Crawlspaces here in the South get a bad rap. Homeowners often see them as dark, dirty, and unusable. But the truth is, when maintained properly, crawlspaces offer great benefits—from easier access to plumbing and HVAC systems to additional storage space. Unfortunately, too many homeowners are unable to take advantage of these benefits because their crawlspace wasn’t properly set up to begin with. So what goes wrong? In most cases, it starts with moisture.
Why Vented Crawlspaces Don’t Work in Georgia
At the heart of the issue are open crawlspace vents. Since the 1950s, homes across the country have been built with foundation vents, based on the idea that allowing air to flow under the house would help the crawlspace “breathe” and stay dry. It’s a simple idea—but unfortunately, not a very effective one.
The assumption was that airflow equals dryness. But what if the air you’re letting into the space is already full of moisture? In Georgia, outdoor humidity often hovers between 70% and 90%. Pumping this damp air into your crawlspace won’t dry anything out—in fact, it does just the opposite.
The Science of Moisture: Wet Air Doesn’t Dry Anything
ere’s a great way to think about it. Imagine you have a damp towel and want to dry it. Would you blow wet air on it? Of course not! You’d use dry air. Yet many homeowners still leave their crawlspace vents open, believing that airflow alone will keep the area dry, even when that air is full of water vapor.As we like to explain to our customers: wet air cannot dry a crawlspace, no matter how much of it you move around. It’s simple science—and once you understand it, the solution becomes clear.
Step One: Close the Vents and Encapsulate
If your goal is to maintain a dry crawlspace, the first step is to seal it off from outside humidity. That means closing your foundation vents and encapsulating the crawlspace.
Crawlspace encapsulation involves lining the floor and walls with a heavy-duty vapor barrier that blocks outside moisture from entering. It’s a permanent solution that transforms your crawl space into a clean, controlled environment—no more musty smells, no more pests, and significantly reduced risk of mold and rot.
Step Two: Control the Humidity with a Dehumidifier
Once your crawl space is encapsulated and sealed off from outside moisture, the next crucial step is controlling the internal humidity. That’s where a crawlspace-rated dehumidifier comes in.
Crawlspaces in Georgia are naturally prone to high humidity.. A dehumidifier helps regulate and maintain optimal moisture levels by actively removing water vapor from the air. It works quietly and efficiently, monitoring humidity levels and only turning on when needed.
These systems are designed specifically for tight, low-clearance environments and can be integrated with a drainage system or sump pump. By maintaining humidity below 60%, they prevent mold growth, reduce odors, and contribute to a healthier indoor air environment.
Now that we’ve covered the two main components—encapsulation and dehumidification—let’s walk through what the installation process looks like.
Crawl Space Encapsulation: What to Expect During Installation
Many homeowners ask what’s involved in encapsulating a crawlspace. The process typically starts with an inspection and moisture assessment. From there, we clean the area by removing debris, damaged insulation, and any visible mold if needed.
The next step is sealing vents and gaps to prevent outside air from entering. Once sealed, a thick vapor barrier—usually 10 to 20 mil in thickness—is laid across the entire ground surface and secured to the walls and piers.
Finally, a crawlspace-rated dehumidifier is installed to manage humidity long-term. The full encapsulation process usually takes 2 to 4 days, depending on the size and condition of the space. After installation, the crawlspace is transformed into a clean, dry, and controlled environment ready to serve your home instead of harming it.
The Benefits of a Dry Crawlspace
- Better air quality: Up to 50% of the air in your home comes from your crawlspace. Keeping it clean and dry means healthier breathing indoors.
- Lower energy bills: A sealed crawlspace reduces energy loss through your floors.
- Longer-lasting materials: Wood and insulation last longer when they’re not exposed to damp conditions.
- Pest prevention: Pests are drawn to moisture. A dry crawlspace keeps them away.
- Increased home value: Encapsulation adds to your home’s overall appeal, especially to buyers.
Crawl Space Encapsulation: Cost vs. Long-Term Benefits
Encapsulation is an investment, but it’s one that often pays off in both the short and long term. The average cost of encapsulation in Georgia ranges from $4,000 to $10,000, depending on crawlspace size, existing damage, and materials used.
While this may seem like a big commitment, it helps prevent future issues like:
- Foundation deterioration
- Wood rot and mold remediation costs
- Increased heating and cooling bills
- Decreased property value
Additionally, encapsulation can extend the lifespan of HVAC systems and improve the overall comfort of your home. For many Georgia homeowners, it also brings peace of mind knowing their crawlspace isn’t a source of hidden problems.
Final Thoughts: Common Sense Meets Good Science
We love helping homeowners understand how their crawlspace works—and what they can do to protect it. One customer recently told us they felt like they’d just sat through a science lesson, and finally everything made sense. That’s what we aim for.
If you’re dealing with a damp, musty, or unusable crawlspace, let’s talk. We offer crawl space encapsulation, waterproofing, and dehumidifier installation throughout Macon, Warner Robins, Perry, Forsyth, and surrounding Georgia communities.
Contact Central Georgia Crawlspace today to schedule your free crawlspace evaluation and find out how we can help you keep it dry year-round.
