Crawl Space Encapsulation & Repair
Addressing all of your crawl space’s issues will promote energy efficiency and comfort in your home.
Get Your Free EstimateCommon Crawl Space Problem Signs
If your crawl space begins to rot, grow mold, or experience structural problems, this will extend to every part of your home. At AFS Foundation & Waterproofing, we specialize in crawl space problems of all types.
Moisture in Your Crawl Space
Crawl space moisture leads to mold, pests, and unpleasant odors. AFS provides professional solutions to effectively dry out your crawl space.
Water in Your Crawl Space
Discover the causes and risks of water in your crawl space, and the urgency of addressing it for your home's well-being.
High Crawl Space Humidity
Learn about the causes of crawl space humidity and the effective moisture control solutions provided by AFS.
Bouncy Floors
Uncover the factors leading to bouncy floors and how AFS's solutions can safeguard the stability and safety of your home.
Award-Winning Service
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Very pleased with the work and clean-up effort performed on our back porch footing area. Brent, Dallas, and Austin were professional,…
Very pleased with the work and clean-up effort performed on our back porch footing area. Brent, Dallas, and Austin were professional, courteous and knowledgeable about the issue and the work required to eliminate any future worries that we may have had. I appreciate the expertise and work ethic that they exhibited. Good help is somewhat hard to find these days and I would strongly recommend these guys!
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Excellent service. Excellent quality of work
Excellent service. Excellent quality of work
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Jordan did a great job of assessing issues at my investment property and explaining the best course of action. Great company, give them a…
Jordan did a great job of assessing issues at my investment property and explaining the best course of action. Great company, give them a call.
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The AFS workers,Kayote, Nolan and Tyler, came both days ready to do their job. They took pride in the work that they did and it shows in…
The AFS workers,Kayote, Nolan and Tyler, came both days ready to do their job. They took pride in the work that they did and it shows in the results that we got. If we had to do it again we’d choose AFS again. Thanks again guys 😊👏🏽
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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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Quadarrius, Antawan, and Andrew they did a good job.
Quadarrius, Antawan, and Andrew they did a good job.
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Excellent job from Derrick who performed our initial evaluation and his team who did the work on our crawl space Parris Houchins and Kyle…
Excellent job from Derrick who performed our initial evaluation and his team who did the work on our crawl space Parris Houchins and Kyle Juraszek. We were very satisfied with the job they did and the communication they provided throughout the process was exceptional. Job well done.
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Landan and his team were professional through all communication with my wife and I. Landan explained all steps of the removal of the…
Landan and his team were professional through all communication with my wife and I. Landan explained all steps of the removal of the insulation and the installation of the encapsulation and equipment. We are very pleased with the professionalism of AFS.
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Shout at to the entire crew at AFS. From my inspector, Eric Knowlton, through the Production Manager, James Such, to my hands own crew…
Shout at to the entire crew at AFS. From my inspector, Eric Knowlton, through the Production Manager, James Such, to my hands own crew lead by foreman Nikoli Elrod and his stud group of co-foreman and installers including: Christian Parrish, Edgar Perez and Clayton Cox. I just can't say enough good things about this project and the team that installed it. Our home had experienced differential settlement along the left rear corner, needed extensive stabilization of its floor framing, and had tons of both water and vapor reaping havoc in my crawlspace. The AFS team landed like the marines and just took care of business. They called every day before heading out, as well as activating an app that let me track their progress like a pizza delivery — just not used to that with home construction projects. They showed up on time and worked late and completed our projects ahead of schedule And most importantly, they did all of this while remaining amazingly kind and respectful. These are the sort of folks you want to work around your home. Thanks again to Nikoli and crew for a phenomenal job at our home! PS: Below is a picture of them taking the time to help me lift my pool table. Completely beyond the scope of their contracted work, but illustrative of their can do attitude:)
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Really appreciate Jordan Gilmore! He is extremely knowledgeable and professional. My client and I had a clear understanding of what needed…
Really appreciate Jordan Gilmore! He is extremely knowledgeable and professional. My client and I had a clear understanding of what needed to be done to correct the crawlspace and foundation issues after meeting with Jordan. Got to love the guarantee offered by AFS!!
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Nikoli Elrod did a great job reviewing our system. Very knowledgeable and great demonstration!!
Nikoli Elrod did a great job reviewing our system. Very knowledgeable and great demonstration!!
