Are you dealing with crawl space damage such as mold, unpleasant odor, pest infestations, and foundation issues? If left unaddressed, this damage not only impacts your indoor air quality but also compromises the structural strength of your home. The repair experts at The Real Seal Basement Waterproofing and Foundation Repair can help you restore your home with tailored crawl space encapsulation services in Hoffman Estates, IL. We implement a personalized approach to deliver targeted solutions that effectively mitigate damage and create a resilient protective barrier, keeping your crawl space dry and healthy for the long term. Connect with us to book a free inspection.

When Should You Get Crawl Space Encapsulation?

Signs your crawl space requires encapsulation include:

High Humidity

Excessive humidity is a clear indicator that your crawl space requires encapsulation. High humidity levels in your crawl space can manifest as noticeable dampness in the air, condensation forming on the surfaces, and strange odors lingering in your living space. This can eventually lead to unhealthy indoor air and structural decay.

Mold

Be aware of any signs of mold in your crawl space. Mold may appear as powdery, fuzzy, or discolored patches, ranging from black to gray, on any surface, like walls, floors, or furniture. Besides aesthetic concerns, mold also causes health problems. Exposure to mold spores is associated with symptoms such as difficulty breathing, allergies, and increased sneezing. 

Standing Water

Standing water in your crawl space is a serious concern requiring immediate attention. This may be caused by heavy rainfall, leaks from plumbing, or flooding. Regardless of the source, water should not accumulate in your crawl space. It leads to pest infestation, accelerates mold growth, and rots wooden supports. Addressing this problem often requires a drainage system and encapsulation.

Structural Damage

Exposure to excessive moisture in your crawl space can compromise the structural integrity of joists and support beams. As moisture consistently infiltrates your crawl space, the structural components, such as support beams and joists, may gradually rot and degrade. Cracks may also begin to appear on walls and floors. These signs indicate weakening structural conditions.

Increased Energy Bills

An unsealed crawl space allows outdoor air to enter your living space. This causes temperature fluctuations, requiring your HVAC system to work harder to maintain a stable temperature. The higher operational demand on your HVAC system results in increased energy consumption, which in turn leads to higher energy bills.

crawl space encapsulation hoffman estates il

Our Crawl Space Encapsulation Solution in Hoffman Estates, IL

We implement the following encapsulation solutions to fix crawl space issues:

Crawl Space Repair

Before starting the encapsulation process, we focus on addressing foundation damage. The repair process may involve addressing cracks in your foundation walls and strengthening structural elements using advanced repair techniques. By addressing repair needs, we prepare your crawl space for lasting encapsulation.

I-Beam Supports

We use heavy-duty steel I-beams to support and stabilize compromised beams in your crawl space. The installation process involves assessing your home's load requirements and using the support beams that are optimal for your property's specific situation. This solution helps create a stable support system, thereby mitigating structural issues such as sagging floors.

Crawl Space Drain Tile

The installation of a drain tile system can mitigate drainage issues within a crawl space. This system comprises perforated PVC pipes embedded in a gravel trench along the perimeter of the crawl space, effectively diverting groundwater from the residence.

Crawl Space Jacks

Our specialized crawl space jacks provide a lasting solution for homes experiencing structural issues. These jacks are installed in your crawl space to prevent further structural shifts and stabilize the areas that show signs of sinking.

Floor Joist Repair and Replacement

Our floor joist repair and replacement solution restores structural stability by addressing damaged joists in your crawl space. Depending on the extent of the damage, we repair or replace the weak joists to provide lasting stability.

Crawl Space Sump Pump

Our premium-quality sump pumps are designed to manage the water that is infiltrating your crawl space. These sump pumps are equipped with a battery backup system to ensure uninterrupted protection. Our powerful pumps protect your home from water intrusion throughout the year, especially during heavy rain or flooding. 

Crawl Space Dehumidification

We install advanced dehumidifiers that maintain a safe humidity level in your crawl space. This involves evaluating your crawl space to determine its unique moisture challenges and selecting the right capacity of dehumidifier that addresses your property’s specific requirements.

