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Crawl Space Encapsulation & Repair

Addressing all of your crawl space’s issues will promote energy efficiency and comfort in your home.

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Award-Winning Service

Groundworks, LLC BBB Business Review
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I would like to thank Stephen, Alex and his crew, Matt, and Parris for all that they did. Everything was professional and you could have…

I would like to thank Stephen, Alex and his crew, Matt, and Parris for all that they did. Everything was professional and you could have not asked for anymore. It all started from the Quote till the finished product, very professional. They answered all my questions and explained it to a tee. The whole process lasted 3 days, every part of the process was weel communicated withe time and estimates on completion. AFS should be very proud of the personnel they have working for them. GREAT JOB !!!!!

Stacey Felker-Brady

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Will Edwards helped me out with my service and did a great job. Thanks AFS!

Will Edwards helped me out with my service and did a great job. Thanks AFS!

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Jordan Pankey is top-notch, #1 representative of AFS. If you’re having your house checked for damage and want an expert, ask them to send…

Jordan Pankey is top-notch, #1 representative of AFS. If you’re having your house checked for damage and want an expert, ask them to send Jordan.

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Victor's crew (Antonio and Gustavo) did an outstanding job as usual.

Victor's crew (Antonio and Gustavo) did an outstanding job as usual.

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Ed Duffey was great! Very professional and kind. He gave us easy to understand information about how to take care of our home today and in…

Ed Duffey was great! Very professional and kind. He gave us easy to understand information about how to take care of our home today and in the future.

M Kathryn Lineberger

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Great job !!! Thanks Tony Marlowe

Great job !!! Thanks Tony Marlowe

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Excellent service. Excellent quality of work

Excellent service. Excellent quality of work

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We had foundation problems and got the crawl space encapsulated. Notice I said we HAD foundation problems, not anymore!! AFS IS THE BOMB!!!!…

We had foundation problems and got the crawl space encapsulated. Notice I said we HAD foundation problems, not anymore!! AFS IS THE BOMB!!!! From the first contact when our inspector Shay arrived to the time our crew arrived, the job completed was exactly as promised. NO SURPRISES!! The crew was amazing to say the least!! They we're very prompt, professional and informative every day. The work area was kept clean every day including the completion of the job!! What a pleasure this experience has been!! Thank you AFS AND CREW, YOU ROCK!!!! I want to thank the following crew!! Taylor Fox Clay Graham David Ennis Patrick Trotter Gavin Smith Casey Humphrey THANK YOU!!! GREG WHITEHEAD

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Wonderful experience all around. Customer service from the sales person to the crew making the repairs was fantastic. Watching the…

Wonderful experience all around. Customer service from the sales person to the crew making the repairs was fantastic. Watching the process to fix my sidewalk and driveway was fascinating. I would rehire them in the future, if needed.

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They were very helpful and did a great job!

They were very helpful and did a great job!

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Uriel, Bryce,Jose.

Uriel, Bryce,Jose.

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We are beyond pleased with receiving, in our home, a pleasant, knowledgeable, personal, patient, very open to our product questions and…

We are beyond pleased with receiving, in our home, a pleasant, knowledgeable, personal, patient, very open to our product questions and inquiries with representative Justin Bennett representing Alpha Foundations. Hands down Justin Bennett is one of the most courteous professional representatives we have met in the world of poor customer service of today. We were pleased how he educated us on the "features and benefits" of utilizing Alpha Foundations for our "long term safety and value of our home". We found Justin Bennett a problem solver, having great communication skills, alert listener, very organized, through, empathic, and passionate about Alpha Foundations. We are preparing our next steps of restoration at this time in which utilizing this upgrade will be added into our plan. We certainly feel confident in Justin and Alpha Foundations by forwarding all the referrals we can to Justin for others homes in the area. Justin's enthusiasm is contagious while taking his time on a National Holiday weekend to crawl under the home and measure precisely. Thank you!

