Subpar Crawl Space Door
The existing crawl space door must be more effective in maintaining a sealed and dry environment. Made of wood, it is susceptible to rot and lacks proper sealing against moisture and pests. We recommend replacing it with our EverLast Crawl Space door, crafted entirely from inorganic materials to eliminate rust and rot. This door features an airtight seal, ensuring your space remains dry and healthy.
Inadequate Insulation and Barrier
The crawl space currently has a flimsy plastic barrier and traditional fiberglass insulation. While these are common choices, they do not adequately protect your home. The plastic barrier is too thin, merely acting as a pool liner that traps moisture instead of preventing it. The fiberglass insulation, being highly absorbent, retains moisture, becomes heavy, and eventually collapses, creating a perfect environment for mold growth due to its paper backing.
Mold Growth on Wood Joists
Visible mold on the floor joists results from excessive moisture in the air and insulation. This is concerning because nearly 50% of the air you breathe inside your home originates from the crawl space. High moisture levels can weaken the wood, risking structural integrity and potential floor failure.
Open Crawl Space Vents
Open vents in the crawl space are ineffective for moisture control. They allow as much humid air in as they expel and, even with screens in place, provide an entry point for pests.
Installation of Joist Insulation
Our team began by installing SilverGlo insulation panels between the floor joists. This step significantly enhances warmth and eliminates the uncomfortable cold floor sensation.
CleanSpace Walls and Drainage Matting
Next, we installed the CleanSpace vapor barrier on the crawl space walls. A drainage matting was placed on the floor underneath the vapor barrier, facilitating water drainage and preventing stagnant water accumulation.
SilverGlo Insulation Application
Following installing CleanSpace walls and drainage matting, we installed SilverGlo insulation panels along the walls. These two-inch-thick panels, made of polystyrene foam infused with graphite, resist heat flow and feature a reflective silver barrier to enhance thermal efficiency.
Heavy-Duty CleanSpace Vapor Barrier
We then installed the CleanSpace vapor barrier, a robust 20-mil thick liner designed with seven layers for maximum puncture resistance, flexibility, and tear strength. Its bright white finish illuminates the crawl space, ensuring a clean, pest-free environment. The barrier also includes an antimicrobial additive called "UltraFresh," which prevents mold and mildew growth.
SaniDry Sedona Dehumidifier Installation
The project concluded with installing the SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier, which efficiently removes up to 100 pints of moisture daily and drains automatically. It features a dual filter system that captures mold spores, dust mite droppings, and other airborne particles. Together with our encapsulation solutions, this system will keep the crawl space warm, dry, and healthy.