Seal Out Moisture and Outdoor Air

Crawlspace encapsulation for healthier homes in Naperville, Illinois

Vented crawlspaces in Naperville often let in humid air during the summer and cold air during the winter, which can lead to damp floors, musty odors, and higher energy bills. If your home has a crawlspace that feels damp or smells stale, the space is likely pulling in outdoor air and ground moisture through open vents and exposed dirt floors.

Windy City Insulation provides full crawlspace encapsulation to control moisture and improve energy efficiency by sealing the space off from the ground and outside air. We install a heavy-duty vapor barrier across the floor, seal it to the foundation walls, and close off vents to create a controlled environment. This process is often combined with insulation and air sealing to improve indoor air quality and protect your flooring system from long-term moisture damage.

Contact us today to schedule a crawlspace encapsulation consultation in Naperville.

How the encapsulation process protects your home

We begin by clearing debris and leveling the crawlspace floor, then lay a thick polyethylene vapor barrier across the entire surface in your Naperville home. The barrier is sealed at the seams and attached to the foundation walls to stop ground moisture from evaporating into the air above.

Once the encapsulation is complete, your crawlspace will feel noticeably drier, and the air inside your home will smell cleaner. You may also notice that your floors stay warmer in winter because the space below is no longer pulling in cold outdoor air through open vents.

We also close off foundation vents and insulate the walls or floor joists depending on your home's design. This work does not address plumbing leaks or drainage problems, but it does stop the cycle of moisture infiltration that leads to wood rot, mold growth, and weakened floor framing over time.

Common concerns before starting encapsulation

Homeowners typically want to know what encapsulation includes, how it affects ventilation, and whether their crawlspace needs additional work before the barrier can be installed. Below are answers to the questions we hear most often.

What does crawlspace encapsulation include?
We install a vapor barrier on the ground, seal it to the foundation walls, close off exterior vents, and insulate the walls or floor joists. The goal is to isolate the crawlspace from outdoor air and ground moisture.
How does sealing vents affect air quality?
Closing vents stops humid outdoor air from entering in summer, which reduces condensation and musty odors. The crawlspace becomes part of your home's conditioned space, so air quality improves rather than worsens.
What problems should be fixed before encapsulation?
You should address any standing water, drainage issues, or active plumbing leaks before we install the vapor barrier. Encapsulation works best when the crawlspace is dry and the ground is stable.
How long does crawlspace encapsulation take?
Most encapsulation projects in Naperville take one to two days depending on the size of the crawlspace and whether insulation or additional sealing work is included. Access and ceiling height can also affect timing.
Why is encapsulation common in Northern Illinois?
Older homes in this region often have vented crawlspaces that were designed to let air flow freely, but this approach leads to moisture problems and energy loss. Encapsulation corrects this by sealing the space and controlling the environment.

Windy City Insulation is a fully insured contractor serving Naperville and surrounding areas, and we focus on clean, professional installations that protect your home's flooring system and indoor air quality. Learn more by reaching out to schedule your crawlspace evaluation.