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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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Groundworks, LLC BBB Business Review
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Terry Stickler was very thorough and explained everything in detail to us. He gave us the best suggestions and where to go from there….

Terry Stickler was very thorough and explained everything in detail to us. He gave us the best suggestions and where to go from there. Would highly recommend!

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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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AFS did an outstanding job on my patio! From start to finish, the entire process was smooth, professional, and efficient. The team was…

AFS did an outstanding job on my patio! From start to finish, the entire process was smooth, professional, and efficient. The team was knowledgeable, communicated clearly, and took the time to explain everything so I felt confident in the work being done. The quality of the workmanship really stands out—my patio looks fantastic and feels solid and well-built. They paid attention to detail and made sure everything was done right the first time. The crew was also respectful of my property and left the area clean when they finished. I highly recommend AFS to anyone looking for reliable, high-quality work. I couldn’t be happier with the results!

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Austin Shelton was awesome! Very knowledgeable very polite and answered all our questions! Highly recommend AFS!!

Austin Shelton was awesome! Very knowledgeable very polite and answered all our questions! Highly recommend AFS!!

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Excellent professional work by Parris Houchins and Bug Boyd! These two showed up on time and made short work of spraying foam under my…

Excellent professional work by Parris Houchins and Bug Boyd! These two showed up on time and made short work of spraying foam under my patio and getting it back to being level. Thank you gentlemen and AFS for the great job!

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Levi, Hunter, Dylan and chase were great people and very professional. Would recommend to anyone looking for foundation repairs.

Levi, Hunter, Dylan and chase were great people and very professional. Would recommend to anyone looking for foundation repairs.

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Gary and Angel were very good to work with they did a great job and were very kind Great job!

Gary and Angel were very good to work with they did a great job and were very kind Great job!

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Nate was extremely thorough and informative!

Nate was extremely thorough and informative!

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Devon And Omar did a great job

Devon And Omar did a great job

Jessica and Matt Haley

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Chad was amazing at guiding us through their thorough assessment of the house we were planning on purchasing. He educated me on the key…

Chad was amazing at guiding us through their thorough assessment of the house we were planning on purchasing. He educated me on the key concepts and provided a comprehensive plan to fix the home!! Thank you so much Chad!!!

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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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After researching crawl space contractors , I decided to contact AFS for an inspection of our 70+ year old house. The inspector, Mr. Landon …

After researching crawl space contractors , I decided to contact AFS for an inspection of our 70+ year old house. The inspector, Mr. Landon Tidwell, was very knowledgeable and professional. He spent a significant amount of time with us, explaining the processes used by his company, inspecting the crawl space and then presenting a proposal for repair and mitigation of future damage. AFS is a top notch company.

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Richard did an extremely thorough inspection to help us figure out the likely source of water problems in our basement. Highly recommend!

Richard did an extremely thorough inspection to help us figure out the likely source of water problems in our basement. Highly recommend!

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Demario and Antonio were on time and worked diligently all day. They were very systematic and considerate of my property as they worked. …

Demario and Antonio were on time and worked diligently all day. They were very systematic and considerate of my property as they worked. The work was done in a timely manner and I was told what would happen and how. Again, I cannot express enough how much I appreciated the professionalism and work ethic of Demario and Antonio!!

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Ed Duffey at AFS came in clutch with our annual inspection. Just before his arrival, my kitchen flooded. Out of kindness, he vacuumed all…

Ed Duffey at AFS came in clutch with our annual inspection. Just before his arrival, my kitchen flooded. Out of kindness, he vacuumed all water that leaked into the crawl space and didn’t charge any extra! Along with doing his normal duties. Super nice guy! So glad I went with AFS to do my crawl space repair!

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They arrived on time and were very professional. Eddie, Baron, and Cody were fantastic and very quick. They were also really good with not…

They arrived on time and were very professional. Eddie, Baron, and Cody were fantastic and very quick. They were also really good with not creating any additional mess in the home and laid down plastic to keep my carpets protected- very appreciated. Thrilled to have gone with AFS to get my crawlspace to where I needed it.

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I just had Wade Siler come take a look at my house's foundation. We were seeing cracking in the corners of our doorways and on our garage…

I just had Wade Siler come take a look at my house's foundation. We were seeing cracking in the corners of our doorways and on our garage door. Wade checked every corner of our house's foundation, all around our troubled areas. Come to find out the foundation was in good shape. He proved it with a laser level. The interior issues appear to be from vibrations in the house causing the cracks. The drywall needs some expansion joints. The issues outside around the garage door are from the lintel beam sagging. Again, he proved it with the laser level. Wade was super honest about everything and I highly recommend him coming out to take a look at your house even if you have just the slightest concern about foundation issues. Thanks Wade!!!!

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We had alpha foundations best crew we had crew Foreman clay Caldwell we had Jordan Reid and Kevin nims I can't say enough about this crew…

We had alpha foundations best crew we had crew Foreman clay Caldwell we had Jordan Reid and Kevin nims I can't say enough about this crew they were wonderful they knew exactly how to fix our problem and went to work immediately they were very respectful of our home while doing their job. they were here on time and worked without any breaks or lunch they just did their job I can't say enough about this crew and alpha foundation. I would recommend them to anyone and everyone who is having problems with their foundation.

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Wade Siler was perfect during our home inspection from AFS. He was very informative and explained everything where I could understand. If…

Wade Siler was perfect during our home inspection from AFS. He was very informative and explained everything where I could understand. If you are needing someone to come out for an inspection I would highly recommend Wade Siler.

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Calvin, Katell and Kyree were awesome. Punctual and highly courteous. Calvin explained everything that they were doing as well as answered…

Calvin, Katell and Kyree were awesome. Punctual and highly courteous. Calvin explained everything that they were doing as well as answered any questions or concerns i had throughout the process. Great crew!!!!

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 40233

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