Crawl Space Encapsulation Services in Colorado
Colorado Radon Mitigation offers crawl space encapsulation as a standalone service or as part of a complete radon mitigation system. We cover exposed soil with a sealed Stego membrane to help limit ground moisture vapor and support soil-gas control. A complete radon mitigation system is quoted separately, and standalone encapsulation does not carry a radon-level guarantee.
What Is Crawl Space Encapsulation?
Crawl space encapsulation is the process of creating a sealed or more controlled barrier between the crawl space and exposed soil or other sources of ground moisture.
We cover exposed soil, overlap and seal membrane seams, and seal the membrane at footings, foundation walls, supports, and penetrations as applicable. Our installation practice is to extend and adhere the membrane 12 inches up foundation walls.
The purpose is to limit moisture vapor and outside air from freely entering the crawl space. Creating a cleaner, more controlled environment beneath the home can help protect the crawl space and make it easier to address other conditions affecting the property.
Encapsulation is more comprehensive than simply laying plastic over exposed soil because proper installation requires attention to seams, edges, penetrations, foundation conditions, and other areas where air or moisture can enter.
What Does Crawl Space Encapsulation Include?
Our encapsulation work follows applicable ANSI/AARST SGM soil-gas mitigation standards. We install Stego membranes from 6 mil through 15 mil, selected for the project. Seams are overlapped and sealed with Stego seam tape. We use StegoTack tape or low-VOC spray adhesive for attachment and sealing as appropriate.
We seal around footings, foundation walls, supports, and penetrations as applicable. We extend and adhere the membrane 12 inches up foundation walls.
Gas mat, our preferred approach, or perforated drain pipe is installed beneath the membrane. For a complete sub-membrane radon mitigation system, this collection network connects to mitigation vent piping to distribute suction beneath the membrane. The complete mitigation system is quoted separately from encapsulation.
Our Crawl Space Encapsulation Process
We follow a thorough, standardized process to ensure reliable results, so you can make confident decisions about your property.
Evaluate the Crawl Space
We review the exposed soil, access, ceiling height, foundation surfaces, and conditions that may affect installation, then determine the scope and membrane thickness for the project.
Prepare the Area
Debris removal and haul-away are available at an additional cost, and extensive grading costs extra. We do not remediate mold, vermin, insects, standing water, or sewage. We work with licensed contractors who can help address these conditions.
Install and Seal the Membrane
We install Stego membrane over exposed soil, overlap and seal the seams, and seal at footings, walls, supports, and penetrations as applicable. We typically extend and adhere the membrane 12 inches up foundation walls. Gas mat or perforated pipe is installed beneath the membrane; a complete radon mitigation system and its vent-piping connection are quoted separately.
Review and Document the Completed Crawl Space Work
Installation typically takes one full day. Customers receive before-and-after photographs and quality-control documentation.
Benefits of Crawl Space Encapsulation
A properly designed encapsulation system can help create a cleaner and more controlled crawl space environment.
Potential benefits include:
Reduced Ground Moisture Vapor
Covering exposed soil creates a barrier that limits moisture vapor moving from the ground into the crawl space.
More Controlled Crawl Space Conditions
Sealing exposed surfaces and openings can reduce uncontrolled interaction between the crawl space, soil, and outdoor environment.
Support for Radon Control
We offer encapsulation both as a standalone service and as part of radon mitigation. A sealed membrane can support a complete sub-membrane mitigation system, but encapsulation alone carries no guarantee of a specific indoor radon level.
When Is Crawl Space Encapsulation Needed?
Encapsulation may be worth evaluating when the crawl space has exposed soil or conditions that allow moisture vapor and outside air to enter the space.
Common reasons homeowners consider crawl space encapsulation include:
- Exposed dirt beneath the home
- Persistent crawl space moisture or damp conditions
- Condensation on crawl space surfaces
- Musty conditions or odors originating below the home
- An existing vapor barrier that is damaged, incomplete, or poorly sealed
- A need to create a sealed surface as part of a broader radon-control strategy
Encapsulation does not replace correction of existing water, pest, or contamination problems. We do not remediate mold, vermin, insects, standing water, or sewage; we work with licensed contractors who can help address those conditions. Debris removal and haul-away and extensive grading are separate charges. Waterproofing, foundation repair, insulation replacement, dehumidifiers, and sump pumps are not included in the encapsulation estimate.
