Transformation Tuesday- Crawl Space
Lets face it, crawl spaces are far from glamorous and many people rarely enter them. They are usually dirty, damp, and filled with mold or rot. Besides for the unsightly look, your crawl space could be causing even more problems for your home that you’re not aware of.
Many spaces have dirt floors, which allow water and water vapor to easily access the space. This creates high moisture and humidity levels that can lead to mold and rot. If your crawl space has concrete flooring you may think you’re safe, but water vapor can easily go through the hollow, porous nature of your concrete floors. I bet you guessed it- the concrete walls in your space also let moisture in and don’t even get me started on crawl space vents that allow water, water vapor, cold/hot and humid air in as well. Unless you use the space for storage, you might wonder why it matters that your crawl space is a dark, damp and dirty space. Unfortunately, due to the Stack Effect, the air in your crawl space is drawn upward into other areas of your home, bringing any mold spores, humid, cold or hot air with it. Without properly sealing the space off from the outside and finding an effective way to collect and discard intruding water and humidity, your crawl space will continue to worsen over time.
On the bright side, your crawl space doesn’t have to be the most undesirable space in your home. There are several products you can use to completely transform the space.
If you have water intruding your crawl space, eliminate it!
The first solution for water leaks in your space is to install an effective sump pump. The SmartSump sump pump is specifically made for wet crawl space needs. Plus, the system has a sump alarm that will sound if it cannot keep up with the amount of water entering the space. If you are looking for a more economical solution and only have occasional water issues, the SuperSump sump pump will address all of your needs. Both pumps have airtight lids, powerful Zoeller pumps and sturdy liners to collect and discard water effectively. The TripleSafe sump pump system offers extra protection for your space with three effective pumps in one liner. The first pump is set lower in the liner and does most of the work and the second pump is placed higher and will turn on if the first one cannot keep up. The last pump is battery powered to make sure you are covered even if the power goes out.
The IceGuard system and LawnScape outlets ensure water can efficiently leave the home from the sump pump. IceGuard is installed on the home’s discharge line and has specialized holes that help water exit even if the pipes freeze, which prevents water from re-entering and causing further issues. The LawnScape outlet guides water away from the crawl space and prevents it from flowing back toward the property.
Next step- seal the space off from the outside environment.
The CleanSpace liner is used to completely encapsulate and seal the crawl space off from outside elements. The liner is waterproof and vapor proof, which prevents any type of moisture from entering the space through the ground or the walls. The material is extremely durable so you don’t have to worry about damaging it and it is securely attached to the walls, preventing it from falling down. The inorganic materials in this liner prevent mold growth and the white color brightens up the space.
Drainage matting can be installed to ensure water easily makes it way to the sump pump to be discharged from the home. The dimpled surface ensures water has a pathway to the sump and will not get stuck under the CleanSpace liner.
CleanSpace vent covers can be installed over the vents in your crawl space to make sure moisture and outside air will not be able to enter. The covers create an airtight seal and are made of inorganic materials that will not rot or grow mold.
Combat Humidity.
The SaniDry CX is an effective dehumidification system that is made specifically to wring humid crawl space air dry. The system has a large coil compared to other dehumidifiers and has a powerful blower to distribute dry, filtered air evenly throughout the crawl space. This system also discards water directly into the sump pump, so you never have to empty those annoying buckets full of water.
Don’t forget insulation!
SilverGlo is a great option if you are looking to insulate your crawl space walls. This foam insulation has small graphite particles that reflect heat in the space and lower its conductivity. The insulation also serves as a vapor barrier to keep moisture out and a radiant heat barrier to reflect heat back into the space, which results in energy savings.
TerraBlock insulation is used to insulate crawl space floors. This is also a foam insulation with vapor barrier and energy saving qualities. Plus, if you plan to use your space, it provides a padded surface for you.
FrothPak is a spray foam insulation that ensures all small spaces on your crawl space walls are sealed off from the outside environment. Unlike fiberglass insulation, it doesn’t absorb ambient moisture and the inorganic materials used for it are not susceptible to mold growth.
