Crawl Space Encapsulation Charlotte Services
Crawl Space encapsulation in Charlotte NC helps to protect your crawl space from trapping humid air and reduces the ability for mold and fungal growth to thrive. Charlotte crawlspace dehumidification also provides an active filtration system for the air that eventually travels up into the home while reducing the relative humidity in the crawlspace.
Why choose Noosa Pest, a pest control service, for your crawlspace encapsulation in Charlotte NC? We spend a lot of time in crawlspaces, controlling insects. Moisture control was a natural addition to our list of services over a decade ago, as our clients wanted solutions from the bug guys they already love!
In the Charlotte, North Carolina region, crawl spaces are very common. Crawlspaces are an important part of the home, a place that can provide homeowners and repair personnel with access to pipes, wiring, and heating and air conditioning systems and more. This access helps to keep crucial systems in the home working well.
Noosa Pest provides a premiere solution for this challenge using an encapsulation process that’s second to none. Crawl space encapsulation in Charlotte, NC can be a overwhelming process. Allow Noosa Pest Management to simplify the process. Please contact us online or call 704-499-9922.
Crawl Space Encapsulation Services Charlotte
Problems Caused by Moisture and Humidity
Crawl Space Encapsulation Charlotte, NC
Moisture and humidity can create just the right environment for fungal growth and wood rot. Moisture can enter your crawl space all too easily.
- Humid air can enter through the foundation vents with condensation often forming when humid air comes into contact with the ductwork and/or air handler pushing air conditioning throughout your home.
- Moisture that is in the dirt floor of your crawlspace can evaporate into the air and be absorbed into the wood members of the flooring system.
- Plumbing issues or leaks.
- Water may enter through porous masonry foundation walls if the pitch of the grade around your house is not correct and/or sufficient waterproofing is not present.
With enough moisture, mold and other fungi can develop in just 24 to 48 hours, continuing to spread unless its growth is interrupted and the moisture source addressed. This means that fungi or mold can thrive in crawl spaces, a place in your home that you don’t visit regularly.
So, what should you do? According to the Environment Protection Agency (EPA), if there’s a mold problem in the home, “Act quickly. Mold damages what it grows on. The longer it grows, the more damage it can cause.”
Note the bolding on “act quickly” is from the EPA. Once a microscopic mold spore falls on a damp spot, it begins to grow and has the “potential to cause health problems” by creating allergens. This makes mold especially problematic for people with allergies and/or asthma, although it’s not healthy for anyone.
If you are concerned that you may have a moisture issue in your crawl space in Charlotte NC, call us today for a complimentary and thorough crawl space inspection. If your crawlspace has a musty smell—then this is a sign that there may be a moisture issue. If someone in your family is sneezing more often or otherwise exhibiting allergy symptoms, this may be an indication of the presence of fungal growth or mold in your crawlspace.
Wood Rot & Pest Infestations in Crawl Spaces
A moist environment can also contribute to a reduction in insulation R-values and damage the insulation and cause wood rot. Crawl space moisture issues in Charlotte, NC may also contribute to structural issues in your home.
This type of environment attracts termites and other pests, which can cause problems with the structural integrity of the home. If you suspect that you have a termite infestation, know that homeowner’s insurance policies do not cover termite damage—meaning, it’s the homeowner’s responsibility to manage this pest activity.
Here at Noosa Pest, we offer termite control services, which includes annual inspections where we look for signs of termite infestations and/or conditions throughout your home and crawl space that can make your home attractive to these destructive pests.
Charlotte Crawl Space Inspection
Gathering data is the secret sauce to our crawlspace inspection in Charlotte NC! What we do:
- Gather relative humidity readings throughout your crawlspace
- Take moisture content readings in the wood members of the crawlspace which tells us how much moisture is in the wood
- Inspect for standing water on top of the existing vapor barrier
- Inspect for signs of previous moisture intrusion through the foundation walls or around piping that penetrates the foundation walls
- Inspect for insulation in the crawlspace that is sagging
- Inspect for fungal growth on wood members of the flooring system
Most people don’t spend much time in their crawl spaces and so it’s natural to not really be aware of its levels of moisture and humidity or to know when problems are developing. But, because the crawl space’s dirt floor is part of your home’s foundation, this area is crucial to the overall structure and condition of the house—and so having the crawl space inspected is a key step in protecting its integrity.
No two homes in the Charlotte area are alike, with each one having unique characteristics and challenges. No matter the characteristics of yours, though, our technicians are trained in how to conduct a quality inspection. As part of our inspection, we’ll include a detailed analysis of relative humidity readings and moisture content data, sharing our comprehensive findings with you and recommending solutions for any problems we find.
No matter the results of our inspection, the Noosa pest promise remains the same. We will only bring necessary recommendations to your attention.
Going Beyond Crawl Space Vapor Barriers
Perhaps you’ve already used or have considered using Noosa’s crawl space vapor barrier service. This service involves having a plastic covering placed over your crawl space floor to block any of the moisture that’s evaporating out of the soil from becoming absorbed into the flooring, framing, or other wooden portions of your home’s crawl space. In some cases, this service will provide all that you need to protect your home.
