4.9 
Wood Door
The original crawl space door was made of wood, a material vulnerable to rot and decay when exposed to moisture. Its lack of an airtight seal allowed humid air to enter freely, creating the perfect environment for mold and pests while compromising the home's energy efficiency.
Makeshift Supports
Beneath the home, we found DIY supports precariously holding up the floor joists. These temporary solutions are risky because shifting soil can cause them to move or fail, exacerbating the sagging floors above.
Unhealthy Crawl Space
The crawl space was cluttered and damp, with fallen fiberglass insulation that had absorbed moisture. Wet insulation is ineffective and a breeding ground for mold, posing risks to the home's structural integrity and the air quality inside.
Relative Humidity Measurement
We measured the relative humidity at 66.25%-well above the 55% threshold for mold growth. High humidity creates an environment where mold and mildew thrive, endangering the home's structure and the family's health.
Moldy Floor Joist
Mold had taken hold of the wooden floor joists, weakening them over time. This mold damage contributed to the sagging floors and, if left untreated, would have eventually led to complete floor failure.
Strategy to Tackle Mold
To combat the mold, we first addressed the root cause: humidity. By encapsulating the crawl space, we created a controlled environment where moisture levels are kept in check. Once the space was stabilized, we installed SmartJacks to support the floor joists permanently.
Clean-Up
Our team began by clearing out debris, fallen insulation, and any moisture-damaged materials. This crucial first step ensured a clean foundation for the encapsulation process and prevented anything from being trapped under the vapor barrier.
Drainage Matting
We laid drainage matting across the crawl space floor. Its dimpled design allows groundwater to flow to the drainage system without becoming trapped, preventing future water pooling beneath the encapsulation.
EverLast Door
The old wooden door was replaced with the EverLast Crawl Space Door, made from durable, inorganic materials. This door seals out moisture and pests, requires no maintenance, and provides a clean, polished look to the home's exterior.
CleanSpace Vapor Barrier
Next, we installed the CleanSpace vapor barrier, a 20-mil-thick liner engineered for maximum durability. Its seven-layer construction, reinforced with a polyester cord, ensures puncture resistance, while the antimicrobial UltraFresh treatment prevents mold growth on its surface. The bright white finish looks great and helps homeowners easily spot future issues.
SaniDry Sedona Dehumidifier
To maintain a dry and healthy environment, we added the SaniDry Sedona Dehumidifier. This powerful yet compact unit removes up to 100 pints of moisture daily and circulates over 300 cubic feet of dry air per minute, keeping the crawl space's relative humidity under control.
SmartJack Install
After allowing the encapsulation to stabilize the humidity, we returned to install the SmartJack support system. This permanent solution uses steel bases and adjustable brackets to lift and reinforce sagging floors, ensuring the home remains sturdy and secure. Together, the encapsulation and SmartJack system created a healthy, stable environment for this home and peace of mind for its owners.
