Mold colonies in crawl spaces originate at ground level and migrate upward through your home's air supply. JCB Waterproofing and Construction installs certified encapsulation systems that cut off moisture at the source.
Four things our Glenwood customers consistently point to when recommending us.
We install 20-mil reinforced polyethylene vapor barriers -- not the thin 6-mil sheeting that degrades within a few years under crawl space conditions.
A barrier with unsealed seams and penetrations stops only a fraction of the moisture it could -- our sealed system approach eliminates every bypass path.
Homeowners in Glenwood, IL who complete crawl space encapsulation typically notice improved comfort in first-floor rooms that previously felt cold or damp.
Protecting the wood structure of your home from moisture is the most cost-effective maintenance you can invest in, and crawl space encapsulation is the most efficient way to accomplish it.
The science behind crawl space encapsulation centers on moisture vapor transmission from exposed soil surfaces. Even dry-looking crawl space soil emits moisture vapor continuously at a rate that can introduce gallons of water per day into the air under your home. Traditional building practice placed foundation vents to exhaust this moisture, but research has repeatedly shown that venting in humid climates introduces more moisture than it removes, because the air flowing in from outside is often more humid than the air inside the crawl space. Sealing the crawl space and managing its humidity with a rated dehumidifier consistently outperforms venting in IL climates.
Seam treatment is what separates a professionally installed system from a DIY job that looks similar from a distance. Every seam in our installations is lapped a minimum of 12 inches and taped with a 4-inch crawl space tape rated for the temperature and humidity cycle of your crawl space. Penetrations for plumbing pipes, support columns, and structural posts are individually wrapped with additional barrier material and taped circumferentially so the junction between the pipe and the barrier is fully sealed. A barrier with unsealed seams can still allow significant moisture vapor migration because vapor follows the path of least resistance -- which is any gap, however small.
HVAC performance in homes with encapsulated crawl spaces improves because the humidity load on the air conditioning system is reduced. In a vented crawl space, humid outside air is drawn under the house, rises through the subfloor into the living space, and must be removed by the air conditioning system. This hidden moisture load causes air conditioners to run longer, increases compressor wear, and reduces the effective cooling capacity of the system. After encapsulation, the crawl space humidity is maintained by a rated standalone dehumidifier that handles only the manageable internal moisture load rather than an endless supply from outside air.
Crawl space dehumidification is the final element of a complete encapsulation system. Even a fully sealed crawl space generates some internal humidity from concrete foundation walls and the residual moisture in the soil, particularly in the first season after installation when the soil is transitioning to a lower equilibrium moisture content. A rated crawl space dehumidifier sized to the cubic footage of the space maintains interior relative humidity below the threshold that supports mold growth. We specify units with gravity drain or condensate pump to eliminate the manual emptying requirement, and we set the humidistat to an appropriate setpoint for Glenwood, IL conditions before completing each project.
Complete coverage from vapor barrier to dehumidification -- everything your crawl space needs.
We cut and fit barrier material to every section of your crawl space, including around posts, piers, and columns, so no ground surface is left exposed to vapor evaporation.
Rated standalone crawl space dehumidifiers installed with gravity drain or condensate pump, sized to the cubic footage of your specific crawl space and set to maintain safe humidity levels year-round.
Sealed vents are insulated to the same standard as foundation walls so the crawl space maintains a stable temperature that reduces condensation on HVAC equipment and plumbing.
When visible mold colonies are present on floor joists, sheathing, or structural framing, we treat affected surfaces with EPA-registered fungicidal solutions before installing the vapor barrier.
Drainage channels are integrated under the vapor barrier perimeter, routing water to a sump pit with a submersible pump sized for your drainage area.
We install weatherstripping and rigid foam panel inserts on all access points sized to provide an airtight fit that maintains the pressure balance of the sealed crawl space.
We enter the crawl space and conduct a systematic inspection of all floor and wall surfaces, document moisture meter readings at multiple locations, photograph all floor joist and beam conditions, and identify every source of water or moisture entry before recommending any course of action.
Standing water drainage infrastructure is also installed in this phase so the crawl space floor is dry and stable before the vapor barrier goes down.
Foundation vents are sealed with rigid foam insulation and spray foam adhesive, and the crawl space access hatch is fitted with an insulating door seal panel.
A rated crawl space dehumidifier is installed, connected to gravity drain or a condensate pump, and set to the target humidity level for your Glenwood, IL climate before we complete the project.
Our floor joists were showing early decay when JCB Waterproofing and Construction inspected. They remediated the mold, sealed the entire crawl space, and installed a dehumidifier -- a year later the wood moisture readings are in the safe range and the floors feel solid again.
The crew was thorough and professional. They explained what they found, showed me photos, and completed the work exactly as quoted. The crawl space is completely dry now and looks professionally done.
The air quality in our home is noticeably better since the encapsulation. I have less allergy issues and our HVAC is running shorter cycles. Genuinely one of the best home improvements we have made.
Take the first step toward a healthier, drier home. Contact JCB Waterproofing and Construction for a same-day crawl space inspection.
Call +1-866-476-1348 Now