For maximum protection, however, we recommend crawl space encapsulation services in Charlotte NC.
Crawl Space Encapsulation in Charlotte, NC - What’s Included
With our crawl space encapsulation services, our dedicated technician team goes right to the root of the problem to provide a long-term solution. Components of this service include:
- Removing All Insulation In The Crawl Space Subflooring To Facilitate Fungi Removal And Then Disposing
Of This Material Off-Site - Removing The Existing Crawl Space Vapor Barrier And Disposing Of This Material Off-Site
- Applying Best Practices Mold Cleaning Solution To Clean And Remove Fungal Growth From Wood,
Note That, If There Are Places Where Mold Growth Has Been Especially Heavy, There May Be Some
Permanent Discoloration To The Wood.
Please note: The foam insulation board that will be placed around the interior foundation walls serves as insulation for the crawl space, according to building codes. Replacement of subflooring insulation is the homeowner’s choice and responsibility.
After applying the mold cleaning solution, our technicians will:
- Prep the space for its floor liner by leveling and raking the crawl space floor and removing any debris.
- Install foam insulation board (2 ½”) to all interior foundation walls and pilasters.
- Wrap and install the plastic liners to the crawl space piers.
- Install a new floor liner (12 mil), overlapping and appropriately taping all seams.
- Permanently install a commercial-grade dehumidifier that will distribute dehumidified air throughout the crawl space. For proper operation, this machine will need to be regularly monitored.
- Affix ductwork to the unit to allow for proper distribution and circulation of the dehumidified air.
- Install a condensate pump to remove water that is collected through the dehumidifier’s operation. Our team will take care of this as part of the crawl space waterproofing, and collected water will be discharged beyond the crawl space’s foundation walls.
- Illuminate the area by installing LED string lights throughout the crawl space.
- Install a permanent hygrometer to monitor the crawl space’s relative humidity. Information about the humidity will be available to you at all times through an app.
Another note: to power the dehumidifier and condensate pump, a GFI outlet on a dedicated circuit will need to be installed in the sealed crawl space. This will be done by a licensed electrician and this is included in the crawl space encapsulation cost.
Interested in finding out if our crawl space waterproofing services would be right for your home? Contact us online or call 704-499-9922 for a free inspection. We transparently share our findings and service information, including the crawl space encapsulation cost, processes, warranties, and much more.
Choosing Noosa For Your Crawl Space Encapsulation
Our locally owned and operated business has been providing pest control services and more to our community since 2006 with a focus on meeting your needs while minimizing the impact on the environment. No matter what you need, you can count on owner Fred Wingate (“Chief Bugman”) and our entire Noosa family to solve your pest control and crawl space problems. When you say “yes” to Noosa, you’re saying “yes” to an entire team of experts who care about you and your family; our community; and our Earth.
We recognize that some issues just can’t wait for a solution. So, we guarantee an immediate response during business hours. Then, during your appointment, we’ll take our time. We won’t rush. No hurrying. We’ll provide you with all the time and attention you’ll need.
Our service areas include:
- Charlotte, North Carolina
- Fort Mill, North Carolina
- Huntersville, North Carolina
- Cornelius/Lake Norman, North Carolina
- Mooresville, North Carolina
- Matthews, North Carolina
- Gastonia, North Carlina
- Davidson, North Carolina
- Concord, North Carolina
- Tega Cay, South Carolina
- Indian Land, South Carolina
- York, South Carolina
- Rock Hill, South Carolina
Don’t see your area listed? Contact us, anyhow! We love expanding our service areas.
Noosa Pest in Charlotte recognizes how there is no one size fits all solution to any problem, so we customize our services for each customer, providing them right when you need them. Let’s talk! Contact us online or call 704-499-9922 today.
Noosa Pest Crawl Space Encapsulation
Finished Crawl Space Job
This crawl space job included mold remediation, encapsulation and a dehumidifier installation. The results are a totally transformed space. This often forgotten area below your house is so crucial to the health and safety of your home!
Crawl Space Encapsulation FAQs
Crawl space encapsulation is a method used to protect your home from moisture damage by installing a water vapor barrier along the floor, walls, and ceiling of your crawl space. This barrier is designed to prevent the influx of moisture, which can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and poor indoor air quality. Moisture in the crawl space can also attract pests and cause structural damage over time.
Yes, encapsulating your crawl space in Charlotte, NC, offers several specific benefits linked to the region's unique climate and environmental conditions. The humid subtropical climate of Charlotte, characterized by hot, humid summers and cool to cold winters, can lead to high levels of moisture in your crawl space. This moisture can encourage the growth of mold and mildew and attract pests. Encapsulation helps to control this humidity, reducing these risks.
Unfortunately, the answer is “yes.” In fact, when you think about the design of a crawl space, it’s ideal for the creation of mold and mildew. First, there is the moisture it needs plus dirt, wood and more to feed upon. The temperature is often perfect for mold and mildew growth and the required oxygen is available. This is why it’s often necessary to fight back through crawl space encapsulation in Charlotte.