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Johnnie and Jacob were great representatives for themselves and their companies. Definitely will recommend AFS to anyone and everyone….

Johnnie and Jacob were great representatives for themselves and their companies. Definitely will recommend AFS to anyone and everyone. Communicated arrival plans the morning of (appreciated) and arrived when discussed. Got the job done professionally and accurately. Thanks fellas.

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Greg was extremely knowledgeable and explained the situation where I could understand. I hope to see Greg return for next year’s inspection!

Greg was extremely knowledgeable and explained the situation where I could understand. I hope to see Greg return for next year’s inspection!

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Excellent job by AFS. Parris and Bug were very professional and explained in detail the job description and expectations. They were great….

Excellent job by AFS. Parris and Bug were very professional and explained in detail the job description and expectations. They were great. Highly recommend.

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Eric did a wonderful job ,very informative,very curious, it turned out so much better than we thought it would. We are very happy with…

Eric did a wonderful job ,very informative,very curious, it turned out so much better than we thought it would. We are very happy with everything. Thank you.

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Our annual AFS inspection results showed major concerns with our basement. Thankful the inspection tech found the issues early. We had a…

Our annual AFS inspection results showed major concerns with our basement. Thankful the inspection tech found the issues early. We had a second dehumidifier installed and the floor joists and sub flooring sprayed to kill mold that had begun to form. AFS was able to schedule us within 2 weeks of inspection. The installation techs were prompt, very efficient, and cleaned up after work was done. They were in contact with me during the entire process. Highly recommend AFS for any foundation/basement concerns.

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Hats off to Blake, Arnold, Yoni and team leader Ricardo for doing an awesome job installing our perimeter drain system, sub pumps, and wall …

Hats off to Blake, Arnold, Yoni and team leader Ricardo for doing an awesome job installing our perimeter drain system, sub pumps, and wall moisture barrier. They were knowledgeable, talented, and professional. They showed up on time every day and kept us in the communication loop. Looking forward to having a dry basement in the 50 year old house that we bought last summer. Our sales consultant, Rob L., was also a wealth of information and helped us find an affordable solution to our water issue. We definitely would recommend the Huntsville office of AFS to others!

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I recently had an inspection conducted by Alan M. to look at a few cracks in my basement that had recently leaked water and some additional …

I recently had an inspection conducted by Alan M. to look at a few cracks in my basement that had recently leaked water and some additional cracks on the exterior of foundation. I was very pleased with the overall consultation. He provided very valuable input and discussed different solutions with me along with the pros/cons of each. I was very impressed with his professionalism and felt like I was given honest and sound advice to help me make a decision. I would highly recommend Alan M.

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Very thorough and professional. They did a great job with leveling my foundation and walkway. It was money well spent. Thanks again Gavin…

Very thorough and professional. They did a great job with leveling my foundation and walkway. It was money well spent. Thanks again Gavin and Jonathan. And thank you Bob for your professional consult. I look forward to doing business with you again in the future.

Is Crawl Space Encapsulation the Right Solution for Me?

Have you ever wondered if those vents in your crawl space are really doing their job? For years, the common wisdom was that venting a crawl space would keep it dry by “airing it out.” But those vents often allow more moisture in, turning your crawl space into a breeding ground for mold and mildew. With higher humidity levels sneaking in through the vents, your home’s foundation may suffer from ongoing moisture issues that can compromise indoor air quality and even lead to structural damage.

That’s why crawl space encapsulation has become the go-to solution for many homeowners. Encapsulating your crawl space seals it off from outside moisture, transforming it from a damp, neglected area into a clean, dry, and usable part of your home. 

Beyond just protecting your foundation, encapsulation boosts energy efficiency, keeps your indoor air healthier, and adds long-term value to your home. If you’re looking for a smarter, more effective way to control moisture and maintain a healthier living environment, crawl space encapsulation could be the perfect solution.

AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists has been providing cutting-edge crawl space encapsulation products for more than 20 years. Our durable 120-mil-thick vapor barrier, combined with AquaStop™ thermal Insulation board, state-of-the-art sump pump systems, and high-capacity crawl space dehumidifiers, keeps your crawl space dry and greatly improves your home’s indoor air quality.

3d cut out of crawl space repair solutions.
Fully Encapsulated Crawl Space

Why Is Crawl Space Waterproofing Needed?

Crawl spaces are often out of sight and out of mind, but if left unprotected, they can lead to serious issues. Many older homes still have exposed or vented crawl spaces, which can allow moisture, pests, and even mold to take hold. Here are the key reasons why an encapsulated crawl space is essential for a healthy, stable home:

Dirt crawl space with fallen insulation.

Water Damage

Water damage is one of the biggest threats to your crawl space. A breakdown in the sump pump, cracks in the crawl space door, plumbing leaks, or foundation shifts can introduce moisture, transforming a dry crawl space into a damp, musty area. Over time, this can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and damage to your home’s foundation. Addressing the root causes of water damage first, followed by a professional waterproofing solution, keeps your crawl space dry, healthy, and protected.

Wet and messy crawl space.

Exposure

In many older homes, the crawl space is fully exposed or vented to the outside air, which allows moisture and humidity to enter freely. Encapsulation creates a sealed barrier that blocks moisture, pests, and cold drafts, turning the crawl space into a clean, controlled environment. Before encapsulating, it’s crucial to inspect for any existing issues, as covering up damage can allow problems like rot or mold to worsen unseen.

Dirt crawl space with fallen insulation.

Deterioration

While waterproofing and encapsulation materials from big box stores say they are built to last, they won’t last forever. Over time, wear and tear reduce their effectiveness, leaving your crawl space vulnerable to moisture. Regular inspections and maintenance ensure that your crawl space remains secure, even as the materials age, protecting your home’s structure and indoor air quality.

Whether you’re considering crawl space encapsulation for the first time or looking to upgrade your current setup, professional guidance is essential. An expert can assess your crawl space, explain the benefits, and provide a clear estimate of costs, helping you make the best choice to keep your home safe and resilient.

Crawl Space Encapsulation Steps

Interior Drainage and Sump Pump

The first step in creating an encapsulated crawl space starts with installing an interior drainage system and a sump pump, especially if you live in a place where flooding is common. Although not all crawl spaces need a sump pump, it might be important if you’re dealing with a leak or if your home has a build that will result in water slowly gathering in the crawl space. In these situations, a sump pump can be a great way to avoid further problems that standing crawl space water can cause.

The drainage system and sump pump work best when paired together. The specially designed EZ Flow™ Crawl Space Drainage System is placed in the crawl space floor to collect leaking water.

This water is then directed to drain into the sump pump system so that it can be properly removed from the crawl space. Additionally, drainage matting can be placed on the crawl space floor to help direct water from other parts of the crawl space to the perimeter EZ Flow™ system.

Vapor Barrier Liner

Next, ensure the crawl space doesn’t have an open dirt floor. If your crawl space has any open dirt space underneath it, which may be the case for some or all of your crawl space, it’s important to have an AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialist place a vapor barrier liner. By using only a 20-mil vapor barrier liner, the thickest liner available, you can be certain you’ll keep all water vapor outside your crawl space.

Remember that any dirt crawl space needs a vapor barrier. This is true whether the area appears to have a lot of moisture or seems mostly dry. Even dirt that seems dry will connect much further down to soil with a lot of moisture in it. Dirt retains moisture very far down, and any dirt in crawl spaces will eventually release that moisture. It’s a good idea to install a vapor barrier liner over any dirt areas in your crawl space.

Vent Covers

Installing airtight vent covers can fix this additional moisture problem. A vent cover is very easy to install, overall; all you have to do is fasten the vent cover on the vent and you’ll be protected from extra moisture that may come in from the vent. Vent covers can also protect you against pests that might enter through a vent and water that might come in during rain or floods. Overall, covering your crawl space vents is absolutely a better choice than leaving them open.

