Crawl Space Encapsulation vs. Plastic Liner — What’s the Real Difference?

You’ve probably seen it before — someone pulls back a crawl space door and says,

“Oh, it’s got plastic. You’re good.”

But are you?

At PierPoint Foundation Solutions, we hear this all the time from realtors, homeowners, and even inspectors — and it’s costing people thousands in damage down the road.

Let’s break down the real difference between a professional crawl space encapsulation and a basic plastic ground liner, and why it matters for your home.

🧾 What Is a “Plastic Liner” Setup?

A plastic liner — or ground cover — is often:

• Thin 6-mil plastic or less

• Laid directly on soil

• Not sealed at walls or piers

• Loose, wrinkled, or torn

• Installed with little to no drainage solution

It’s typically installed to meet code or to check a box, but not to protect your home long-term.

🏗️ What Is a True Encapsulation?

A professional encapsulation by PierPoint includes:

• 20-mil reinforced vapor barrier, sealed wall-to-wall

• Foam board or closed-cell wall insulation (optional but recommended)

• Sealing around all penetrations — piers, HVAC, plumbing

• Full drainage system with EZ-Flow or gravel trench and a sump pump

• Dehumidifier to control indoor air conditions year-round

• Moisture meter & humidity monitoring

• Transferable warranty protecting your investment

It’s a system — not just a sheet of plastic

💡 Why Plastic Alone Isn’t Enough

A plastic liner doesn’t address the cause of your crawl space problems. It only covers the symptom — like putting a band-aid on a leaking pipe.

Without:

• Drainage

• Air sealing

• Dehumidification

• Wall insulation

…the crawl space will stay humid, musty, and vulnerable to mold, rot, and structural damage — even if it “looks” covered.

🛠️ Why Homeowners Choose Encapsulation

Encapsulation isn’t just for “problem homes.”

It’s for smart homeowners who want:

• Healthier indoor air

• Lower utility bills

• Protection from mold and pests

• Stronger home resale value

• Peace of mind from what’s under their feet

📞 Ready to Seal It Right?

If you’re tired of temporary fixes or wondering if that plastic sheet is enough — let us take a look and give you real answers.

📍 Serving all of Arkansas

📅 To schedule a free inspection, contact Dakota Treece:

📞 (501) 284-9330

📘 Message us on Facebook @PierPointFoundationSolutions

🔗 Book Your Crawl Space Evaluation

Liners lay flat. We build protection. Let’s encapsulate it right.