Crumbling Wall in Crawl Space is a Major Leak Source
This wall was flat out crumbling apart, making it easy for water and other forces of nature to make their way in.
Water Damage on Floor and Support Post
In addition to standing water on the floor, note the way the brick support post seems to be degrading, particularly at the bottom.
Block Support Post Crumbling
One thing I don't want to see in a column supporting the weight of my house? Missing chunks. Constant leaks and ambient moisture will destroy the structural integrity of wood and block supports.
Heavy Efflorescence on Brick Support Column
Efflorescence - the white powder that comes from salts within a material being carried to the surface by water - is in full effect on this brick post.
Visible Damage to Stone Wall
This wall isn't much of a wall. The gaps between layers of stone come from parts of the wall crumbling away.
Debris Strewn in Crawl Space
While this side of the crawl space doesn't have a crumbling wall, it's still full of various debris and water damaged wood. I wouldn't store anything down here.
Crumbling Wall - View From Outside
This wall doesn't inspire much - if any - confidence. It's more just a pile of rocks masquerading as a wall. There are plenty of gaps to let water and other nonsense in.
Moldy, Crumbling Crawl Space Wall
The problems in this photo are many. We have the crumbling wall full of mold, the waterlogged, failing fiberglass insulation, and a wooden beam rotting from ambient moisture.
Gross, Wet Crawl Space in East Jordan, MI
Even if it isn't flooded, any water in your crawl space messes with the structure and general environment.
Drainage Matting Helps Water Drain Quickly
By installing drainage matting under the CleanSpace, the water can drain to the sump pump without getting stuck to the vapor barrier.
CleanSpace Creates Clean, Dry Storage Space
With the crawl space protected from ambient moisture and debris, it's safe to use it as storage space.
Vent Covers Help Protect Crawl Space from the Elements
Crawl spaces should not be vented. Ever. It just leave the space vulnerable to water and everything that comes with it.
Burying Discharge Lines
We bury the discharge line from the sump pump to make sure it doesn't interfere with your landscaping. Note the IceGuard cover on the line to prevent flooding from frozen lines in the winter.
Shotcrete Wall in Progress
In order to avoid the further degradation of the crumbling stone wall (and the likelihood it would take the house down with it) we framed and installed a new wall with shotcrete. Shotcrete will never be as pretty as a poured wall, but it's an excellent way to restore structural integrity to your home without the time consuming, dangerous, and costly process of lifting the house to pour new walls.
Closeup of Shotcrete in Progress
Much better than a crumbling pile of rocks, right?
CleanSpace Used to Encapsulate East Jordan Crawl Space
Pardon the cables, this photo was taken with the installation in progress. But it already looks so much better without the debris and water damage visible.
