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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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George Steiner was very professional, prompt, and thorough… we had our crawl space encapsulated a year ago with Ross Lee and our house has …

George Steiner was very professional, prompt, and thorough… we had our crawl space encapsulated a year ago with Ross Lee and our house has been great since!!!

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Tony was great and provided excellent service.

Tony was great and provided excellent service.

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Thanks to Matthew, Shawn and Travis for their excellent work on our home. They were extremely professional and knowledgeable about all they …

Thanks to Matthew, Shawn and Travis for their excellent work on our home. They were extremely professional and knowledgeable about all they did. We are very impressed with our experience with this company.

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Shout out to Emmett W. for inspecting my encapsulation and sump pump today

Shout out to Emmett W. for inspecting my encapsulation and sump pump today

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I moved here from up north about 2 years ago and bought a house and slowing learning this TN weather and how crazy it is. Knowing this,…

I moved here from up north about 2 years ago and bought a house and slowing learning this TN weather and how crazy it is. Knowing this, Jordan Pankey has been exceptional with this process and handling my crawlspace!! I highly recommend Jordan and AFS!!!

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Bryson was amazing !! Very thorough and detailed …

Bryson was amazing !! Very thorough and detailed …

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Patrick was absolutely wonderful to work with. He’s honest, and truly cares about the quality of his work. The entire process was smooth…

Patrick was absolutely wonderful to work with. He’s honest, and truly cares about the quality of his work. The entire process was smooth and stress-free. We couldn’t be happier with the results — highly recommend!

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Bailey L. Spencer L and selvin are the most professional crew I’ve ever dealt with. They were very good at explaining every step and were…

Bailey L. Spencer L and selvin are the most professional crew I’ve ever dealt with. They were very good at explaining every step and were informative on every question I had and I would highly recommend them to do their work!! If I could give 10 stars I would!!

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Victor Antonio Gustavo

Victor Antonio Gustavo

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Gavin, Jonathan, and George were awesome. George inspected our home. He answered all of our questions and explained the process really well….

Gavin, Jonathan, and George were awesome. George inspected our home. He answered all of our questions and explained the process really well. Gavin and Jonathan came to our home to take care of our service. Gavin did a great job of explaining everything they were going to do. He answered all of our questions. Gavin and Jonathan took care of our garage faster than expected and left it in great shape. 10/10

Justin & Dawn Holman

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Archie and his crew were very professional. They kept me informed throughout the job. I am very satisfied

Archie and his crew were very professional. They kept me informed throughout the job. I am very satisfied

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Dakota and his crew were great, highly recommend

Dakota and his crew were great, highly recommend

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I received several quotes for my foundation issues. The first was high for the limited scope that they were going to do, the second one…

I received several quotes for my foundation issues. The first was high for the limited scope that they were going to do, the second one told me that I needed to hire an engineer and then I got the quote from AFS. While these type of repairs are expensive to do they worked with me to come up with a plan that will take care of my issues, but that could work with a budget. Jesse, Selvin and Smith performed my repairs. They explained all that they were doing and even when we ran into an issue they addressed it and I was very satisfied with the work that was done.

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Sebastian was very knowledgeable and was able to answer every question I had about what I needed to do to take care of my crawlspace…

Sebastian was very knowledgeable and was able to answer every question I had about what I needed to do to take care of my crawlspace moisture problem. I’m a repeat customer for AFS. I appreciate their ability to quickly resolve my problem and flexible payment options

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Jason was excellent – On time and immediately repaired the minor fix. Courteous also, and very attentive to our basement pump system!

Jason was excellent – On time and immediately repaired the minor fix. Courteous also, and very attentive to our basement pump system!

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This interaction started with a negative, but was resolved so well that anything less than a 5 star review would be a lie. I was supposed…

This interaction started with a negative, but was resolved so well that anything less than a 5 star review would be a lie. I was supposed to have someone come by and inspect my foundation on 02/07/26, but no one arrived. I informed the company of this on Sunday and received a follow up email from their customer service department almost immediately asking for more details. They took full ownership of the error (even though it was a simple matter of a calendar not updating), and I received a phone call from Dakota Roden first thing Monday, who apologized for the error and rescheduled the inspection. He called roughly 40 minutes prior to the appointment and assured me that he would be there as planned. He was professional, courteous, and explained the work that needed to be done and the options to do it incredibly well, and more than made up for what ended up being a completely understandable accident. They provided a discount that they didn’t have to give, but one for which I am incredibly grateful. I believe that how a company resolves issues is a much better gauge of their integrity and professionalism than doing so when everything is going well. I cannot recommend AFS of Knoxville, and specifically Dakota, more highly.

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Logan, Jacob and Braeden were great to work with and did a great job for us.

Logan, Jacob and Braeden were great to work with and did a great job for us.

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Alex and Tyler showed up on time and communicated ahead of time their schedule so I didn’t have to wait around. They were extremely…

Alex and Tyler showed up on time and communicated ahead of time their schedule so I didn’t have to wait around. They were extremely professional and friendly, I can’t say enough about how impressed I was by the work they performed.

Smith Family Robinson (Zac Smith)

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We have used AFS several times. To lift our car port concrete pad, resolve a floor joist structural issue and most recently to encapsulate …

We have used AFS several times. To lift our car port concrete pad, resolve a floor joist structural issue and most recently to encapsulate our crawlspace (with dehumidifier). The service has always been top-notch. Kudos to Josh who recently came out to perform our annual maintenance checkup – patient, thorough and professional 10 star support. We renewed our annual maintenance contract on the spot. Hopefully you will never need foundation work but if you do, I highly recommend you check with AFS first!

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Very nice young men. They did a good job of repairing my walkway. They were both very friendly and professional.

Very nice young men. They did a good job of repairing my walkway. They were both very friendly and professional.

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