Crawl Space Encapsulation in Virginia Beach, VA

Crawl space encapsulation is an increasingly popular home improvement method that can prevent excess moisture and pests from getting into your crawl space and causing damage. Unfortunately, many encapsulation services are prohibitively expensive. This is not the case at Universal Pest & Termite. 

We offer our exclusive Uni-Guard encapsulation system, which can save you thousands on installation costs and comes with a warranty-backed termite treatment. What do termites have to do with crawl space encapsulation? It will be difficult to inspect your foundation after encapsulating your crawl space. By treating for termites before the project, you can avoid the costs of paying to remove the encapsulation system. 

Should you have questions about our services and how they could benefit you, reach out. We are always happy to speak with homeowners in the communities we serve. For crawl space encapsulation in Virginia Beach, turn to us!

Request a free estimate by calling (757) 502-0200 or messaging us online. 

Why Encapsulate Your Crawl Space?

Encapsulation involves installing a heavy-duty water barrier in your crawl space.

Doing so can prevent many problems, such as: 

What do all these problems have in common? They are costly to address. Investing in crawl space encapsulation can help you save in the long run. 

How We Encapsulate Crawl Spaces

We have extensive experience installing our Uni-Guard Encapsulation System. In fact, our years of equipping homes with this advantageous feature have given us the skill and know-how to perform perfect installations. 

Our installation process is as follows:

1. We start by performing a full termite treatment. This is vital for preventing costly pest issues. 
2. We then apply a borate product to the sub-floor and ban-board area above the exterior foundation walls, adding extra protection against termites. Afterward, we will clean debris from your crawl space while leveling the soil.
3. To begin the installation, our team will insert a 2-inch R-13 foam insulation board along the interior side of the foundation walls. To make future termite inspections possible, we will leave a one-to-two-inch gap at the top of the board. 
4. We will install a 24-inch foam board section on the ground along the foundation walls. 
5. We will install a polyethylene ground cover to complete the encapsulation, taping seams at a six-inch overlap.
6. Our final step is cleaning the crawl space, so no debris is left behind. 

How long will encapsulation take? It depends on your home’s square footage. We can generally finish projects in two to seven days. It is important to note that we will also install a dehumidifier in the crawl space to control moisture and pests. 

How Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Improve Energy Efficiency?

Crawl space encapsulation improves energy efficiency by creating a sealed environment that prevents the exchange of air between the crawl space and the outside. Here’s how it contributes to better energy efficiency:

• Reduces Air Infiltration: By sealing gaps, vents, and openings, encapsulation prevents outside air from entering the crawl space. This helps maintain a more consistent indoor temperature, reducing the load on your HVAC system.
• Improves Insulation: Encapsulation typically involves adding insulation to the walls and floors of the crawl space. This added insulation helps retain heat in the winter and keep your home cooler in the summer.
• Moisture Control: Encapsulation includes the installation of a vapor barrier, which reduces moisture levels in the crawl space. Lower humidity levels prevent your HVAC system from working harder to maintain a comfortable indoor environment, thereby reducing energy consumption.
• Prevents Cold Floors: A well-encapsulated crawl space prevents cold air from rising into the living areas, which means your heating system doesn't have to work as hard to keep floors warm during colder months.
• Enhances HVAC Efficiency: With a more stable environment in the crawl space, your HVAC system operates more efficiently, leading to lower energy bills and reduced wear and tear on the system.

By addressing these factors, crawl space encapsulation can significantly improve the overall energy efficiency of your home.