Introduction
The crawlspace is, arguably, one of the most vulnerable parts of the house to moisture damage. So, to reinforce it against mold and other forms of damage, they are sealed. While the average lifespan of an encapsulated crawlspace is around 15-20 years, various factors such as your maintenance consistency and the quality of the material used impact its performance. If you’re trying to learn how long your sealed crawlspace will last, you should read the blog we have prepared below.
Crawlspace Protection: How Long Does It Last
If you’re located in a rainy town, then getting the crawlspace sealed by a professional is a non-negotiable. And since the service costs thousands of dollars, it’s only reasonable that you’d want to know how long it will last. While it usually lasts between 10 and 20 years, things such as the humidity levels and possible pest infestations do play into its durability. This section covers all the factors that determine its lifespan.
-
Material Quality
The first thing that will directly impact the life of your crawlspace encapsulation service is the material you select. While cheap plastic doesn’t last long, a heavy-duty liner stays strong for decades to come. Here’s what we mean:
- 6 to 10 mil Polyethylene: 5-10 years.
- 12- to 16-mil Reinforced Poly: 15-20 years
- 20-mil+ Heavy-Duty Liner: 20-25 years
-
Installation Quality
Even if the material is top notch, a poor installation will make it go to waste. So, when you set it up, be sure that the contractors you choose use the correct wall attachments, seal the seams tightly, and leave no sharp debris behind that can damage the sealant.
-
Sump Pump Performance
Just because the walls and floors are sealed doesn’t mean that you can retire your sump pump. The sump pump should keep performing well; otherwise, if it shuts down during a heavy downpour, the accumulated water will damage the barrier.
-
Humidity Levels
The level of humidity in the area also impacts the sealed crawlspace longevity. So, if you want your service to last, you should be sure to install an efficiently performing dehumidifier to keep the moisture levels manageable. Otherwise, you’ll have to book a replacement soon.
-
Groundwater Pressure
If your region receives heavy rainfall and the water table is high, it will strain the encapsulation as well. So, a friend living in an area with light spring showers might not have to replace the seal as often as you would have to in a rainy city.
-
Pest Infestations
Another factor that impacts the crawlspace moisture control lifespan is if you fall victim to rats or insects. Rats chew through the plastic, while the insects burrow through it. Therefore, this will dramatically shorten the treatment’s lifespan.
-
Ventilation Sealing
If you live in a really humid area, it’s best to seal the vents. This way, the humidity from the outside won’t sneak into the crawlspace, reducing sealant wear and keeping it performing for much longer.
-
Foot Traffic
Another simple thing that can shorten its life is if you or someone else walks on the plastic with normal shoes. The shoes should be padded; otherwise, they tear the plastic and prompt emergency crawlspace encapsulation replacement services.
-
Foundation Cracks
The life of the crawlspace system also depends heavily on the state of your property’s foundations. For example, if they’re cracked and letting in water, it will seep under or attack the surface of the plastic. This will wear it down faster and shorten its life.
-
Maintenance Checks
Property owners keeping up with their crawlspace encapsulation maintenance get to enjoy their investment for much longer than those who neglect it. This is because they spot small issues before they have the chance to do any major damage, keeping it performing for longer.
-
Drainage & Grading
Yet another important lifespan factor is the drainage. If your gutters are clogged or if the grading isn’t done properly, rainwater and snowmelt will accumulate next to the foundations and wear down your seal. But, if the yard and gutters are maintained, this won’t happen.
Conclusion
To summarize it all, an encapsulated crawlspace is essential to protect your foundations against moisture damage and weakening. Though the estimated lifespan of an encapsulated crawlspace is around a decade or two, that’s not the full story. Things, such as your local water table and how well you take care of the liner, can have a great impact on how long it will last. We hope this article was insightful. If you have any more queries about foundation protection, please feel free to drop us a line.
FAQs
What is the price of a crawlspace encapsulation?
Having experts seal an average crawlspace can take $5,000-15,000.
How often should the crawlspace be inspected?
You should have your crawlspace inspected by experts at least once a year.
How do I find the right crawlspace contractors?
Look for technicians with experience, certification, and good reviews.