Cracks In Block Walls Let Water In
A walk around the outside of this home revealed some pretty clear entry points for water to seep into the crawl space. The best way for us to combat this is from the inside, creating a moisture barrier and directing water to the nearest exit, the drain.
Signs Of Water Seepage Continue Inside
The white chalky substance on the walls is called efflorescence. As water seeps in, minerals from the sediment, concrete, and mortar are deposited on the inside of the wall. It's easy to clean and not normally harmful but it's a sign that something should be done.
Vents Only Contribute To Crawl Space Issues
This homeowner had crawl space vents to help keep air moving in the crawl space in order to keep it dry. Instead, vents just act as a entry point for warm humid air and water seepage. Rather than air flowing in one vent and out another, it flows in through all vents and then travels up into the home. Humid air leads to condensation as its cooled in the crawl space during the summer. Vents hope to help but only make things worse.
Moisture On Joists Spells Trouble
It's clear that moisture had been wicking into these joists over time. If enough time passes, the joists will rot and/or mold and the structural integrity of the building will be compromised. The fix is more more costly and complicated at that point. Fixing the problem now is much better than waiting until you have real serious issues.
Cleanspace Protects More Than Just Floors
Our CleanSpace layer is installed not just on floors but up the columns and walls as well to protect all materials and create a moisture barrier wherever it may enter. Many homeowners use cheap plastic liners but they rip easily and they don't stick nearly as well on the walls.
SilverGlo And Spray Foam Keep Crawl Space Warm
Our SilverGlo foam insulation on the block walls helps to reflect heat meaning that the crawl space stays warmer in the winter and so do the floors you walk on above. The spray foam insulation seals any joints in the insulation and fills the rim joists, a common entry point for harmful water vapors. By completely sealing off the crawl space, the homeowner gains ultimate control.
CleanSpace Forms A Reliable Barrier
CleanSpace is a thick plastic that creates a reliable barrier that is far less likely to rip or tear when being crawled on than the plastic liners we see most people use. Less openings means more efficient performance. It also brightens up the space and makes it much less intimidating.
Vent Covers Help Create AirTight Seal
All of the vents around this crawl space were covered with our CleanSpace vent covers. They create an airtight seal to keep the things that shouldn't get in on the outside. This includes water seepage, water vapors, and any critters that might be able to sneak through.
Basement Gets Some Upgrades As Well
This homeowner had a basement as well and opted for some energy savings there as well. We continued to spray foam the rim joists in the basement also to help keep that space insulated as well.
