There are many advantages of sealing (or ‘encapsulating’) your crawlspace. The most obvious is mold prevention. Because of the way in which moisture can become trapped underneath a house, unsealed crawlspaces are a breeding ground for all sorts of mildew and bacteria as a result of condensation. Another huge improvement can be seen in energy costs after sealing a crawlspace. Because cold air is unable to get under the house, the heating system does not have to work as hard to maintain a comfortable temperature inside the home. The same effect can be seen in warmer months by keeping hot air out, increasing the air conditioning’s efficiency.
A clean and sealed crawlspace is much more accessible than one without the treatment. Sticks, leaves, and debris can make their way under the house and lead to pest in-habitation. Anytime that something below the home needs service the person working under the house will charge for time spent cleaning up the area they need to access. Because many homes are built on organic wooden beams and floor joists they are susceptible to decay over time. Structural safety is one aspect of crawlspace cleanliness that will have a long-term effect on the home if mold is allowed to develop and moisture is not kept out of the crawlspace. Erosion and decay can occur in extreme instances of neglect over several years.