Failing to encapsulate your crawl space can lead to a multitude of problems due to unchecked moisture intrusion. Over time, this can result in mold and mildew growth, which not only degrades the structural integrity of your home but also significantly diminishes indoor air quality. An unencapsulated crawl space may also attract rodents and insects that are drawn to damp environments. Structural damage is another potential issue, as excessive moisture can lead to wood rot and compromise the stability of your home's foundation.
Yes, crawl space encapsulation can significantly improve the energy efficiency of your home. By sealing off this space, you can better regulate the temperature within your home, reducing the need for extensive heating or cooling. In addition, encapsulation can prevent cold drafts in the winter and excess humidity in the summer, providing a more consistent and comfortable indoor climate. As a result, you may observe lower energy bills, as your HVAC system won't need to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature.
This service unquestionably protects the investment you have in your home by defending it against wood rot, mold, and mildew—and by making the environment much less friendly for termites and other destructive pests. This alone makes the crawl space encapsulation cost worth the investment as the service safeguards the structural integrity of the house.
Additionally, the federal government’s EnergyStar.gov site notes “substantial benefits” to “crawlspace air sealing.” Plus, when your home’s HVAC system doesn’t have to deal with the damp air in a humid crawl space, it doesn’t have to work so hard, so monthly utility bills can go down. When this happens, the crawl space encapsulation cost can pay for itself over time through energy efficiency improvements.
While it might be tempting to try to crawl space encapsulation as a DIY project to save on the initial cost, hiring professionals is generally recommended. Professionals have the right training, tools, and experience to handle encapsulation safely and effectively. Here at Noosa, we have the knowledge and experience to install the vapor barrier properly to ensure maximum effectiveness and longevity—which will ultimately save you time and money in the long run.
The lifespan of a properly encapsulated crawl space can vary widely based on several factors, including the quality of materials used, the skill of the installation, and the environmental conditions. High-quality vapor barriers and professional installation can significantly extend the lifespan. Generally, a well-done encapsulation can last anywhere between 25-40 years or more.
First, the vapor barrier should be routinely checked for any signs of damage, such as tears or punctures, that could allow moisture to seep in. Second, a periodic check for mold, mildew, or pest activity should be conducted, as these factors can compromise the encapsulation. Third, if your crawl space is equipped with a dehumidifier, it's important to check and clean it regularly.
The cost of crawl space encapsulation costs can vary widely depending on the size of the crawl space, the condition of the area, the materials used, and the labor involved. On average, homeowners can expect to spend anywhere between $1,500-$15,000, with most homeowners spending around $5,500.
First, the size of the crawl space plays a major role — larger spaces will require more material and labor, increasing the overall cost. The condition of the area is another key factor. If the crawl space has existing issues, such as mold growth or structural damage, additional work may be required to address these issues before encapsulation can be performed. The type of vapor barrier used can also influence the cost, with thicker, more durable barriers being more expensive.
We are dedicated to providing the very best levels of service to each and every customer, treating everyone as we’d personally like to be treated. Our employees are friendly, courteous, and respectful as they enthusiastically provide crawlspace encapsulation services. Plus, we truly have a passion for serving the community throughout the greater Charlotte area.
Please contact us online or call 704-741-8129 today. We guarantee an immediate response during business hours and we will take our time explaining our services and answering all your questions. We look forward to serving you!
Additional Crawl Space Encapsulation Information
Moisture Control in Crawl Spaces: Why Encapsulation is Crucial for Pest Prevention
If you are a homeowner with a crawl space, you are probably no stranger to the problems that can arise from excess moisture in these areas. Moisture problems can lead to a variety of issues, from mold and mildew growth to structural damage. However, one of the biggest concerns for many homeowners is pests. A…
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Crawl Space Encapsulation: Why You Should Leave It to the Pros
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Crawl Space Vapor Barriers: The Complete and Ultimate Guide
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Crawl Space Moisture in the Carolinas
The last couple of months in the Charlotte, NC area have been extremely wet! We have had excessive rain and high humidity which might be helping out our lawns but there’s one area of our home that may be suffering. Many of us have a crawl space in our home which is susceptible to moisture damage. …
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What does the rain mean for my crawlspace?
Rain! Rain! Rain! What does this mean in my crawlspace? Moisture seems to have its eye focused on us here in the South. The shorter winter days have been filled with washout type rainfall, more so than most can remember in past years. Warmer temperatures have accompanied the massive amounts of rainfall and cloudy days.…
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Do I need a sealed Crawl Space?
Many of us in the Charlotte area have a crawl space in our home and the choice about whether to seal this area or not often becomes a question for homeowners. First things first though – what is the point of this rarely visited part of our home? Traditionally crawl spaces are used in homes…
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Is your crawl space susceptible to moisture this summer?
Many homes in the Carolinas have a crawl space built into them. This crawl space is there for mostly utility purposes. It acts as a way to access the substructures of our homes. This allows for easier maintenance if an electrician, plumber, or other service provider needs to access this space. Crawl spaces can also…
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