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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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Anthony, Khi, and Devin did an outstanding job today!!!!! Thanks AFS!!!!

Anthony, Khi, and Devin did an outstanding job today!!!!! Thanks AFS!!!!

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Jordan with AFS came out to the house to check things out. Was very professional, definitely knew his stuff. My husband and I were very…

Jordan with AFS came out to the house to check things out. Was very professional, definitely knew his stuff. My husband and I were very shocked to hear all the information. Thanks Again Jordan.

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Great experience, Patrick M is very professional and helpful!

Great experience, Patrick M is very professional and helpful!

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We had AFS come and give us a free quote. (All in all, we got 3 quotes, from 3 different companies. First quote was for $127k, 2nd quote:…

We had AFS come and give us a free quote. (All in all, we got 3 quotes, from 3 different companies. First quote was for $127k, 2nd quote: AFS quoted $58k – inclusive of a 10% off coupon received at time of quote, and 3rd quote: they said they couldn’t handle the job, we need to use AFS.) We had a pretty unique situation, where we were in the process of purchasing the home with the foundation issue, which AFS was kind enough (and patient enough) to make sure it worked out for us at a way later date! Once the day came for the work to start, the team, Alex, Kyre & John, arrived on time and all had a great disposition and enthusiastic attitudes! We were excited to see the process and they explained what they were doing along the way. They were very kind, well-mannered and did a fantastic job! They cleaned all their mess and even reseeded the area in which they dug, (which I wasn’t expecting that). Prior to their arrival, the cracks in our foundation were large enough I could stick my entire hand and arm through to outside! But upon completion, I can’t even fit a chopstick through it! They also encapsulated our entire crawlspace, including mold treatment and sump pumps and dehumidifiers. What was once a muddy crawlspace, that had eroded to the point of lowering FEET over time, with its own ecosystem growing, is now a usable, clean and safe crawlspace. The process is fascinating to watch and the end result is even better! The fact they offer a Lifetime Warranty for their work gives me the security I need to sleep at night, knowing my investment was well placed. So happy we chose AFS and even happier our home is fixed!

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What a crew: Johnny, Jon, James and Jake! They were good nature even with the hot hard work ahead of them. They were quick, explained what…

What a crew: Johnny, Jon, James and Jake! They were good nature even with the hot hard work ahead of them. They were quick, explained what they had done, and then they were gone.

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Dakota and his crew were great, highly recommend

Dakota and his crew were great, highly recommend

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We contacted AFS to lift/stabilize our old concrete porch slab. Peyton, the field inspector, was very thorough in explaining the process…

We contacted AFS to lift/stabilize our old concrete porch slab. Peyton, the field inspector, was very thorough in explaining the process and what to expect. On the day of the work, Nick B. and Josh B. were on time, excellent at walking us through the process, and did a great job at the repair and clean up. Our porch did not raise dramatically like we hoped, but this was not at any fault of the crew. From the very beginning they were very clear that lift wouldn't be guaranteed. The sag, however, did almost entirely resolve and we are confident that it is stabilized now. We will definitely call AFS again if we ever need any of their services!

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Donta was very detailed in his work. He wanted to ensure I understood what he was going to do and afterwards what was done.

Donta was very detailed in his work. He wanted to ensure I understood what he was going to do and afterwards what was done.

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My experience with AFS was exactly the way it was explained to us. It looks great. Katie, Tyler and Nolan did a terrific job. Will…

My experience with AFS was exactly the way it was explained to us. It looks great. Katie, Tyler and Nolan did a terrific job. Will recommend to others who may need some type of that type of work done. Thank you fellas. We appreciate it 😊👏🏽

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Chris was thorough and professional. He did a complete inspection and provided options to resolve the problem.

Chris was thorough and professional. He did a complete inspection and provided options to resolve the problem.

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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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We had a wet and smelly crawl space and a friend recommended AFS. We called and were able to get an appointment quickly. After inspection…

We had a wet and smelly crawl space and a friend recommended AFS. We called and were able to get an appointment quickly. After inspection the representative Brandon explained what needed to be done and was very thorough and informative. A few days later Evan Jensen, Aldo Garcia and Jorge Martinez began the repair. This team is amazing. They are efficient and professional. What a fantastic job! The crawl space is clean, dry and we are so pleased with the results!

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Jarrod Kingrey with AFS arrived promptly and he was courteous, exceptionally knowledgeable, and professional as he provided annual service …

Jarrod Kingrey with AFS arrived promptly and he was courteous, exceptionally knowledgeable, and professional as he provided annual service to my system. Many thanks!

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Austin came out and gave a thorough inspection. He worked in a very professional and timely manner.

Austin came out and gave a thorough inspection. He worked in a very professional and timely manner.

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Wade Siler not only understands your needs, but his experience and knowledge of foundation & materials makes a big difference, he was…

Wade Siler not only understands your needs, but his experience and knowledge of foundation & materials makes a big difference, he was punctual, professional and looks like a movie STAR!

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AFS Mobile did a great job fixing the moisture problem under my house. I would recommend Tommy, Jeremy and Dylan to anyone that needs to…

AFS Mobile did a great job fixing the moisture problem under my house. I would recommend Tommy, Jeremy and Dylan to anyone that needs to fix a problem with moisture problems. They were here quickly and were very professional.

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AHS recently encapsulated our crawlspace. The crew that did the work was 5 stars. Evan, Aldo, Mason & Joel did a phenomenal job. They kept…

AHS recently encapsulated our crawlspace. The crew that did the work was 5 stars. Evan, Aldo, Mason & Joel did a phenomenal job. They kept us well informed as to what they were doing and why- stellar communication! Attention to detail was exceptional— Far beyond the ordinary. Materials were first rate and the company’s prices were quite reasonable. Our house is older, 1973, with its own set of quirks. Fortunately, this team had the skills to meet the challenge. The finished product was outstanding. I would hire them again in a heartbeat.

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Levi Harris did an inspection of my house he explained everything clearly and gave me options and a reasonable quote. He was very thorough…

Levi Harris did an inspection of my house he explained everything clearly and gave me options and a reasonable quote. He was very thorough and professional.

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Khi, Anthony & Devin were awesome!! Came in to a horrible mess and they left it way better than they found it. The wall fix was perfect and …

Khi, Anthony & Devin were awesome!! Came in to a horrible mess and they left it way better than they found it. The wall fix was perfect and the drainage install outside, you can’t even see it. Perfect job guys!! Thank you!!!

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Carlos, Tyler M. and Margarito worked hard all day, did a great job communicating and were very polite and respectful. Great Job! Thanks

Carlos, Tyler M. and Margarito worked hard all day, did a great job communicating and were very polite and respectful. Great Job! Thanks

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

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