Crawl Space Encapsulation & Repair
Addressing all of your crawl space’s issues will promote energy efficiency and comfort in your home.
Schedule Free InspectionCommon 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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Kyle was very pleasant, professional and informative. He is an asset to the company. Employees of his caliber are hard to find and rarely…
Kyle was very pleasant, professional and informative. He is an asset to the company. Employees of his caliber are hard to find and rarely exist. Thank you for sending him.
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Excellent service. Excellent quality of work
Excellent service. Excellent quality of work
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The case manager Rhett came out for free estimate. The professionalism oozed out of this guy and had such a Charismatic way of presenting. …
The case manager Rhett came out for free estimate. The professionalism oozed out of this guy and had such a Charismatic way of presenting. Very Educated answers, knew his stuff, even had access to uplinks who were also knowledgeable. Knowing he is running the show also impedes the "left hand doesnt know what the right hand does" scenario. It will be a tremendous boon to work with this guy… and this company has a solid professional face through Rhett. Great impression left on my whole family.
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I recently had an inspection and estimate from AFS and the inspector they sent out was very thorough. Wade Siler is his name. He answered…
I recently had an inspection and estimate from AFS and the inspector they sent out was very thorough. Wade Siler is his name. He answered all of my questions and made the entire process very transparent. If you are considering working with AfS in the future and live in the Nashville area, ask for Wade Siler. You will not be disappointed.
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Jesse Shontz did an inspection for me. I was very pleased with the way he conducted himself. Professional conduct and a thorough estimate.
Jesse Shontz did an inspection for me. I was very pleased with the way he conducted himself. Professional conduct and a thorough estimate.
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Kyle Ballew was very knowledgeable and respectful
Kyle Ballew was very knowledgeable and respectful
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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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Awesome experience. I ran a laser in my house and found one corner had sunk 3.25" since it was built (late 70s). Called a few companies for …
Awesome experience. I ran a laser in my house and found one corner had sunk 3.25" since it was built (late 70s). Called a few companies for quotes. One company didn't measure anything, just looked for cracks in masonry/drywall, and told me to use self leveling concrete. One room alone was 2.5" out of flat, and self leveling would've covered the sill plates on the walls… AFS actually measured, with calibrated equipment, and made a map of the house with measurements and proposed pier locations. They were timely with the quote, and getting a crew out to perform the work. I signed the waiver, and asked the crew to not just stabilize, but to lift my foundation on the helical piers and see what inconsistency we could take out. They were cautious, and I told them to keep going as we monitored. We ultimately got the worst room (2.5" out of level from corner to corner in a 10'x13'room) to within a quarter inch on the 13' wall, and an eighth on the 10' wall! Yes, it's more expensive than doing nothing, or using other systems. But it was totally worth it. Any remodeling work in the future would have required fighting every step of the way with other solutions. I.e. ceiling heights inconsistent. Walls bowed or out of plumb, no 90 degree corners to be found. Definitely glad I paid a bit to do it the right way. And it only took them 1 full day to do it all (7x piers).
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Each facet of the project was pleasant, from beginning to end.The inspector, Isaiah, showed up on time and provided a complete and…
Each facet of the project was pleasant, from beginning to end.The inspector, Isaiah, showed up on time and provided a complete and understandable evaluation of the issues I was facing with my home's foundation and concrete driveway settling. He conducted his inspection, built a presentation on his computer, complete with images of my home, a map / sketch of areas of concern, and videos further detailing the resolution process the field teams would use to fix the issues.I really found GREAT value in the quality of services as well as the warranty of the services. I did not shop any further for another contractor. AFS was my choice on the first 'at bat'.We set repair dates (3 days) for a couple weeks out once Isaiah completed his inspection and explanation.I was kept fully in the loop via emails and phone contact up to the beginning day of the project. I was very happy with the ease of getting in touch with AFS.Day 1 Eric Garcia contacted me directly around 830 am and stated he would be arriving soon. Eric and his crew, Christain and Ivan arrived and made quick introductions and wasted no time getting to work. Day 1 involed preparing 16 holes around my foundation to install SettleStop helical piers. Day 2 was much the same with the same 3 man crew, and the beginning of lifing procedures on my foundation. During both days Eric maintained constant contact with me and involved me in any decision that needed 'homeowner' attention. Great communication Eric! Day 3, final day brought Eric, Christain, and Ivan once again to complete lifing my foundation. They arrived along with Matt Martin and Paris who installed SettleStop poly renewal on my sinking / sliding driveway and a third crew, Ovy and Taylor who installed a lot of AquaStop thermal protection (wall insulation) in my crawl space. When I say these guys got to it, I mean the 4 men worked at a breakneck pace without sacrificing quality. Hats off gentlemen! I greatly appreciate your commitment.And again, ALL 3 crews maintained constant and concise communication.Once the crews finished up on day 3, ALL areas in which they worked were cleaned up as well or better than before they began. Ivan even re-seeded areas of my yard where the excavator had been. Thanks Ivan!Overall, very satisfied with the project. I will use AFS if I have any other issues they provide services for in the future.-Will F.
