Photo Album: Encapsulation Dries out Ellsworth, MI Crawl Space

This crawl space in Ellsworth, MI was damp, smelly, and was even causing mildew in the rooms upstairs. The humidity in the air became a breeding ground for mold, and this mold moved upstairs along the air currents. Not only was this project a matter of drying out the crawl space, but eliminating moisture in the air, too, ensuring healthier air quality for everyone who lived in the home.

Crawl Space Vent

The root of all evil: the crawl space vent. Originally thought to help air out the space, these vents do more harm than good by bringing in moisture and cold air in the winter months.

Water Seepage

Water seeping in through the cinderblock foundation of the crawl space is absorbed into the soil, and then is evaporated into the air making it humid.

Falling Insulation

Falling insulation is rarely good news, but in a humid crawl space it's even more dangerous. The organic material is the perfect place for mold to grow, so not only is it failing to insulate the space, it's contributing to the mold problem in the entire home.

Hygrometer

A hygrometer measures the relative humidity in the crawl space. Mold starts to grow at roughly 70% humidity.

CleanSpace

CleanSpace covers the floors and walls in this crawl space providing a durable barrier to moisture.

Extra Insulation

To finish the encapsulation, insulation is filled in the smaller nooks and crannies stopping moisture and air from coming in, even in small amounts.

SaniDry

A dehumidifier in the crawl space is crucial for keeping the air free of moisture, which consequently decreases mold problems. SaniDry drains to the dump pump automatically, so the homeowners won't have to come empty it themselves.

Smart Drain

In the event of a leak, water enters the drain and an alarm sounds. This way the homeowners are alerted to the leak immediately so it can be fixed quickly.