Crawl Space Repair Photo Album: Humid Crawl Space = Warping Floors in Clarksville TN

Three things are necessary to shape wood: heat, moisture, and weight An untreated crawlspace has all three. Our floor joist is made of wood. Heat comes from the temperature outside or heat loss from the HVAC ductwork that runs under the home. The home itself provides more than enough weight, but we also have personal items in the home adding to the weight. This home in Clarksville had another company attempt to encapsulate their crawl space. A plastic liner was rolled out across the earth and affixed partially up the block. Unfortunately, it did little to protect the home from the environment and made some issues worse.

Plastic Liner

A plastic liner is not the same as a true vapor barrier. Notice the moisture on top of this liner.

Mold

Mold growth is present on the floor joist. All of molds required elements for growth are present in this crawl space.

High Humidity

The humidity of this crawl space was high even in the fall, just imagine the summer.

Drianage Matting

Dimpled Delta Drainage Matting allows for ground water to still run its course without pooling under the vapor barrier.

Sump Pump Liner

A liner sits below the lowest point of the crawl space. Gravels acts as a filter around the liner. The space is graded to direct water to the sump pump.

Vapor Barrier and Dehumidifier

20 mil, 6 layer CleanSpace Vapor Barrier is installed to close off the crawl space from the environment. SaniDry Sedona Dehumifier is mighty in power but energy efficient. The dehumidifier will protect the home by keeping humidity levels below 60%.

Clean and Tight

The CleanSpace covers the ground, columns, and block walls throughout the crawl space. The space is not insulated preventing drafty floors, frozen pipes, condensation on HVAC lines, and many allergens.