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How Much Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Costs |2024
Crawl space encapsulation Cost
Crawl space encapsulation is often more expensive than merely building a vapor barrier. Encapsulation is the process of completely closing the crawl area with a heavy-duty barrier, insulation, and, in some situations, dehumidifiers. Costs vary depending on square footage, materials, and labor.
Depending on the job, a crawl space encapsulation installation can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $15,000. On average, the cost is $8,250. Encapsulation is waterproofing for crawl spaces and basements that prevents moisture and humid air from penetrating your home and harming your foundation and indoor air quality. See our guide to learn more about the costs associated with crawl space encapsulation.
Note:The cost information in this post was taken from Angi, HomeAdvisor, and Fixr.
Crawl Space Dimensions
Larger crawl spaces need more materials and labor to encapsulate completely. The greater the surface area that requires waterproofing, the higher the cost.
Price according to Size
The cost per square foot can range from $2 to $10, depending on the project. Below is a breakdown of costs by square footage:
Materials and Features
The materials needed for an encapsulating system vary based on the moisture content of your crawl space. Low humidity levels may merely necessitate the construction of small plastic moisture barriers, whereas more significant problems may necessitate a new drainage system. The following are some of the most typical supplies needed to do a project:
Dehumidifier: Install a built-in dehumidification system to battle excessive humidity and stop mold formation.
Ductwork: Extending your HVAC system into your crawl space helps reduce humidity, but it may be expensive if you need to install new ductwork.
Insulation: Fiberglass batt insulation is the least expensive type but is not long-lasting. Although more costly, spray foam insulation and rigid foam boards are more resilient and effective.
Sump pump: A sump pump may remove standing water from your crawl space. The pump is not too expensive, but digging a pit to connect it to your plumbing can raise the overall cost.
Vapor barrier: Polyethylene plastic sheeting may line crawl space walls and floors, acting as a watertight seal. The durability and cost of plastic increase with thickness. Apply waterproof adhesive tape to aid in sealing the edges.
Vent coverings: Crawl space vents are intended to assist in extracting humidity from the space, but if you're closing off and mechanically ventilating it, you'll need specific covers to avoid air leakage.
Cost per feature and material.
The pricing breakdown of various encapsulating materials is as follows:
The condition of the crawl space
If your crawl space has water damage or requires repairs, the cost of your project will increase. Neglected crawl areas may require the following services, which come at an added cost:
Installation of a drainage system: To collect and discharge water from your crawl area, you may require a French drain or drain tile system and a sump pump. An interior system will cost less to install than an external system.
Floor joist replacement:If you've experienced persistent and severe moisture issues, your floor joists may be in poor condition. This is a major repair project, but it may be required to maintain your home's stability.
Foundation repair: A crawl space is often used as a home's foundation and might begin to bend or crack if the drainage in the surrounding soil is inadequate. To maintain structural integrity in your house, you may need to strengthen the walls or underpin the entire foundation.
Mold remediation: Skilled mold removers know how to safely remove contaminated materials from your house without dispersing hazardous spores.
Pest control: Before attempting any other crawl space repair, homeowners should address pest infestations, which can occur due to excessive moisture. A one-time pest treatment appointment may cost a few hundred dollars, but fumigating a significant termite infestation can cost thousands.
Radon mitigation: Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can penetrate basements, crawl spaces, and ground floors from below. Active suction and passive depressurization devices can help to reduce radon buildup.
Cost Range By Condition
The following is the estimated cost for the services above:
How to Calculate Your Project's Total Cost for Crawl Space Encapsulation
To estimate the cost of crawl space encapsulation, measure the size of your crawl space and multiply the results by $2, then $10. The lower end of that spectrum is likely to provide you with a thin vapor barrier, as well as some basic insulation and ventilation. The top end of the spectrum is likely to include vapor barriers, drainage, spray foam insulation, and full dehumidification.
Many crawl space and waterproofing experts provide free inspections and quotes so you can better understand what you need and how much it will cost. Hiring an independent structural engineer?a professional who doesn't do repairs?to offer an objective evaluation is a good idea if you think your foundation may be damaged.
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