Dehumidifier

Lastly, especially if you tend to have a very humid home, it’s important to install a crawl space dehumidifier. Even if you’ve completely sealed off the crawl space from humidity, it’s still possible for the home and the area around it to carry more moisture, as is often the case in areas with humid subtropical climates. In these situations, you may need to consider a crawl space dehumidifier.

Dehumidifiers shouldn’t be your first step. If you have a humid crawl space, you can’t necessarily stick a dehumidifier in the space and call it done. You really need to tackle the base problem of the crawl space, which is probably open vents or a dirt crawl space, before you can install a dehumidifier. However, a dehumidifier can be a genuinely useful part of encapsulating a crawl space, so you also shouldn’t rule out the possibility for a dehumidifier.

Why Store-Bought Crawl Space Solutions Don’t Work

Store-bought crawl space solutions often don’t work well because they use lower-quality materials that aren’t built to withstand a crawl space environment. These spaces deal with a lot of moisture and temperature changes, and cheaper products can’t handle these conditions for very long.

Proper encapsulation also needs careful installation to make sure the space is fully sealed. DIY kits may not include everything needed, and without experience, it’s easy to leave gaps or wrinkles that let in moisture and pests. As a result, store-bought solutions can wear out quickly, leading to ongoing moisture problems, mold, and even damage to your home’s structure.

Common Crawl Space Tips & Mistakes

Tips:

  • Even sealed crawl spaces can develop moisture, so a high-capacity, self-draining dehumidifier helps prevent mold and improves air quality throughout your home.
  • Encapsulation stabilizes crawl space temperatures, reducing energy use and HVAC strain, which ultimately saves you money on utility bills and maintenance.
  • While vented crawl spaces were once recommended, sealing them is now preferred to block humid air, mold, and allergens from entering your home.

Mistakes:

  • Failing to install a backup sump pump can lead to flooding if the main pump breaks or loses power.
  • Waterproofing alone isn’t enough; full encapsulation with sealed walls and floors is needed to prevent mold and improve indoor air quality.
  • DIY encapsulation can backfire without professional-grade materials and proper installation, leading to issues with condensation, pests, and mold growth.
  • Not all crawl space insulation is alike—only closed-cell wallboard resists moisture and provides an effective R-value, while fiberglass and spray foam can worsen moisture problems.
AFS service area

Providing Expert Crawl Space Repair in Alabama, Georgia, Kentucky, Florida, and Tennessee

Customers across Alabama, Tennessee, Georgia, Kentucky and Florida trust AFS Foundation & Waterproofing Specialists for reliable crawl space, foundation, basement waterproofing, and concrete repair services. Contact us for a free inspection!  

Top Cities We Serve


Crawl Space Encapsulation Resources

AFS service area

Our Locations

Birmingham AL

130 Interstate Commerce Crt. Bldg. 100 & 200
Alabaster, AL 35007

Chattanooga TN

806 N Holtzclaw Ave.
Chattanooga, TN 37404

Columbus GA

2701 Opelika Road
Phenix City, AL 36870

Dothan AL

1909 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 322,
Dothan, AL 36303

Florence AL

118 E Mobile St
Florence, AL 35630

Gulfport MS

1317 26th Ave, Ste 101
Gulfport, MS 39501

Huntsville AL

2415 Jordan Road
Huntsville, AL 35811

Knoxville TN

3028 E Governor John Sevier Highway
Knoxville, TN 37914

Louisville KY

13105 Middletown Industrial Blvd.
Louisville, KY 40223

Mobile AL / Biloxi MS

3131 Hamilton Blvd.
Theodore, AL 36582

Nashville TN

1519 Heil Quaker Blvd.
LaVergne, TN 37086

Pensacola FL

89 W. Hood Dr.
Pensacola, FL 32534