Encapsulation - It's all subjective

The definition of the term encapsulation, as it relates to a crawl space or basement, really seems to be subjective to whom you are speaking.  Upon speaking with several "specialists" and reading information on-line, I would say that what most everyone can agree on is that it definitely means that the crawl space or basement is totally sealed from the outside elements that could lend that area to moisture and eventually mold.  One thing that I have learned is that the materials used to encapsulate an area, can really vary.  It can be a heavy plastic between 6-12 mil or a really heavy barrier of 20mil or so that almost seems like a very heavy pool liner.  Oh and another thing, merely installing a vapor barrier is not encapsulation.  The key is the sealing.  I learned all this the hard way, through trying to come to an agreement between the seller and my buyer of a property.  So a word to the wise fellow agents, when using the term encapsulation, make sure you specify the specific materials used and how it will be installed, otherwise there may be a very disappointed buyer and/or seller in the end.  I never stop learning.