Your energy bills drop. The musty smell disappears. You stop worrying about what’s happening under your floors.
That’s what proper crawl space encapsulation does. It seals out the moisture that’s been feeding mold, rotting floor joists, and forcing your HVAC system to work overtime. In Browns Summit, where clay-heavy soil holds water against your foundation and humidity regularly pushes past 70% in summer, an unprotected crawl space isn’t just uncomfortable—it’s expensive.
Homeowners here see 15-20% cuts in heating and cooling costs after encapsulation. That’s real money back in your pocket, year after year. Your home value can increase up to 10%. And you get actual storage space that won’t ruin everything you put down there.
The air in your home gets cleaner because you’re not pulling up contaminated crawl space air anymore. About 40% of the air you breathe inside comes from below your floors. When that space is dry and sealed, your family breathes easier.
We’ve spent 14 years solving moisture and air quality problems for homeowners in Browns Summit and throughout the Greensboro area. Owner Rick Watson handles your project personally—no subcontractors, no runaround.
We hold an A+ rating with the BBB because we show up when we say we will and do the work right the first time. Our customers describe us as prompt, professional, and thorough. We don’t oversell you on things you don’t need.
We understand the Piedmont Region’s soil and climate challenges. We know what happens when warm, humid North Carolina air hits a cool crawl space. And we know exactly how to stop it—with vapor barrier installation, dehumidifier systems, and moisture control methods that address your home’s specific conditions.
First, we inspect your crawl space to identify moisture sources, existing damage, and ventilation issues. You get a clear explanation of what’s wrong and what needs to happen.
Next, we handle crawl space cleaning—removing debris, old insulation, and anything that’s contaminated or damaged. This step matters because sealing moisture and mold inside doesn’t fix anything.
Then comes vapor barrier installation. We cover your crawl space floor and walls with heavy-duty material that locks out ground moisture. This isn’t the thin plastic that rips when you look at it—this is durable barrier designed to last.
We seal vents and gaps where outside air has been sneaking in. In North Carolina’s humid climate, vented crawl spaces actually create more moisture problems than they solve.
Finally, we install a dehumidifier if your space needs it. Even with a sealed crawl space, humidity can build up. A properly sized dehumidifier keeps levels between 40-50%, which prevents mold growth and protects your floor joists.
You’re left with a dry, clean space that protects your home instead of damaging it.
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Crawl space encapsulation in Browns Summit isn’t just throwing down plastic and calling it done. It’s a complete moisture control system designed for our specific climate and soil conditions.
You get professional-grade vapor barrier installation that covers every inch of exposed ground and foundation walls. We use materials thick enough to handle foot traffic and tough enough to last decades, not years.
Dehumidifier installation is sized to your space—not some one-size-fits-all unit that can’t keep up. We calculate the right capacity based on your crawl space volume and local humidity levels. These systems run automatically and pull moisture out before it causes problems.
We include crawl space insulation when it makes sense for your home. Insulating rim joists and walls keeps your floors warmer in winter and reduces the load on your HVAC system. That’s where a lot of your energy savings come from.
All penetrations, vents, and gaps get sealed. We’re stopping outside air from bringing in moisture and stopping conditioned air from leaking out. Every entry point matters when you’re trying to control humidity.
Browns Summit homeowners deal with above-average rainfall and soil that channels water straight toward foundations. Our encapsulation systems account for that. We’re not guessing—we’re applying methods proven to work in the Piedmont Region’s conditions.
Most crawl space encapsulation projects in Browns Summit run between $5,000 and $15,000, depending on the size of your space and what condition it’s in when we start. Smaller crawl spaces with minimal prep work land on the lower end. Larger spaces that need extensive cleaning, repairs, or drainage work cost more.
You’re paying for materials, labor, and equipment that actually solve the problem long-term. Cheap encapsulation fails within a few years—thin barriers rip, inadequate sealing lets moisture back in, and undersized dehumidifiers can’t keep up. Then you’re paying to fix it again.