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I was referred to AFS Foundation by my structural engineer. The team at AFS responded quickly to assess the issue and provide me with a…
I was referred to AFS Foundation by my structural engineer. The team at AFS responded quickly to assess the issue and provide me with a detailed report. Their bid and contract were easy to understand and I found the price to be fair. Throughout the entire process the foreman David, hank, and germaine were professional and responsive. The work was completed on time and as promised. They left the work area as clean as possible. Even after the work was completed they responded to my questions and provided me with a report of work completed. They made the whole process as pleasant as possible. Very professional all the way.
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Brock was very knowledgeable, honest, and friendly.
Brock was very knowledgeable, honest, and friendly.
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I had an amazing experience working with Neal Collins at AFS Groundworks. From the very beginning, his customer service was top tier. He…
I had an amazing experience working with Neal Collins at AFS Groundworks. From the very beginning, his customer service was top tier. He took the time to explain everything in detail, answered every question with patience, and made sure I fully understood the process before moving forward. What stood out the most was his professionalism, knowledge, and genuine willingness to help instead of making me feel pressured. Neal went above and beyond to make sure I was comfortable and informed every step of the way. It’s rare to come across someone who truly cares about the customer experience the way he does. If you’re looking for a company that values honesty, communication, and excellent service, I highly recommend AFS Groundworks — and definitely ask for Neal Collins. He made the entire experience smooth, stress-free, and well worth it.
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Thank you Ke'saun Ben and Austin. Great work.
Thank you Ke'saun Ben and Austin. Great work.
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Scott McKenzie’s and his crew Uriel, Jose, Jesus, Aaron did a great job installing my encapsulation! Showed up on time, and did the work as …
Scott McKenzie’s and his crew Uriel, Jose, Jesus, Aaron did a great job installing my encapsulation! Showed up on time, and did the work as promised! I really appreciated all of the hark work!
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I had a great experience with AFS from start to finish. The company was professional, responsive, and made the entire process smooth and…
I had a great experience with AFS from start to finish. The company was professional, responsive, and made the entire process smooth and stress-free. Their team was easy to work with and clearly takes pride in providing quality service. Toney, who inspected my home’s foundation, did an excellent job. He was knowledgeable, thorough, and took the time to explain everything clearly and answer my questions. His professionalism and attention to detail really stood out. I would confidently recommend AFS and Toney to anyone in need of a foundation inspection.
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Bob Fuller came out to our old home and crawled in a very small crawl space to evaluate what is needed to repair the home. He was very…
Bob Fuller came out to our old home and crawled in a very small crawl space to evaluate what is needed to repair the home. He was very thorough and even brought my 16 year old daughter with him to show her what he was looking for and at. He took the time to explain everything to us and made sure we understood everything. We are hoping to be able to take the next steps soon. Thanks again Bob!!
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Reid Walley was a pleasure to meet, very nice, introduced himself shook hands and went right to explaining everything to me, very thorough …
Reid Walley was a pleasure to meet, very nice, introduced himself shook hands and went right to explaining everything to me, very thorough and polite. Hope to see him again. Thank you, Dave Parks
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Very professional, easy to work with, knowledgable, quick, and do good quality work.
Very professional, easy to work with, knowledgable, quick, and do good quality work.
Crawl Space Repair Solutions
If you’re having a problem with your crawl space, you’ve come to the right place. Whatever your issue, we have the products and experience that you need to find the best solution.
Crawl Space Insulation
Effective crawl space insulation tackles crawl space moisture and escalating energy costs. Learn about our innovative solution!
Crawl Space Dehumidifier
Get superior crawl space moisture management with AFS's innovative AquaStop™ Crawl Space Air System.
Crawl Space Sump Pump
Discover how AFS's crawl space sump pumps remove standing water and create a healthier living space!
Crawl Space Vapor Barrier
Seal out water by installing a vapor barrier from AFS. Our superior system controls moisture and creates peace of mind.
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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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
Our Locations
130 Interstate Commerce Crt. Bldg. 100 & 200
Alabaster, AL 35007
806 N Holtzclaw Ave.
Chattanooga, TN 37404
2701 Opelika Road
Phenix City, AL 36870
1909 Montgomery Hwy, Suite 322,
Dothan, AL 36303
118 E Mobile St
Florence, AL 35630
1317 26th Ave, Ste 101
Gulfport, MS 39501
2415 Jordan Road
Huntsville, AL 35811
3028 E Governor John Sevier Highway
Knoxville, TN 37914
13105 Middletown Industrial Blvd.
Louisville, KY 40233
3131 Hamilton Blvd.
Theodore, AL 36582
1519 Heil Quaker Blvd.
LaVergne, TN 37086
89 W. Hood Dr.
Pensacola, FL 32534