Crawl Space Encapsulation and Radon
Radon originates in soil and can enter a home through openings and pathways in contact with the ground. An exposed dirt crawl space can therefore be relevant when evaluating how radon enters a property.
For a complete sub-membrane radon mitigation system, gas mat or perforated pipe beneath the membrane connects to mitigation vent piping to distribute suction across the soil. The complete system is quoted separately from encapsulation.
When we install a full sub-membrane mitigation system, we provide a seven-year guarantee of indoor radon levels below 4.0 pCi/L. Our performance goal is below 2.0 pCi/L, with further reduction wherever reasonably achievable. For well-water properties, water must be tested and mitigated if necessary before we can guarantee indoor radon levels. Standalone encapsulation carries no radon-level guarantee.
Ask us about the Radon Well as an alternative option to encapsulation for radon control. We can discuss whether it is appropriate for your property.
Why Choose Colorado Radon Mitigation?
Local Colorado Service
Colorado homeowners can work with a local company familiar with radon and below-home conditions across the Front Range, including those looking for radon services in Arvada.
All of our technicians and management are NRPP-certified and Colorado DORA-licensed in both radon measurement and mitigation. The professionals conducting your assessment, preparing your quote, testing your property, and installing your system are individually licensed and certified.
Colorado Radon Mitigation maintains company and individual memberships with the Indoor Environments Association (IEA).
Experience With Below-Home Conditions
Colorado Radon Mitigation works with soil-gas entry, radon mitigation systems, and conditions below the home, providing relevant experience when evaluating crawl spaces.
Service Based on the Property
Crawl spaces differ in construction, condition, access, and exposure to soil. The encapsulation approach should reflect the actual space rather than applying the exact same system to every property.
Related Radon Expertise
If radon is also a concern, Colorado Radon Mitigation can help connect crawl space conditions with radon measurement and residential radon mitigation rather than treating each issue in isolation.
Crawl Space Encapsulation Cost
Crawl space encapsulation costs $1.45–$2.50 per square foot, depending on crawl-space ceiling height and vapor-barrier thickness. This includes labor, the Stego vapor barrier, Stego seam tape, and gas mat or perforated pipe beneath the membrane.
The complete radon mitigation system is quoted separately. Debris removal and haul-away and extensive grading are also separate charges.
Crawl Space Encapsulation FAQs
What is crawl space encapsulation?
Crawl space encapsulation involves covering and sealing exposed crawl space surfaces with a durable barrier to create a more controlled environment beneath the home. The exact installation depends on the crawl space and project requirements.
What is the difference between crawl space encapsulation and a vapor barrier?
A vapor barrier is the material used to limit moisture movement. Encapsulation generally describes a more complete installation in which the barrier is fitted and sealed across appropriate crawl space surfaces, seams, edges, and penetrations.
Does crawl space encapsulation help with moisture?
Encapsulation can help limit moisture vapor entering through exposed soil. However, active leaks, flooding, drainage problems, or other sources of liquid water may require separate corrective work.
Can crawl space encapsulation help with radon?
A sealed membrane can form part of a complete sub-membrane radon mitigation system. The mitigation system is quoted separately. When we install the full system, we provide a seven-year guarantee of indoor radon below 4.0 pCi/L. Our goal is below 2.0 pCi/L, with further reduction wherever reasonably achievable. For well-water properties, water must be tested and mitigated if necessary before the indoor-radon guarantee applies. Encapsulation alone carries no radon-level guarantee.
How much does crawl space encapsulation cost?
Encapsulation costs $1.45–$2.50 per square foot, depending on crawl-space ceiling height and vapor-barrier thickness. The price includes labor, Stego vapor barrier, Stego seam tape, and gas mat or perforated pipe beneath the membrane. The complete radon mitigation system, debris removal and haul-away, and extensive grading are separate charges.
How long does crawl space encapsulation take?
Installation typically takes one full day. We provide before-and-after photographs and quality-control documentation
Create a More Controlled Crawl Space
Contact Colorado Radon Mitigation to discuss your crawl space and request an encapsulation estimate. We offer standalone encapsulation and encapsulation as part of radon mitigation, with the complete mitigation system quoted separately. Standalone encapsulation carries no radon-level guarantee.
Ask about our military, veteran, law enforcement, and first responder discounts. Interest-free and low-interest financing options may also be available. Ask us about current terms and eligibility.
Depending on your property and radon concerns, you may also need additional services such as passive radon system activation, radon measurement, or radon in water testing. Colorado Radon Mitigation can help determine which services are relevant based on the property and testing results.