Improper Access Well
The door to your crawl space is your front-line defense against incoming moisture. This style of wood door is common but problematic, as it is prone to wood rot and needs a seal to keep moisture out. Especially when you have access wells such as this home, you want to be sure your entrance to your crawl space is clean, stable, and secure.
Dirty Crawl Space
When we arrived, the crawl space was a dirty and humid mess. An improper, thin liner was laid along the ground, and it only became caked with mud as it was not preventing water exposure. You can see mold and mildew growth along the floor joists and the top of the walls shown here.
"Blocked" Vent
While the homeowner placed a partial cinder block in the opening where the vents lead, it doesn't properly "block" moisture and critters from getting in through that opening! While the intention of crawl space vents is to allow moisture to escape, more moisture actually enters through these spots and becomes part of your home's breathing air.
Wet Insulation
A mess is sure to appear when fiberglass insulation is present, along with high moisture. This style of insulation is highly porous and acts as a sponge, holding moisture it absorbs and becoming heavy, leading to it falling to the ground from between the joists. It also exposes the wood joists to prolonged humidity, creating a breeding ground for mold and mildew.
Drainage Installed
To start the remediation of the space, after a clean-up, the lowest point of the ground is pinpointed for sump pump installation. The perimeter drainage is dug and put in place, leading to both sides of where the sump pump will be installed.
Perimeter Drainage
This new drainage system is dug around the entire perimeter of the crawl space to capture any water and channel it directly to the sump pump to be removed from the home. The drainage is surrounded by clean gravel to filter the water and keep sediment from blocking it.
Drainage Matting
Next, the Clean Space is applied to the crawl space walls and pillars before laying the drainage matting. The drainage matting is a buffer between the earth and the vapor barrier. It features evenly spaced dimples to allow water to run under the vapor barrier and reach the perimeter drainage and sump pump.
Turtl Entrance
We offer multiple options for replacing your improper crawl space door. This home worked best with a Turtl entry well, which is made of durable plastic and offers an airtight cover and a lockable lid. The Turtl not only provides a secure and airtight seal, but it also enhances the aesthetic appeal of your home with its three color options. It's a perfect blend of functionality and style!
Sealed Vents
An essential encapsulation step is to seal off any crawl space vents. This eliminates them as entry points for small critters and moist air. It also allows the complete encapsulation system to work correctly and ensures it can control the level of humidity present in your home.
CleanSpace Vapor Barrier
Next up is our bright white CleanSpace vapor barrier! This heavy-duty 20-mil liner carries a 25-year warranty against normal rips and tears. It is comprised of seven layers and finished with a mold-repellent additive that will keep mold and mildew from growing on its surface. The bright white finish illuminates the space and makes issues easier to spot.
SaniDry Sedona
The SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier will work to remove up to 100 pints of moisture from the air each day, keeping your crawl space moisture below the level where mold and wood rot would become a concern. The mighty but efficient machine can help you save on utility bills by keeping the humidity low.
TripleSafe Sump Pump
For ultimate peace of mind, we always recommend fitting your home with our TripleSafe sump pump. This comprehensive system includes three pumps, including a battery backup pump that kicks in during power outages. It is designed to handle even the heaviest water demand, ensuring your crawl space remains dry and your worries are kept at bay.