Crawl Space Encapsulation in Murfreesboro
Crawl space encapsulation for Murfreesboro homes. We close the crawl space off from humid outside air and damp ground so it stays dry through the summer.
Homes across Rutherford County sit on expansive red clay over limestone bedrock, so lasting results depend on a local crew that understands how that ground behaves through every Middle Tennessee season.
What Does Encapsulating a Murfreesboro Crawl Space Involve?
Three things, usually. We seal the vents so humid summer air stops coming in. We cover the ground and the foundation walls with a heavy vapor barrier liner. And we add a dehumidifier sized for the July and August peak, when an open crawl space can reach 80 to 90% relative humidity.
Clay makes up about 80% of the mapped soil in Rutherford County, and it stays wet for a while after a storm. If water pools on the crawl space floor after heavy rain, a crawl space drainage system goes in before the liner so the water has somewhere to go.
Air from the crawl space moves up into the rooms above, so a damp crawl space can show up as a musty smell or worse allergies inside the house.
Murfreesboro housing
When were Murfreesboro homes built?
Murfreesboro has about 63,219 homes, and the median one was built in 2000, based on U.S. Census Bureau survey data. Roughly 20 percent went up before 1980, 7 percent before 1960.
| Built | Share of homes | Homes | Share |
|---|---|---|---|
| Before 1940 | 1,127 | 2% | |
| 1940s | 1,050 | 2% | |
| 1950s | 2,488 | 4% | |
| 1960s | 2,810 | 4% | |
| 1970s | 5,323 | 8% | |
| 1980s | 6,976 | 11% | |
| 1990s | 11,731 | 19% | |
| 2000s | 14,485 | 23% | |
| 2010s | 15,892 | 25% | |
| 2020 on | 1,337 | 2% |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey, year structure built, for the city of Murfreesboro. Counts are housing units.
Our Crawl Space Encapsulation services
Problem signs
Crawl space encapsulation problem signs we fix in Murfreesboro
- Allergy Symptoms Worsening Indoors
- Cold Floors Above the Crawl Space
- Condensation on Crawl Space HVAC Vents and Ducts
- Condensation on Crawl Space Pipes and Ductwork
- High Humidity in the Crawl Space
- High Indoor Humidity
- Increased Energy Bills From Crawl Space Heat Loss
- Mold and Mildew in the Crawl Space
- Mold on Floor Joists
- Musty Odors Rising from an Unencapsulated Crawl Space
- Pest Activity in Your Crawl Space
- Soft or Spongy Floors
- Standing Water in the Crawl Space
Crawl Space Encapsulation in Murfreesboro: common questions
What level of encapsulation does my crawl space need?
It depends on what we find under the house: standing water, the condition of the framing, and how damp the air and wood are. Some crawl spaces need only a liner and a dehumidifier, while others need drainage or framing repair first. We measure all of it at a free inspection and explain the options.
Do you remove old insulation when you encapsulate?
Yes. We take out old, wet, or moldy insulation from crawl spaces in Murfreesboro and across Middle Tennessee. We do not install new insulation.
What is crawl space encapsulation?
Crawl space encapsulation is the process of sealing your crawl space from moisture, covering the floor and walls with a heavy-duty vapor barrier, sealing foundation vents and penetrations, and adding a dehumidifier to actively control airborne humidity. The goal is to transform a damp, vented crawl space into a dry, sealed environment that protects your home's structure and improves indoor air quality.
How long does crawl space encapsulation last?
A properly installed encapsulation system, heavy-duty liner, sealed vents, and quality dehumidifier, can last 15 to 25 years with minimal maintenance. The liner itself is rated for 20+ years. The dehumidifier will need filter cleaning annually and eventual unit replacement based on its service life. We specify durable materials designed for long-term performance.
Will encapsulation improve my home's air quality?
Yes. Research consistently shows that air from the crawl space migrates into living areas through the stack effect, warm air rising through the home draws crawl space air upward. By eliminating mold, excess moisture, and pest attractants from the crawl space, encapsulation directly improves the quality of the air your family breathes inside the home.
Does encapsulation reduce energy bills?
In most cases, yes. A dry, sealed crawl space with intact insulation keeps conditioned air from being lost through the floor system. Homeowners often see a measurable reduction in heating and cooling costs after encapsulation, particularly in older homes where the crawl space has been a significant source of energy loss.
Do I need to seal the vents in my crawl space?
In a properly encapsulated crawl space, foundation vents are sealed rather than left open. Conventional wisdom once held that venting crawl spaces was beneficial, but research shows that vented crawl spaces in humid climates like Middle Tennessee actually introduce more moisture than they remove. A sealed, conditioned or dehumidified crawl space performs better. We will assess your current vent configuration and recommend the appropriate approach.
Crawl Space Encapsulation in Murfreesboro: start with a free estimate
Free on-site estimate. Written pricing. No pressure.