Crawl Space Encapsulation: What to Expect (Step-by-Step in 4K)

00:05 - Intro: Hamersville, OH, is known for its flat lands, which often cause high water tables.
00:16 - Signs of Moisture Damage: Our Inspector took these photos during the initial inspection. It was clear moisture was eating away at this crawl space.
00:30 - Wood Inspection: An 18.8% moisture reading in the framing was alarming. If left unaddressed, mold & wood rot here could cost thousands in future repairs.
00:56 - Debris Removal: We tore out all the moldy fiberglass & thin plastic floor liner to prep for encapsulation. This fiberglass was filthy & wasn’t performing. Many homeowners don’t realize how much moldy insulation is hiding under their home!
02:13 - Excavation: The main beam was sagging & causing uneven floors upstairs. We dug holes for SmartJack bases to help support the beam & straighten floors. We also dug a sump pit.
02:35 - Limestone Pour: We backfilled the holes with limestone so the SmartJacks would have a sturdy base.
02:53 - Drainage Matting: Our dimpled drainage matting channels water to the sump pit, located at the crawl space’s low point. It also makes the CleanSpace vapor barrier softer to crawl on, which we later installed over it.
03:16 - Drainage Work: This crawl space had a gravity drain system, so we tied the existing drains into the sump pit. Our sump pump will manage groundwater far better than the old gravity drain alone.
03:47 - Foam Rim Joist Insulation: One of the most effective ways to insulate a crawl space is sealing rim joists. These areas are full of small cracks, gaps, & seams where outside air, moisture, & pests can sneak in.
04:07 - Mold Cleaner: We applied Anabec cleaning solution, a hydrogen peroxide–based, neutral-pH cleaner that removes mold, mildew, stains, & organic debris from porous & non-porous surfaces. This process transforms the look & condition of the crawl space.
04:17 - SilverGlo Insulation: We installed SilverGlo rigid foam insulation along the entire interior perimeter. SilverGlo is inorganic, so it won’t absorb moisture, support mold, or break down over time. The backside features an integrated vapor barrier for extra protection. We ensured the insulation covered the entire block wall down to the footing, with all seams taped for complete isolation. SilverGlo replaces moldy fiberglass & does a better job keeping floors warmer in winter.
06:03 - SmartJacks Installation: The main beam was sagging due to settling concrete columns, causing gaps upstairs. We compacted the limestone backfill, installed SmartJacks, then had our Foreman upstairs calling out adjustments. This process closed gaps & straightened the floors. The homeowners were excited to finally reseal their trim without worrying about future settling.
08:06 - Turtl Door: Our Turtl Door makes crawl space access much easier & helps block moisture. It also locks for security. After encapsulation, the homeowners can safely store items in their newly protected space.
09:43 - CleanSpace Installation: We installed CleanSpace vapor barrier throughout the crawl space to control moisture, humidity, & musty odors. CleanSpace is a 20-mil, reinforced liner designed for crawl spaces. It creates a sealed, durable barrier that prevents moisture from entering through the ground or walls. We ensured complete coverage, sealing it tightly to the walls & all the way down to the footing.
11:35 - SmartSump: We installed a SmartSump system to protect the crawl space from water intrusion. SmartSump is made for crawl spaces, with a compact basin, reliable pump, & built-in alarm that alerts the homeowner if water ever rises to an unsafe level. We sealed it properly around the liner & tied it into the drainage system, adding protection against flooding & standing water.
13:11 - Discharge Line: We carefully cut the sod for the discharge line to preserve the grass.
13:28 - SaniDry Dehumidifier: Our Inspector's hygrometer showed 74.6% RH at inspection. After encapsulation alone, RH dropped to 62%. With the SaniDry dehumidifier running, this space will stay at the recommended 54% automatically. The SaniDry is considered the world’s most energy efficient crawl space dehumidifier.
14:20 - Finished Encapsulation and Before & Afters: Skip to this part if you want to see what your home could look like with an encapsulation!