Mold requires damp conditions to thrive, so its presence confirms that your crawl space humidity is too high. This biological growth can eat away at your home’s wooden structure and negatively impact the air quality for your family. Ignoring these signs allows the rot to spread to other structural components and expensive subflooring. A dry, encapsulated space eliminates the damp environment that mold and rot need to survive.
Exposed Dirt or Standing Water
Exposed Dirt or Standing Water
Puddles or constantly damp soil under your house are serious red flags that need immediate attention. This water constantly evaporates upwards, drastically increasing the humidity in your entire home and feeding mold spores. It can also weaken the soil supporting your foundation piers, leading to settlement issues. Even if you don’t see a deep pool of water, damp earth alone is enough to cause significant issues for your home’s health. We address this with drainage systems and a heavy-duty vapor barrier to keep the area permanently dry.
Pest Infestations
Pest Infestations
Insects and rodents love cool, damp, and dark environments like an unsealed crawl space. If you notice an increase in bugs or signs of mice, they are likely entering through open vents or gaps in your foundation. These pests can damage your insulation, chew on electrical wiring, and spread disease into your living space. A sealed crawl space with a durable liner creates a tough barrier that pests cannot easily penetrate. It effectively makes the space inhospitable to these unwanted guests.
Rising Energy Bills
Rising Energy Bills
If your heating and cooling costs are higher than they should be, your crawl space might be to blame. Open vents let in hot, humid air in the summer and freezing air in the winter, forcing your HVAC system to work overtime to compensate. Ductwork running through a damp area also loses efficiency quickly and can rust over time. Encapsulating the space creates a conditioned buffer zone that prevents these temperature swings. This helps stabilize your home’s temperature and lowers your monthly utility expenses.
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The CleanSpace® Encapsulation System
Our Installation Process
Free Evaluation/Inspection
Clean Out Crawl Space
Address Water Intrusion (if necessary)
Seal Vents
Install Vapor Barrier (CleanSpace®)
Install Insulation (Optional but Recommended)
Install Dehumidifier
Final Inspection
Seal Your Crawl Space. Protect Your Home.
Patented, Exclusive Products
As an authorized Basement Systems contractor, they offer proprietary and proven products specifically designed for crawl space environments, which are often not available through generic contractors.
Comprehensive Encapsulation
They don't just offer a basic vapor barrier but a full system that includes drainage, insulation, and dehumidification for a truly dry and healthy crawl space.
Long-Term Warranties
The 25-year transferable warranty on their CleanSpace® vapor barrier provides significant peace of mind.
Expert Diagnosis and Solutions
They emphasize a thorough evaluation to identify root causes and provide customized solutions rather than one-size-fits-all fixes.
Improved Indoor Air Quality
Their system helps reduce mold, mildew, and musty odors that can originate in the crawl space and affect the entire home.
Energy Efficiency
By sealing and insulating the crawl space, they help homeowners save on heating and cooling costs.
Benefits of Our Systems
Our Customers Say it Best
Ask about our financing options
Cantey Foundation Specialists offers flexible, easy to understand financing options for homeowners. During our in-house visit, your specialist will help you find the financing options that work for YOU!
Fixed
12.99% for 120mos
6 Mos
No Payments
12 Mos
With Min Payments
What is the difference between a vapor barrier and crawl space encapsulation?
How long does a crawl space vapor barrier or encapsulation last?
Will installing a vapor barrier really reduce my energy bills?
How do I know if I need a vapor barrier or full encapsulation?
Does the service include addressing existing mold or pest issues?
How long does installation take?
Most encapsulations take 1–3 days depending on crawl space size, drainage needs, and system components.
frequently asked questions vapor barriers and encapsulation
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Get a clear diagnosis and a permanent solution tailored to your home.
