We prefer hybrid encapsulation for multiple reasons.

1.  The Virginia Department Of Agriculture Wood Detroying Organism Manual cites foundation wall insulation and platic as one of the primary termite hazards in Virginia Crawl Spaces.  These systems provide cover and moist material for termites to access your structure.

2.  A sealed liner can be a major mold hazard.  If groudwater sits under the liner without being detected, mold will form, and in many cases the encapsulation will need to be ripped out.  This does not happen with hybrid encapsulation due to monitoring and repair capability.

3.  Hybrid encapsulation still fully controls humidity via foundation vent sealing, sealing of any air gaps, and a strong dehumidifier.  

4.  In over 25 years as a foundation contractor, pest control expert, and dealing with thousands of existing older homes, we have seen more harm than good come from fully sealed liners, and the return on investment just doesn't exist.  

5.  A hybrid encapsulation is fully sufficient to control moisture and humidity in southeastern Virginia crawl spaces, with far less hazard risk, and a lower upfront cost.

While moisture control is the only long term remedy for crawl space humidity, full encapsulation is not the only option.

Our most popular and prefered method of encapsulation is a hybrid encapsulation, which consists of a ground pinned vapor barrier, instead of a fully wall sealed liner.  

There are several important advantages to this method. 

1.  Hybrid encapsulation still seals all air intrusions, but it maintains a clear foundation wall for termite and groundwater control purposes.  

2.  Hybrid encapsulation costs 30%-50% less than a fully sealed encapsulation.

3.  Hybrid encapsulation meets the goals of encapsulation, while maintaining long term maintenance and durability of the space, without having to work around a fully sealed liner.  

In our opinion, hybrid encapsulation is the best ballance between moisture control, inddor air health, long term inspection access, termite control, and realistic maintenance going forward.

For hybrid encapsulations, a drain and sump pump can be omited, with ongoing monitoring to check for water intrusion.  One can be added in the future if conditions dictate it.   This flexibility is one of the main reasons we prefer hybrid encapsulation.

We do require a sump pump with fully sealed wall liner encapsulations, because groundwater intrusion in these systems can cause severe mold issues under the liner.  We will not install full encapsulations without a sump pump in most cases. 

We typically recommend a sump and drain system if there is clear evidence of standing water or groundwater intrusion, and the space is below grade.

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.

While many crawl spaces function fine without insulation, crawl space building codes are being enforced more strictly as the industry evolves.  Basically, what was okay in the past, is more tightly policed today.

Whether insulation is a reqired step depends on the age of your home, the city or county you live in, and the encapsulation method you choose.  We will consult you on the best method to meet your goals and maintain code compliance.

If you have a relatively clean crawl space or a newer home, you can keep the insulation.

If the insulation is moldy and damaged, or if you have widespread mold and fungus on the wood, it definitely needs to come out.

No.  A vapor barrier mainly helps keep the crawl space clean and mitigates 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 bulk ground water issues either.  If you have ground water issues a drain and sump pump are the proper remedy.

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 50 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.  

Once you have encapsulated your crawl space and installed a dehumidifier, we recommend servicing the dehumidifier every 6 months.  You can either do that yourself, or have us do it.

Service plans are not a requirement of our warranties, but are recommended if 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.