Crawlspaces are found quite commonly in South Central PA homes. While they typically go ignored by homeowners who have seemingly more important problems to deal with, crawlspaces can cause a great deal of problems that most people are unfamiliar with. You may not even realize it, but there's a chance that your crawlspace is costing you money and negatively affecting your indoor air quality.

Fortunately, all hope is not lost. The answer can be found in encapsulating your crawlspace, and Energy Smart Home Improvement is highly capable of handling the job from start to finish.

Is your crawlspace costing you money

and making your indoor air dirty? Encapsulate it!

While originally installed with the best of intentions, crawlspaces aren't usually the most hospitable parts of the home environment. They tend to be dirty, moldy and filled with dust and debris that has just been sitting there, floating around since the home was built. Your crawlspace may be out of sight, but that doesn't mean that the nasty stuff inside it can't make its way into the home. These areas can also be susceptible to moisture infiltration from the outside, which can cause humidity issues and mildew.

These contaminants can quite easily enter the living spaces of your home and be dispersed via ductwork. The problem, unfortunately, will only get worse over time as the crawlspace continues to get more and more dirty. Encapsulating the crawlspace is the solution to the problem.

Let Energy Smart Home Improvement install your crawlspace vapor barrier

At Energy Smart Home Improvement, our team of building science experts understands the finer points of installing a crawlspace vapor barrier. We can help to ensure that your crawlspace is clean and dry, which can play a major role in improving indoor air quality within your home, preventing humidity problems and ensuring that you're not losing any energy through your crawlspace. No matter how large or small your crawlspace, we'll come up with a solution that will truly fit your needs.

Signs of problems in your crawlspace

  • Cold floors in areas of home above the crawlspace
  • Fiberglass batt insulation has fallen out of place between floor joists in crawlspace
  • Musty smells, dampness or visible signs of mold in the crawlspace
  • Mice or other pests call your crawlspace their home

Fiberglass batt insulation installed between joists in a crawl space absorbs moisture, loses R-value, and often falls out of place.

Do vented crawlspaces work?

In the past, most building codes required crawlspace vents to aid in the removal of moisture. Today, building scientists realize an unvented or conditioned crawlspace with effective, aligned pressure and thermal boundaries is a far more effective option when using proper moisture control.

What is wrong with vented crawlspaces?

In the summer warm moist air is brought into the crawlspace through foundation vents where it can condense on the cooler crawlspace surfaces. Joists and wood subfloors are an ideal breeding ground for mold when damp. This can lead to structural damage and costly repairs. Termites and carpenter ants are attracted to damp environments where moist wood is present.

In the winter cold air enters the building envelope through crawlspace vents creating cold floors, cold rooms and high energy bills. Mice and other pests are attracted to this environment.

How do I create a healthy comfortable home?

The first step to creating a functional, efficient crawlspace is to seal it. A vapor barrier is installed atop the dirt or stone floor to prevent excess moisture and condensation from accumulating in the crawlspace. All seams and edges of the vapor barrier must be sealed using seam tape and spray foam as even small areas left open can allow significant volumes of moisture. At Energy Smart we use a 45 mil reinforced liner more than twice the thickness of our competitors!) to ensure durability and long term performance. Next, foundation vents are sealed to create an effective pressure boundary. The last step in air sealing a crawlspace is to spray foam the gaps at the band board detail (the wood framing just above the foundation).

Next we need to align the pressure and thermal boundaries by installing rigid insulation to the foundation walls. This prevents the conduction of cold temperatures through the block or concrete into the crawlspace.

Our very important final step is to perform a blower door test as a means of inspecting our work for any remaining air infiltration as well as to measurement the overall reduction in air infiltration.

It's time to do something about that crawlspace! Call us today to learn more about the process and schedule an appointment. 

717.258.6574

Increase your comfort at home.

Energy Smart can help!

717.258.6574

Schedule Service

Address
Get Started

Testimonials

  • Andrew, Eric, and Bryant were all gentlemen. They were a delight to work with. Even Jon was nice. 

