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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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Josh B and Noah added more structural supports in our crawls space and I'm here to tell you they did quality work. They had a clear…

Josh B and Noah added more structural supports in our crawls space and I'm here to tell you they did quality work. They had a clear understanding of the complexities involved. We feel more secure knowing our home is protected. The quality of their workmanship/professionalism was outstanding! Highly recommend. Great experience! Thank you.

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Logan, Danny and Gaberial did a great job. Logan communicated well to keep us aware of when they would be onsite and what work was being…

Logan, Danny and Gaberial did a great job. Logan communicated well to keep us aware of when they would be onsite and what work was being done. They cleaned up well afterward.

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I recommend Natanael,Pedro and Roberto

I recommend Natanael,Pedro and Roberto

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We had our crawlspace encapsulated & a drainage system installed in our basement, and we have a BIG basement, so it was no small feat! The…

We had our crawlspace encapsulated & a drainage system installed in our basement, and we have a BIG basement, so it was no small feat! The AFS crew of Freddie, Jorge, & Sebastian did an outstanding job in every way! Uber came to assist the 3rd day and they completed the job flawlessly! Such a breath of fresh air to have guys with such a great work ethic and smiles that fill a room! They were so professional & pleasant! It was such a pleasure having these guys do the job for us! I just wanted to adopt them all! A+! Thanks AFS!

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From start to finish, AFS has taken great care and time to ensure the longevity of my home. The initial inspection was completed in great…

From start to finish, AFS has taken great care and time to ensure the longevity of my home. The initial inspection was completed in great detail. Even when the news of needed repairs hit, the technician remained both tactful and compassionate – ensuring that we were in good hands. When the installation technicians arrived, they got right to work, and provided daily updates. Upon completion, the installation technicians sent pictures and videos of the completed crawl space work. They were courteous and kind, as well as professional. The entire process was fantastic, I would highly recommend this company, for all things crawlspace foundation and basement.

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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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Rhett was great explaining and analyzing our foundation and crawlspace. Was a pleasure to have him out to in our home. This is our second …

Rhett was great explaining and analyzing our foundation and crawlspace. Was a pleasure to have him out to in our home. This is our second interaction with AFS and it has been very informative and professional. Thank you again Rhett for all your help today. Devin (Nashville)

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Taylor Fox, David Ennis, David Smith, and Patrick Trotter were fantastic! They worked seemingly nonstop until the job was finished. I…

Taylor Fox, David Ennis, David Smith, and Patrick Trotter were fantastic! They worked seemingly nonstop until the job was finished. I highly recommend AFS

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Archie, Nate, and Adam are amazing!!! We have had several jobs done at our house over the past couple of years and there is no one who…

Archie, Nate, and Adam are amazing!!! We have had several jobs done at our house over the past couple of years and there is no one who comes even close to matching the professionalism, personal attention, and communication of Archie. They had to come back a few times to get the job done—because our house is a Franken-house and they were gracious and genuinely interested in getting the job done right. I cannot recommend them enough and AFS lucked out to have Archie representing the company. Amazing!

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I had the pleasure of meeting with Robert Fuller. He was on time, friendly and extremely knowledgeable! He made me feel comfortable with…

I had the pleasure of meeting with Robert Fuller. He was on time, friendly and extremely knowledgeable! He made me feel comfortable with the information, and I ended up chosing them for the repair! Couldn't be happier!!

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GM, Tony Marlowe was my Service Technician for the day. I am please with the work he has done. He went over and explained everything to me.

GM, Tony Marlowe was my Service Technician for the day. I am please with the work he has done. He went over and explained everything to me.

Yvonne Jordan-Morgan

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Absolutely recommend i’ve had a great experience with this company The employees have great customer service From Jake who did the…

Absolutely recommend i’ve had a great experience with this company The employees have great customer service From Jake who did the consultation to Trevor , James and Brennan who completed the project All were very nice and did such a great job Many thanks

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Recently had crawl space work done by AFS. The install crew led by Javier along with Quincey and Reynaldo were wonderful to work with. …

Recently had crawl space work done by AFS. The install crew led by Javier along with Quincey and Reynaldo were wonderful to work with. Javier's timely and thorough communication was top notch. All three never seemed to slow down or take a break for the entirety of the two full day project (other than a lunch break each day). Unlike other groups I have had working on home projects (who try to rush the sign-off) Javier took the time to show me every aspect of the completed project to make sure I was satisfied. Thanks!

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Tyler Whitt came out to help with an ongoing basement issue. He was very helpful in identifying the issue and scheduling the repair, and we …

Tyler Whitt came out to help with an ongoing basement issue. He was very helpful in identifying the issue and scheduling the repair, and we were able to hopefully stop our house’s issues!

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Evan, Aldo, and Jorge did any amazing job! It was quick simple and they explained everything clearly for us to understand. I definitely…

Evan, Aldo, and Jorge did any amazing job! It was quick simple and they explained everything clearly for us to understand. I definitely recommend them for your foundation needs! Thank you to everyone at AFS!!

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Scott Alsabrook from AFS came out to do our yearly service. He put a new battery in and serviced everything and even took pictures of…

Scott Alsabrook from AFS came out to do our yearly service. He put a new battery in and serviced everything and even took pictures of underneath the house and shared with me. Very professional and kind.

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Tony Marlowe was very professional with checking our system.

Tony Marlowe was very professional with checking our system.

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Uber Jorge and Juan Pablo did my waterproofing in my crawl space. They were quick. The work that they did was neat. They were very nice and …

Uber Jorge and Juan Pablo did my waterproofing in my crawl space. They were quick. The work that they did was neat. They were very nice and polite. They made sure that I was pleased with the work they did. I highly recommend this crew for your waterproofing needs.

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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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Jeff was great! Awesome experience, super knowledgeable, super helpful, fast and reliable! Couldn’t ask for more!

Jeff was great! Awesome experience, super knowledgeable, super helpful, fast and reliable! Couldn’t ask for more!

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

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