The return on investment is real. You’ll save 15-20% on energy costs every year. You’ll avoid the $8,000 to $25,000 in mold remediation and structural repairs that happen when crawl spaces stay wet. And you’ll add up to 10% to your home’s value. The cost pays for itself, and then keeps paying you back.
Yes, and the savings are measurable. Studies show sealed crawl spaces reduce heating and cooling costs by 15-20%. That’s not marketing talk—that’s data from homes in the Southeast with similar climate conditions to Browns Summit.
Here’s why it works. Right now, your HVAC system is fighting moisture and temperature swings from your crawl space. Humid air is harder to cool. Cold air leaking through your floors makes your heater run longer. Your system works harder and runs more often to maintain the same temperature.
After encapsulation, your crawl space stays dry and closer to your home’s temperature. Your HVAC system doesn’t have to compensate for moisture or extreme temperature differences. It runs less, uses less energy, and lasts longer because it’s not under constant strain. You’ll see the difference on your utility bills within the first month.
A crawl space dehumidifier pulls moisture out of the air and drains it away automatically. Even with vapor barrier installation and sealed vents, some humidity can build up—especially in North Carolina where outdoor humidity regularly exceeds 70% during summer months.
The dehumidifier monitors humidity levels and kicks on when needed to keep your crawl space between 40-50% relative humidity. That’s the range where mold can’t grow and wood stays dry. Most units drain to a sump pump or exterior location, so you never have to empty a bucket.
Do you need one? If you live in Browns Summit, probably yes. Our climate is too humid to rely on sealing alone. Without a dehumidifier, you risk condensation on cooler surfaces, which leads right back to mold and moisture damage. It’s the component that keeps your encapsulation system working year-round, not just in dry weather.
A vapor barrier is one part of encapsulation, but it’s not the complete system. Just laying down plastic on your crawl space floor stops ground moisture, but it doesn’t address humidity from outside air, condensation, or existing ventilation problems.
Crawl space encapsulation includes vapor barrier installation plus sealing foundation vents, closing gaps where outside air enters, insulating rim joists and walls, and installing a dehumidifier to control humidity. It’s a comprehensive approach that addresses every moisture source, not just one.
Think of it this way: a vapor barrier alone is like putting a bandaid on a wound that needs stitches. It helps, but it doesn’t fix the whole problem. Full encapsulation creates a controlled environment where moisture can’t get in from the ground, can’t sneak in through vents or cracks, and can’t build up from humidity. That’s what actually protects your home long-term.
Properly installed crawl space encapsulation lasts 20-25 years or more. The vapor barrier itself is designed for decades of service when it’s heavy-duty material installed correctly. Dehumidifiers typically run 10-15 years before needing replacement, but the encapsulation system itself stays intact.
The key is doing it right the first time. Thin barriers tear. Poor sealing lets moisture back in. Skipping the dehumidifier means humidity builds up and defeats the purpose. When corners get cut, you’re looking at repairs or redo work within 5-10 years.
We use commercial-grade materials and seal every penetration because we’re not interested in coming back to fix our own work. You should expect your encapsulation to outlast your HVAC system, your roof, and most other home components. It’s a one-time investment that protects your home for as long as you own it.
Yes, and that’s one of the benefits homeowners don’t always think about. After encapsulation, your crawl space becomes a clean, dry area where you can store items without worrying about moisture damage, mold, or pests getting into your belongings.
Before encapsulation, anything you put in your crawl space is at risk. Cardboard boxes absorb moisture and collapse. Fabric items develop mold and mildew. Metal rusts. The environment is too humid and dirty to safely store much of anything.
After we seal and dehumidify your crawl space, it’s a controlled environment. Humidity stays low, temperatures are more stable, and the space is clean. You can store seasonal items, holiday decorations, or anything you don’t need regular access to. Just make sure items are off the vapor barrier—use shelving or pallets—so you don’t puncture the barrier or trap moisture underneath.
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