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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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AFS came out to the house today to install 5 piers around one corner of my home. The crew that showed up consisted of David, Bobby, and…

AFS came out to the house today to install 5 piers around one corner of my home. The crew that showed up consisted of David, Bobby, and Jesus and they were all friendly and professional. They got right to work and did a good job of looping me in at every step to ensure I understood what was happening and why. I am very pleased with the job they did and how they cleaned up after the work was done. I would recommend AFS (and this crew specifically) to anyone looking for a company to complete foundation repairs.

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Nikoli, John and Spirit were on time and did an excellent job on our crawl space repair. We’ve always had great service from AFS.

Nikoli, John and Spirit were on time and did an excellent job on our crawl space repair. We’ve always had great service from AFS.

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Our inspector Shane Feeney was EXCELLENT. Very professional, came early, and did a thorough job. I would highly recommend using AFS, and…

Our inspector Shane Feeney was EXCELLENT. Very professional, came early, and did a thorough job. I would highly recommend using AFS, and asking for Shane specifically.

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Noe Rivas ( foreman) and Pedro Hernandez (co-foreman) did an amazing job. Noe was exceptionally knowledgeable and explained everything in…

Noe Rivas ( foreman) and Pedro Hernandez (co-foreman) did an amazing job. Noe was exceptionally knowledgeable and explained everything in detail. He and Pedro worked quickly with few breaks to complete the project ahead of the estimated time frame. Noe was very friendly, had great manners, and even took his shoes off before entering the house! We are very happy with the results and would recommendthis AFS team.

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John Alexander with AFS was pretty thorough with the process and services he was very detailed and friendly. He answered and explained to…

John Alexander with AFS was pretty thorough with the process and services he was very detailed and friendly. He answered and explained to all my questions and concerns. They arrived on time and were courteous and polite and were not here for to long as I could continue off to work for the rest of my day. Good Job Team AFS.

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Evan ,Aldo and Jorge did a great job today with a complete crawl space encapsulation. It was completed in just one day. Great team work…

Evan ,Aldo and Jorge did a great job today with a complete crawl space encapsulation. It was completed in just one day. Great team work and professionalism.

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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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Sean did an outstanding job of completing our 1 year inspection! He was very thorough and explained everything with professional expertise. …

Sean did an outstanding job of completing our 1 year inspection! He was very thorough and explained everything with professional expertise. I highly recommend Sean and AFS!

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Needed support for upstairs flooring in dining room and living room. AFS dealt with a basement crawl space to install a metal beam and…

Needed support for upstairs flooring in dining room and living room. AFS dealt with a basement crawl space to install a metal beam and posts to level the upstairs floor. Did a great job in half a day, and Cody B, Christian P., and Justin T. Did their work efficiently, professionally, and with as little disruption as possible. We have always had good products and service from AFS and will continue with them.

Michael Spear-Jones

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Ricardo and his team installed a pump system in our crawl space. They were very professional. Our sales person was Wyatt and he was awesome …

Ricardo and his team installed a pump system in our crawl space. They were very professional. Our sales person was Wyatt and he was awesome and not pushy and investigated our water problem and made suggestions of how to solve it. Your company was great. I recommend them highly. Monique scheduled everything. All was right on time.!!!! Thank you!!!

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Kyle Ballew came out for an inspection and quote for repair work. Very professional and informative.

Kyle Ballew came out for an inspection and quote for repair work. Very professional and informative.

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William Jamison and Christian Santos were excellent and very informative with all the work that needed to be done. They were prompt and…

William Jamison and Christian Santos were excellent and very informative with all the work that needed to be done. They were prompt and made sure every thing was finished and cleaned. Any questions we had, they thoroughly went over with us. 10/10 customer service for these guys!

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We had a great experience with AFS! After dealing with multiple opinions and estimates regarding our basement/foundation concerns, AFS came …

We had a great experience with AFS! After dealing with multiple opinions and estimates regarding our basement/foundation concerns, AFS came in with a practical, straightforward approach that made us feel much more comfortable moving forward. Their team was professional, knowledgeable, and took the time to explain the stabilization process without using scare tactics or trying to oversell unnecessary work. The installation crew was timely, respectful of our home, and completed the job efficiently. We especially appreciated how responsive and patient they were throughout the process, answering questions and helping us better understand the engineer’s recommendations. The finished work looks clean and gives us peace of mind moving forward. If you’re looking for a foundation company that is honest, professional, and solution-focused, we would definitely recommend AFS.

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Thank you to Tony & Trevor with AFS-Birmingham! I appreciate your prompt attention, professionalism and guidance during the process of my…

Thank you to Tony & Trevor with AFS-Birmingham! I appreciate your prompt attention, professionalism and guidance during the process of my home repair. You guys are amazing!

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AFS did an excellent job installing an crawl space drainage system at my house. They were timely and answered all of my questions. Jordan…

AFS did an excellent job installing an crawl space drainage system at my house. They were timely and answered all of my questions. Jordan Pankey gave me an overview of the job and pricing.

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Had a great experience with AFS. They were professional every step of the way and their price was competitive to others. Cody, Aiden and…

Had a great experience with AFS. They were professional every step of the way and their price was competitive to others. Cody, Aiden and Brady completed the repairs to my basement and did an immaculate job. Thank you again for the great experience!

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Brandon came out amd gave me great information. I look forward to doimg business with him in the future!

Brandon came out amd gave me great information. I look forward to doimg business with him in the future!

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Kyle was on time, courteous, and thorough in explaining the process. He was very pleasant to work with in the process.

Kyle was on time, courteous, and thorough in explaining the process. He was very pleasant to work with in the process.

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Scheduled an inspection for a sagging concrete sidewalk (and front steps)….Tanner arrived as scheduled and provided me a professional…

Scheduled an inspection for a sagging concrete sidewalk (and front steps)….Tanner arrived as scheduled and provided me a professional assessment of the damage, along with a repair estimate. He clearly explained the lifting process, with the help of some before and after videos. I scheduled the sidewalk repair, and also received an estimate for driveway repair (cracks, sagging, etc). There was no pressure at all….Tanner also inspected the exterior of our house for any signs of foundation problems, which he did not see! Before replacing a concrete sidewalk or driveway, I would definitely contact AFS for a free inspection to learn how their lifting process can save you time and money! Thank you!

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jackson,mikey and brandon was amazing very professional and very respectful top notch thank you guys for all you do god bless

jackson,mikey and brandon was amazing very professional and very respectful top notch thank you guys for all you do god bless

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