Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [encapsulation]

14 questions
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Why can't an encapsulated and dehumidified crawl space have vents sealed off?

I found SECTION R408.3 of the International Residential Code which says that unvented crawl spaces are only allowed if one of the following is true: There is exhaust ventilation fan running continually The crawl space is air conditioned along with…
brentonstrine
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Crawl Space Encapsulation: How to deal with the "Chamber of Secrets?"

I have a south Louisiana home built in the 1950's with a vented crawl space. In the 70's, a den was added with a slab on grade foundation. In this addition, the back porch was converted into a landing with steps down to the floor of the den. From…
dwest_netdev
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Filling in gaps around radiator pipes

So I've been sleuthing on here for a minute to find an answer to my special quirk here but couldn't find it so now I'm asking. So I have some annoying holes near my radiators but they connect downward into some red wood floors. And because they're…
FooBun
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Does Age of Home need to be considered when encapsulating crawl space?

I have had my crawl space encapsulated. It has made a big difference in the air quality inside the home (80 years old). However, I am now seeing cracks throughout my home in the walls closer to the top half of the walls and also on my fireplace…
Robin
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Can I use a vapor barrier paint instead of polyethylene sheets to encapsulate my crawlspace?

I was looking into "encapsulating" my crawlspace by some manner or other. From what I can tell the way to do this involves (primary) some thick poly (.15 or more) along the the soil and up the walls. The poly is then sealed to the…
iamkrillin
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Should the foundation wall be insulated when encapsulating a crawl space, or not?

I've seen conflicting info on this. Some sources say that you shouldn't insulate your foundation wall because moisture can get trapped between the insulation and the wall. Others say that the insulation is a key part of the encapsulation. I'm…
brentonstrine
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How to encapsulate asbestos around water heater exhaust pipe and cinderblock wall?

It was brought to my attn that there's asbestos insulation around the exhaust pipe of my water heater. I planned to have an energy audit on the house which involves creating negative room pressure throughout the house - something the auditors will…
cr0
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How should holes in a crawlspace liner be fixed?

I had a company encapsulate my crawlspace with 20 mil liner. The liner installed has 3 dime size holes as well as a 4-5 inch gash they covered with tape. They now would like to cover the holes with tape as a fix. They also mentioned they are going…
Ivan
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How to encapsulate mastic/cutback that contains asbestos on plywood subfloor?

We're doing some renovations and got to the flooring and I'm unsure how to proceed, so I'd love some input. A few things for context: House was built in 1961 Single story Raised foundation 3/4 plywood subfloor Subfloor isn't particularly flat, and…
Matt
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When sealing a crawlspace, should the vapor barrier go in front of or behind wood posts resting on the footing?

Boise, ID (zone 5). I'm encapsulating the crawlspace both as radon mitigation and to reduce heat loss (currently no insulation down there). Under the floor joists are some beams supported by 4x6 posts. Some posts rest on concrete piers, but some…
Vulcan
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Can the masonry on the outside of our fireplace be encapsulated, or must it be rebuilt?

During the inspection on a prospective home, inspection revealed the fireplace needs to be rebuilt bottom to top. There are cracks allowing moisture in. The estimate from the first fireplace contractor was very high, accordingly! However, the…
Kelly Roberts-Wheat
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How to safely handle a (likely) asbestos popcorn ceiling encapsulation?

We have a cottage that was built in the 70s. I had our asbestos tiles (tested by a company, some were 0.5% asbestos some were 2% asbestos) covered with quarter inch mahogany underlay and then sheet vinyl over top. We also have a popcorn ceiling in…
JS99
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how should I determine the requirements for my specific crawlspace encapsulation?

I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. Low humidity and mild climate year round. I don't have any problem with mold or humidity in my vented crawlspace, but it is musty and I want to prevent that musty air from getting into the house. What's the best…
rebar
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Insulating/encapsulating crawlspace with HVAC ducting questions

In the PNW/Zone 4 climate. The house I am purchasing built in 1942 with an addition added had an inspection performed and it was noted that some of the fiberglass insulation installed under the subfloor between the joists was falling down and/or…
redlude97
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