Crawl Space Encapsulation

Anyone ever had a crawl space encapsulation done? Our crawl space is really really damp. We've got a vapor barrier down but that doesn't seem to be helping much. I'm trying to decide if I should have the whole thing encapsulated and if so, what I could expect to pay per sq ft.

Anyone have any experience with this?

 

First step is to reduce the water at its source, perimeter drainage, extended downspouts away from the house and so on, all of which you probably already know. Inside the crawl, moisture will come up through the floor or through any side walls below grade. In your climate, you can cover the inside of the walls with an inch or so of rigid foam. You said you have a vapor barrier down and it needs to be sealed up the walls about a foot.

Now, here's the advice. If there is no way for the moisture to exit, then a small source will make it very humid/damp down there. Standard procedure is to install a cold climate dehumidifier, a good one and drain it to the outside. With this you will be removing moisture and if the source is minimal, it will quickly dry up.

I'll attach a link on crawl space improvements, photo 5 is the one I like .
BSI-009: New Light In Crawlspaces — Building Science Information

Bud

 

Thanks Bud. Sounds like you're in favor of a climate controlled crawl space as well. I'm debating if that is the direction I should go or not.

One thing that is interesting in my crawl space is that there are two levels. The first level is about 3 feet wide and about 5 feet tall. it's right by the entrance to the crawl space and runs the width of the house. The next level is about 10ft wide and is about 3 feet tall. It also runs the width of the house. I look at it and think that the previous owners though about digging out the crawl space and adding more basement. I'll have to take some pictures and most it.

Anyway, it makes encapsulation and handling the water issue a lot harder. I even debated doing 2-3" of concrete of the whole crawl space to really seal things up and keep the mice out, but with the step that makes things a lot harder.

 

Having a VB will be no different that a cral space barrier. Only difference is cost

 

No difference even in terms of pest control? I thought it might help with a mice control. And it would give me a little more space to store some stuff like Christmas decorations and the like.

 

What is a VB?
What is a crawl space barrier?

Does it have to do with different types of encapsulation?
Does encapsulation include both plastic lining and foam board?

I am trying to figure out what encapsulation involves in Central Alabama. crawlspace encapsulation must be different in different parts of the country. I understand in some areas it is best to go up the wall with plastic and other areas its best not to. I was told in some warner high humid areas like ours ts best not to use foam board.
Thanks,