Crawl Space Encapsulation
Crawl space encapsulation is a proven way to keep your crawl space dry, mold free, and prevent foundation wood damage. We provide encapsulation packages that are code compliant and technically sound.
Why Is Encapsulation Important?
In Southeast Virginia’s hot, humid summers, traditional vented crawl spaces allow moist outside air to enter, leading to condensation on cooler surfaces.
Over time, this condensation contributes to mold growth, wood deterioration, damaged insulation and duct-work, and poor indoor air quality, especially when heavy rainfall or groundwater is present.
Crawl space encapsulation addresses this by sealing foundation vents, installing a durable vapor barrier, and controlling humidity with dehumidification or conditioned air, with drainage systems added when groundwater conditions require it.
Why Hire Patriot Crawl Space Repairs
Patriot Crawl Space Repairs is a family-owned, Class-A Residential Building Contractor, with every project personally overseen by the owners to ensure accountability from evaluation through installation.
We do not sell one-size-fits-all encapsulation packages—each crawl space is designed around the home’s construction, moisture source, and site conditions, prescribing code compliant solutions rather than non-permitted and incomplete systems.
Our work is performed by experienced, well-paid in-house crews using proven, professional-grade materials to deliver durable, serviceable systems that solve the problem correctly the first time.
The Encapsulation Process
We work with you to design an moisture control plan that fits your home, needs, and budget rather than a one-size-fits-all package.
Depending on conditions, encapsulation may include debris and insulation removal, cleaning and treating affected wood, installing a sealed vapor barrier, closing vents and penetrations, and controlling humidity with a commercial-grade dehumidifier and monitoring system.
When required, we also address access improvements, lighting, drainage and sump systems, and any damaged wood or structural supports to ensure the crawl space functions correctly long term.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to do structural repairs before encapsulation?
Yes. If there are structural or wood repairs needed in your crawl space, you need to do those first. The reaons is that once you encapsulate the crawl space, it is likely to damage the vapor barrier if you conduct heavy repairs in the future, which will increase your cost.
Is Full Encapsulation The Only Option?
No. Encapsulation can be a full conditioned crawl space, or a hybrid moisture control package.
Full encapsulation is more expensive with a full wall and pier liner, and wall insulation, while hybrid setups control moisture with a pinned vapor barrier and dehumidifier.
Hybrid encapsulations don't trigger building code building code upgrades such as a full liner and wall insulation.
Is Full Or Hybrid Encapsulation Better?
Neither full nor hybrid encapsulation is really better. If depends on the individual home and situation.
Full encapsulation is good when a drain and sump pump are being installed, plus the crawl has plenty of clearance for ongoing maintenance, and there are moisture issues at the crawl space walls.
Hybrid encapsulation is good for lower crawl spaces where no drain and sump pump are installed, wall water intrusion is not the main issue, and ongoing termite inspections inspections and water intrusion inspections are important.
In the lower crawl space of Hampton Roads, where land is mainly flat, the hybrid setup is desireable for the majority of homes.
Where the land is sloped, and crawl spaces have plenty of room for maintenance, such as areas like Richmond or in mountain regions, full encapsulations are often best.
Is Installing New Insulation A Requirement?
No. In existing homes, if floor insulation has been removed due to normal wear and tear, mold, or rodent issues, it is not a required replacement item under the Virginia Maintenance Code, and is exempt from building upgrade requirements under the Virginia Existing Build Code.
When the majority of your crawl space vents are sealed and the remaining vents kept closed, the home is typically more energy efficient than when it had floor insulation, and homeowners don't feel a need to replace the insulation. Doing so in the future is an optional home comfort decision.
Can I keep my existing floor insulation?
If you have a relatively clean crawl space or a newer home, you can keep the insulation, but it is honestly better long term to just remove it, as it harbors rodents, mold, and insects.
If the insulation is moldy and damaged, or if you have widespread mold and fungus on the wood, it definitely needs to come out.
Will a vapor barrier alone solve moisture issues?
No. A vapor barrier mainly helps keep the crawl space clean and mitigates a small amount of ground moisture evaporation, but in our humid Virginia climate, condensation from hot summer air is the biggest moisture concern. A vapor barrier won't help with this, which is why we recommend sealing the vents and insalling a dehumidifier.
Vapor barriers won't solve ground water issues either. If you have ground water issues a drain and sump pump are the proper remedy.
Do all encapsulations need a sump pump?
Sump pumps are required when a crawl space is below grade, or has clear evidence of water intrusion from the exterior.
In some cases, gutter and downspout management can correct water issues when the crawl space is above or at grade, and negate the need for a sump pump.
What type of warranty do you provide?
There are factory warranties on dehumidifiers and sump pumps.
We provide a 5 year equipment warranty on dehumidifiers, condensate pumps, lights, fans, and sump pumps if you are on a service plan. Dehumidifiers do carry a factory warranty that does not require a service plan.
We provide a lifetime material warranty on vapor barriers, so long as you are on a service plan. This warranty does not cover damage from sharp objects, dirt getting in from the door being left open, plumbing leaks, or catastrophic flooding.
All drain systems have a 25 year material warranty with a continued service plan.
Structural repairs including piers, helicals, and wood repairs come with a 50 year material warranty, excluding natural disaster, flood damage, and wood damage due to leaks or lack of proper moisture control.
Proper moisture control includes encapsulation and dehumidifier on a service plan for crawl space wood, and a frech drain and sump pump if the crawl space is below grade or flood prone.
Do I need a service plan?
Once you have encapsulated your crawl space and installed a dehumidifier, we recommend servicing the dehumidifier every 6 to 9 months. You can either do that yourself, or have us do it.
Service plans are not a requirement of our warranties, but are recommended of you aren't 100% sure you will keep up with servicing. If encapsulations are not properly serviced mold and fungus can grow and cause damage.
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