Is your crawlspace dank and mildewed? Does the mere thought of it give you the creeps? If so, it's not only hideous it's unsafe - and it's costing you money! You need a nice, dry crawlspace that's both energy efficient and safe. A properly sealed crawlspace can be 15 to 18 percent more efficient than a non-sealed one. And let's face it, with rising energy costs and heightened environmental considerations, homeowners can use all the savings they can get.

When first faced with your dank, mildew-infested crawlspace, you probably recoil with a gasp of revulsion. The next thought that likely enters your mind is, "I should get that icky thing taken care of." But how do you go about it? Where do you start?

You could call someone to do it for you but that would cost a bundle. Why not fix it yourself? With clearly defined instructions to follow, it's simple - and you could save up to 80 percent of the cost. Kind of a no brainer, huh?

Okay, now that that's settled, you just need to decide where to get all the stuff to do your encapsulation. You need to consider materials, application and finishing the project.

Materials - One of the best liners on the market today is a 20-mil, fire-resistant vapor barrier. This revolutionary patent-pending liner is treated with an antimicrobial agent and comes in at almost half the weight and double the strength of ordinary 20-mil liners. Plus, you'll want to consider a cushioning liner, which affords an extra measure of protection for high-traffic areas.

Application - Staples, teensy little nails and tack strips are the norm; plus, they've got another thing in common: they all punch itty-bitty holes in the liner and doesn't that defeat the purpose of installing a vapor barrier in your crawlspace? You need an adhesive that will bond the liner to any surface you have in there: wood metal or concrete - and which will also act as a sealant. Double duty - we like that. Plus, look for a water-based adhesive (instead of a solvent-based one) that won't cause a buildup of volatile fumes while you're working.

So where do you get these supplies? From a nationally known supplier whose do-it-yourself application system not only passes the stringent 2006 crawlspace codes, but has a patent pending. The combination of the lightweight liner and the adhesive application rids you of the need to lug cumbersome installation equipment into your crawlspace and fight with it in an enclosed space. Simply apply the adhesive, affix the liner, install the pumps and humidifier and bask in the glow of your appreciative family and jealous neighbors while you enjoy your safe, dry, energy-efficient crawlspace. Now, granted, it's not exactly like you'd want to do any entertaining in there but isn't it nice to know you could - without having to worry about the Pringles getting soggy?

Finishing the Project - Okay, now that you've finished, take out your wallet and look inside. What do you see? That's right hundreds - if not thousands - of dollars in savings! Where traditional crawlspace sealing and treatment procedures can run $3 to $4 per square foot, this simple process (including fabric, adhesive, Tyvek suits, masks, pumps and dehumidifier) costs as little as $1 per square foot, from start to finish.

With strict international crawlspace codes already established, it's important to get your materials from a supplier well informed about these compliance issues; that's particularly important now, given the July 2008 code changes being implemented.

Get your do-it-yourself kit from a reputable dealer who specializes in doing crawlspace encapsulations someone with satisfied customers in virtually every state in the United States and all across Canada.

One company understands do-it-yourselfers don't want to deal with oversized material rolls. YourCrawlspace.com ships manageable 50-foot rolls - cut to the precise width you need; these rolls weigh about 15 to 18 pounds. They also provide a step-by-step manual with detailed directions and illustrations. Contact the do-it-yourself crawlspace pros at YourCrawlspace.com. Visit them online at www.YourCrawlspace.com; they'll help you solve your crawlspace-encapsulation problems.