Crawlspace Moisture Control in Alabama | Encapsulation, Vapor Barriers & Fungal Prevention

Stop Crawlspace Moisture and Protect Your Home's Foundation

If you own a home in Alabama, crawlspace moisture isn’t just an annoyance—it’s a threat to your property and your family’s health. At Apex Foundation Repair and Waterproofing (AFW), we specialize in crawlspace moisture control, encapsulation, vapor barrier installation, and fungal prevention. We follow all EPA guidelines and Alabama building codes for lasting results you can trust.

Why Moisture Control Is Critical for Alabama Crawlspaces

Moisture issues are common in Alabama crawlspaces due to our climate. Without proper protection, you risk:

• Fungal Growth & Decay: Fungus thrives in damp crawlspaces, breaking down wood and insulation and creating unhealthy, musty odors.

• Wood Rot & Termites: Damp wood attracts termites and accelerates fungal decay, threatening your home’s support.

• Structural Damage: High humidity weakens beams and joists, leading to costly repairs and uneven floors.

• Poor Indoor Air Quality: Up to 50% of your home’s air can originate from your crawlspace, according to the EPA. Fungus and excess moisture can directly impact your indoor air quality.

• Rising Energy Bills: Humid air makes your HVAC system work overtime, increasing your energy costs.

Crawlspace Moisture Control Solutions by AFW

Crawlspace Encapsulation

AFW uses professional crawlspace encapsulation to fully seal your crawlspace against ground and wall moisture.

• Heavy-duty 12–20 mil vapor barriers cover the ground and foundation walls.

• Seams, piers, and penetrations are sealed with waterproof tape or mastic.

• Perimeter walls are insulated for extra protection.

• An airtight crawlspace door or hatch is installed to keep humid air out.

Benefits:
Encapsulation locks out moisture, blocks fungus and pests, and helps keep your floors comfortable year-round.

Vapor Barrier Installation

A vapor barrier is a code-required, thick plastic sheet installed to block water vapor from soil.

• We use at least 12 mil thick barriers (double the minimum code in Alabama).

• All seams are overlapped and sealed for maximum effectiveness.

Why it matters:
Proper vapor barrier installation is the #1 defense against crawlspace moisture and fungal growth.

Crawlspace Dehumidifiers

Humidity can creep in—even with a barrier. AFW installs commercial-grade, crawlspace-specific dehumidifiers.

• Keeps crawlspace humidity below 60% (EPA recommendation to prevent fungus)

• Quiet, efficient, with automatic drainage options

Crawlspace Vent Sealing & Insulation

Open crawlspace vents bring in Alabama’s humid air and create moisture problems.

• We seal vents and insulate perimeter walls to keep outdoor humidity out and your crawlspace dry.

Codes and Standards We Follow

At Apex Foundation Repair and Waterproofing, we don’t cut corners. Every crawlspace moisture control project is completed to the highest standard and complies with all federal and Alabama building requirements.

​

EPA Moisture Control Guidance

We follow the EPA’s recommendation to install a polyethylene vapor retarder of at least 6-mil thickness, sealed at all seams and extending up the crawlspace walls. The EPA also recommends keeping relative humidity below 60% to prevent fungal growth and wood decay.
​

Alabama Building Code & International Residential Code (IRC)

• Alabama follows the 2015 International Residential Code (IRC) for crawlspace moisture requirements. The code requires all exposed earth in crawlspaces to be covered with a continuous vapor barrier (minimum 6-mil polyethylene), with all joints overlapped by at least 6 inches and sealed or taped.

• Unvented (sealed) crawlspaces must have a properly installed vapor barrier and humidity control, either by conditioning with HVAC or using a dehumidifier to keep humidity below 60%.
  IRC 2015 R408.1–R408.3
  Alabama Building Commission Codes

FEMA Guidelines

• FEMA recommends installing a sealed, reinforced vapor retarder over the crawlspace floor and up the foundation walls, with all seams sealed to prevent moisture intrusion and fungal growth.
  FEMA Homeowner’s Guide, Section 5

​

ASHRAE Standards

• We follow ASHRAE’s recommendations for fully sealing and conditioning crawlspaces in humid climates to protect your home from moisture and fungus.

​

Our Promise:

• When you choose AFW, you’re getting moisture control solutions that meet or exceed all EPA guidelines, Alabama building codes, and national best practices—so your crawlspace stays dry, healthy, and up to code.