  • Owner was first contact - work to be completed was fully explained - pricing was very good. Work was completed quickly with no issues.

  • My wife and I purchased a leaky and minimally insulated older home and knew we needed to upgrade our insulation and have some air-sealing done.

  • I had my home insulated by Energy Smart and noticed a big difference, GREAT JOB!!!!

  • Thanks so much. We are VERY pleased!

    Fred W., Carlisle, PA
  • Good job!

    Ron E., Hummelstown, PA
  • Your staff is very friendly and professional in their work. Pleasure to deal with everyone and Energy Smart. Good job!

    Dennis H., York, PA
  • Very pleased with your company and your people.

    Barry M., Harrisburg, PA
  • We had an audit, attic air sealing, and additional blown-in insulation installed in the attic. Jon, the owner of the company performed the audit. Very thorough and passionate about the work. The two workers who installed the air sealing and insulation were very professional and timely.

    John S., Carlisle, PA
  • We had air sealing and attic insulation and air sealing in basement. The work was completed in one day and all went well.

    Dave K., Carlisle, PA
  • So far, we are very happy with the project. By the way, Bryant and Erik are excellent representatives of your company. They are both gentlemen!

    Don N., Landisville, PA
  • Energy Smart brought insulation amount up to standards in attic crawl space where heat pump is located. They also took care of sealing vents, moisture issues and other necessary work to make house more energy efficient and reduce chance of rot.

    Doris W., Palmyra, PA
  • This whole process was so smooth. Jon was so great to answer questions when he came to do an estimate. Rachel has been extremely helpful with scheduling, rebates, and everything in between. The gentlemen that completed the installation were courteous, efficient, and performed quality work.

    Daniel S., Camp Hill, PA
  • Looking forward to lower heating & cooling bills in the months ahead! Thanks for a good job. Bryant and James did very well. Very professional.

    Lester P., Boiling Springs, PA
  • We were very well pleased with the work. From Jon the owner and Rachel the office staff were very professional. The workers were great . Very hard workers and the with the heat in the attic it had to be a hard job to do.

    John C., Harrisburg, PA
  • Local company. Owner came and discussed his estimate. Workers were excellent, leaving the place cleaner than before. Good work ethic by employees and professional work. Couldn't be happier!

    Jack C., Dillsburg, PA
  • Jon the owner came personally to provide job estimate and was confident the insulation install would solve our present issues. The Techs were on time and professional. They ensured minimal disruption and cleaned afterwards.

    Ana N., Mechanicsburg, PA
  • I appreciate the workers explaining what they were doing. It helped to understand why this work is so important!

    Jim H., Fayetteville, PA
  • We were very pleased with everyone from the company from the owner on down. They were knowledgeable, professional and courteous. I'm sure our utility bills will reflect the difference.

    Mary C., Harrisburg, PA
  • Project:  Cantilever, Porch, and Window Air Sealing Hey Rachel! Thanks for the great work you guys did yesterday! I'm looking forward to having the upstairs 2 bedrooms a lot more comfortable and energy efficient, especially in the winter. 

    Paul B., Mechanicsburg, PA
  • Project:  Attic Air Sealing & Insulating "The crew that performed the work were courteous, well-spoken, and proceeded to their work without delay. They explained each step of the project and invited us to inspect the results.  We were made to feel comfortable with the job that was done."

    Bill & Judi L., New Bloomfield, PA
  • Project:  Energy Audit I did a Google search to find a local reputable company to perform a home energy audit. Choosing Energy Smart was with out question the correct choice.

    Tom K., Mechanicsburg, PA
  • Project: Attic Insulation Removal & Disposal, Air Sealing, & Insulating Very nice, efficient, responsive company to work with. Will recommend them to others.

    Joanna R., Camp Hill, PA
  • Project: Attic Insulation Removal & Disposal, Air Sealing, & Insulating Very nice, efficient, responsive company to work with. Will recommend them to others.