The Real Seal's Crawl Space Encapsulation Process

We perform crawl space encapsulation in the following steps:

Step 1 : Schedule an Inspection

Once you schedule an inspection, our crawl space experts visit your home for a crawl space examination. We utilize advanced equipment to measure humidity levels, inspect for mold or pest infestations, and assess the foundation for any signs of damage. We ensure that we identify all potential issues before proceeding to the next step.

Once we complete the inspection, we will provide you with a detailed estimate outlining the project’s necessary details, such as cost, scope, and completion timeline. We maintain transparency in our process through a clear and upfront estimate.

Before encapsulation, we address any underlying problems. This may involve reinforcing weakened support beams, fixing cracks, or installing a sump pump to mitigate water intrusion. We then encapsulate the surfaces of your crawl space with high-quality materials for lasting results.

We conduct post-repair quality inspections to ensure the job is completed to the highest quality standards. We leave your site after a thorough clean-up.

Why Choose Us for Crawl Space Encapsulation?

We know what works best for your home when it comes to protecting your crawl space. Here’s why we are trusted home improvement experts:

  • Certified Experts: Our foundation repair and basement waterproofing team comprises highly skilled professionals with certifications and extensive hands-on experience. Our team can handle any crawl space repair needs, whether it’s installing a vapor barrier or providing extensive structural reinforcement.
  • Industry-Leading Solutions: We continuously research recent industry updates and adapt to advanced technology to efficiently address your crawl space needs. This enables us to offer you solutions that will last for years to come.
  • Efficient Project Completion: We prioritize clear communication and minimize disruptions to ensure seamless project completion. Our streamlined workflow helps us keep the project on schedule, preventing delays.
  • Comprehensive Repairs: We offer comprehensive solutions that address a wide range of crawl space issues. We pair our encapsulation service with other repair solutions to address the underlying problem, providing enhanced protection from water damage.
  • Free Estimate: We provide a complimentary estimate for your crawl space encapsulation project, offering a detailed overview of project details, including pricing, the repair process, and an estimated timeline.

Contact Us for Crawl Space Encapsulation in Hoffman Estates, IL

If you are experiencing water damage in your crawl space, The Real Seal Basement Waterproofing and Foundation Repair offers expert solutions to mitigate the issue. With years of experience, we bring extensive knowledge and effective solutions to protect your crawl space. Call us today to schedule an inspection. We also provide concrete leveling services in Hoffman Estates, IL.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are the benefits of crawl space encapsulation?

Encapsulating your crawl space provides your home with a proper defense against moisture intrusion and outside air infiltration. This process involves sealing the area with high-quality materials to block dampness, reducing the risk of mold growth and structural damage. Encapsulation keeps your crawl space dry and improves indoor air by eliminating musty smells and airborne allergens. Another advantage of encapsulation is enhanced energy efficiency. By sealing the gaps and preventing conditioned air from escaping, your HVAC system runs more efficiently. Overall, crawl space encapsulation effectively safeguards your home’s foundation and enhances your indoor living atmosphere.

The duration of encapsulation varies based on the size of the space and any additional repairs needed. On average, the project may take between one to three days. For an accurate estimate tailored to your home, schedule a free inspection.

Crawl space encapsulation involves covering the walls and floors with a heavy-duty, durable polyethylene moisture barrier. All vents, gaps, and cracks are properly sealed to prevent outdoor air and humidity from entering. For homes with excess humidity and water issues, installing dehumidifiers, a sump pump, and interior drainage may be necessary. The primary function of encapsulation is to shield your home from dampness and temperature fluctuation by creating a controlled indoor environment.

The cost depends on the size of your crawl space, its accessibility, and any necessary repairs. For an accurate estimate, a professional assessment is necessary. We will provide a detailed quote after thoroughly inspecting your crawl space.

Homeowners’ insurance policies typically do not cover encapsulation unless the crawl space has incurred damage due to sudden events, such as flooding or accidental pipe bursts. For more clarity, review your insurance documents or contact your insurance provider.

Yes, we provide a transferable warranty on each encapsulation project to ensure your crawl space remains protected for years to come.