Plenty of homes around Bloomington, especially ranches, cottages and lake-area houses, sit over a crawl space instead of a full basement. On a hillside, that crawl can become the low point where runoff collects. Even when it stays dry on the surface, damp soil and humid summer air can push moisture into the joists and subfloor. The results are musty rooms, cupped floors, mold on the framing and an open invitation to pests.
We connect you with an independent local contractor for crawl space work. Call (317) 798-0634.
Signs Your Crawl Space Needs Attention
- Musty smell in the rooms above, worse in summer
- Floors that feel soft, bouncy or cold
- Mold or dark staining on joists
- Insulation sagging or falling down
- Torn or missing ground plastic
- Standing water after storms
- Mice, insects or snakes getting in
What the Work Involves
Drainage first
If water pools on the crawl floor, a perimeter drain or trench drain feeding a sump pump comes before any liner. Laying plastic over a puddle just hides it.
Vapor barrier or full encapsulation
A heavy reinforced liner covers the ground and, in full encapsulation, runs up the foundation walls and gets sealed at seams and piers. Thicker liners hold up better if you or a technician will crawl over them.
Sealing vents and openings
Encapsulated crawls are usually closed to outside air, so vents and rim gaps get sealed. That's a change from the old practice of venting crawls in summer, which brings in humid air.
Dehumidifier
HomeGuide notes an encapsulated crawl in a humid climate generally needs a dehumidifier to keep moisture down.
Insulation
Wall insulation or rim joist insulation is often added once the space is sealed.
A Word About Wood Damage
If joists are rotted or sagging, structural repairs or supplemental supports may be needed first. Mold on framing may need remediation before encapsulation.
Costs
HomeGuide's crawl space encapsulation cost guide lists:
- Encapsulation: about $3 to $10 per sq ft, or $3,000 to $15,000 total
- Vapor barrier installed: about $2 to $4 per sq ft
- Interior crawl space drain: about $800 to $3,000
- Dehumidifier installed: about $1,000 to $3,000
- Mold remediation in a crawl: about $1,500 to $4,000
National averages only.
Permits
HomeGuide notes some municipalities require permits or inspections for encapsulation. Whether Bloomington or Monroe County does for your specific job is something your contractor should confirm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Dry crawl, healthier house.
Call (317) 798-0634 or send the form.