    Joanna R., Camp Hill, PA
  • Andrew was a real pleasure yesterday. He left the basement in such good shape, it's hard to tell if anything was done (just kidding, of course). Thanks to [your team] for making this year long nightmare a simple process. We will definitely recommend your company to all of our friends. Dottie

  • My 5 star rating so far is based only on the first level of doing business with the contractor who performed the audit very informatively and efficiently. I expect that the follow up report will be very comprehensive and informative and I will comment after our next meeting.

    Russ C., Palmyra, PA
  • Workers were great - professional & friendly. Thank you!

  • This was one of the most professionally and thoroughly prepared and executed home projects I ever experienced. I was given full explanation and reasoning for the project up front, including the energy efficiency audits before and after, as well as ongoing explanation during the actual work.

  • The men were very kind and did a great job explaining the job if I had questions. We were very pleased! 

  • Men were knowledgeable and friendly. 

  • Everyone I met and spoke with was very pleasant and professional. We are also thrilled to see a 27% improvement in our energy efficiency. Thank you all!

  • Everyone on the staff was professional and friendly!

  • The two guys on the job were more than excellent. Everything went so smoothly. I couldn't ask for anything better. 

  • Efficient job. took great care in protecting flooring and furniture. Took time to review what services were done. Polite, personable installers & they tolerated my dogs which is a big plus!! Looking forward to the fruits of their labor (i.e. lower utility bills!)

  • Please let us know if there are energy rebates available. Thanks for your promptness in meeting our need and working into our schedule. 

  • Erik & Bryan were amazing. Professional, courteous, and  offered to follow up with future questions. Couldn't be more appreciative.

  • Just an FYI. The guys were here this morning and did a great job. Very professional. Cleaned up everything. Couldn’t be more pleased. You run a good business! Thanks!!

  • I want to pass along to the Boss that the workers you sent out to my job (Eric & Brandon) did a great job and were a pleasure to deal with! We were very pleased with their work and them over all.

  • Everything was perfect. 

  • I appreciate the process of evaluation and options listed in benefit order. It makes decisions much easier and better. 

  • The job was done well and quickly. Since my lines only freeze in the winter, only time will tell if the project was successful. Fingers crossed and thank you!

  • Project: Test Indoor Air Quality

    Very up front and professional..easy to work with. The workers were polite and explained things well. I felt very comfortable with this contractor and not intimidated as others tend to do.

    Tonya N., Mechanicsburg, PA
  • Very friendly, professional staff - highly recommend!

    Morgan & Nathan R., Harrisburg, PA
  • Great Job. The crew did a great job. Answered all questions, addressed any concerns. 

    Dave L., Myerstown
  • Bill was very professional and straightforward. I forgot to make barriers to keep the insulation contained and was surprised to see that they took the extra time to put them up. We noticed an immediate difference in the comfort of the rooms under that attic space. Thank you!

    Jan Z., Dillsburg
  • The crew was courteous and kept us informed of their progress throughout the project!

    Russell & Stella K., Mechanicsburg, PA
  • Wonderful experience. The initial consultation was extremely thorough and well explained. The work was done quickly and professionally.

  • I received many other quotes and no one else proposed using rebates. By using those available rebates, it made the job affordable! Thanks!

    Dennis S., Mechanicsburg, PA
  • Everyone from the quoting process, scheduling, and installation were polite knowledgeable, and great to work with!

    Mindi Y., Lewisburg, PA
  • Very prompt service, good quality workmanship

    Regina W, Mechanicsburg, PA
  • Thorough, Consistent, and Honest! Thank you!

    Cappel, Camp Hill, PA
  • We are very pleased as we could notice an immediate improvement in the lack of heat loss in our home. Would Definitely recommend others get this done in their homes!

    William Stum, Landisburg, PA
  • We just wanted to thank you and your team for your recent service. We opted for "the works" – Soffit Baffles, Attic Air Sealing and Attic Insulating. Your field workers completed all of the work in about 3.5 hours; much sooner than anticipated by us.

    Mr. and Mrs. Randal Rhoades, Mechanicsburg, PA