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I have nothing but positive things to say about AFS! Our home had several issues that needed to be addressed, such as moisture in the…
I have nothing but positive things to say about AFS! Our home had several issues that needed to be addressed, such as moisture in the crawlspace, sagging beams, and lack of floor supports. After calling AFS, we meet with their inspector who conducted a thorough inspection and explained all areas of concern. When the time came for the repairs, AFS was in constant communication with us and gave an accurate estimate of their arrival. The crew that showed up (Jackson, Micah, and Mikey) were fantastic! They were professional, detail oriented, and open to our questions. After completing the work, we did a walkthrough with the foreman to ensure we were happy with the repairs. I highly recommend AFS for anyone experiencing issues with their crawlspace or foundation.
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Gerard, Jordahn and Chris did the drainage work in my crawlspace, and they did a fantastic job! They got the work completed very fast and…
Gerard, Jordahn and Chris did the drainage work in my crawlspace, and they did a fantastic job! They got the work completed very fast and we’re very nice and respectful. I have nothing but great things to say about them AFS is lucky to have them as well as Jim Adams who inspected my home he did an amazing job and made sure my home got the right repair with the right crew to handle it. They made sure I was taken care of and happy with everything from beginning to End. I would highly recommend them to anyone!
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I have had people hive other estimates, but I have never had someone that was do thorough and honest as Alan was very impressed with company
I have had people hive other estimates, but I have never had someone that was do thorough and honest as Alan was very impressed with company
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Had a meeting with Caleb Loy today concerning my house foundation. Caleb did an awesome job and I highly recommend Caleb and AFS Foundation.
Had a meeting with Caleb Loy today concerning my house foundation. Caleb did an awesome job and I highly recommend Caleb and AFS Foundation.
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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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Working with AFS has been a wonderful experience. Scheduling was easy and Alan and Eric did an outstanding job with communicating with me….
Working with AFS has been a wonderful experience. Scheduling was easy and Alan and Eric did an outstanding job with communicating with me. They confirmed my appointment, called me prior to the visit to personally introduce themselves, kept me informed of their arrival time, were very polite and professional and took time to explain their findings as well as plan of action. A+ service! I would highly recommend them.
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Sean did a thorough job doing an annual checkup. Good follow up AFS!
Sean did a thorough job doing an annual checkup. Good follow up AFS!
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I used Alpha to encapsulate a beach house crawl space that takes on water in very heavy rain due to a high water table. Was damp and nasty …
I used Alpha to encapsulate a beach house crawl space that takes on water in very heavy rain due to a high water table. Was damp and nasty most other times. Moisture was causing the kitchen floor under some heavy countertops to sag in some areas so lift and additional supports put in also, under island and along the main beam. I am happy with the result and I'm sure this has saved my investment. Air quality is great now that the crawl space has dried out, no more musty smell when the A/C is off. The sales and installation crew were great. Also Hayden came out recently to check the work a few months later and he was very good. I signed up with him for their 5-year service plan for the system. My only additions were some additional water sensors in low spots and a temp & humidity sensor all from Govee that are on the home wifi and send me alerts remotely if any issues. I also placed another temp & humidity sensor outdoors for comparison since the Govee app plots them over time. The humidity at this location rises to in the 90% pretty routinely every night, even when no rain in the area. Everything outside will be wet from the condensation but the crawl space humidity does not budge and stays dry.
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We are an existing customer. After requesting a reinspection we were assigned Mike Chaffin. He was very thorough with a detailed report….
We are an existing customer. After requesting a reinspection we were assigned Mike Chaffin. He was very thorough with a detailed report. Very professional and my husband was pleased.
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AFS was very thorough in the explanation of repairs needed upon the initial inspection and scheduled a repair date. Gavin Dendy & Jonathan…
AFS was very thorough in the explanation of repairs needed upon the initial inspection and scheduled a repair date. Gavin Dendy & Jonathan Alvarez contacted me in route, arrived on time, relayed the scope of work previously agreed upon, explained the approximate time duration, completed the job in a professional manner, and reviewed the finished product w/me to make sure I was 100% satisfied.
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YORRICK SHOWED UP ON TIME AND EXPLAINED THE PROCESS AND TECHNIQUES USED AND GAVE QUOTE. EXCELLENT YOUNG MAN WORKING WITH THIS NEW…
YORRICK SHOWED UP ON TIME AND EXPLAINED THE PROCESS AND TECHNIQUES USED AND GAVE QUOTE. EXCELLENT YOUNG MAN WORKING WITH THIS NEW TECHNOLOGY TO ASSIST WITH OLDER HOME ISSUES
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
1904 Watterson Trail, Suite 130
Louisville, KY 40299
3131 Hamilton Blvd.
Theodore, AL 36582
1519 Heil Quaker Blvd.
LaVergne, TN 37086
89 W. Hood Dr.
Pensacola, FL 32534