Wet Crawl Space in Traverse City, MI
This crawl space, which has plastic sheeting but not a true vapor barrier, was constantly damp. With that comes problems with failing insulation and mold.
Ineffective Plastic Sheeting in Crawl Space
Many people put down, or have someone else put down, plastic sheeting like this in hopes of controlling moisture and the effects of a dirt floor. But if it doesn't cover and seal off the entire floor, it's not very useful. Moisture and dirt/debris still get around the crawl space.
Mold Around Water Heater
One of the unprotected areas is littered with mold and general crawl space gunk, including fallen pieces of fiberglass insulation. There are also early stages of rust on the water heater, which can add to expense down the line.
Mold Riddled Support Beam in Crawl Space
All mold needs to grow is moisture and a food source (i.e. something organic - like wood). And once mold grows, it's very difficult to control. Here, mold has taken up residence on a support beam. Other than being a health risk, mold can degrade these beams and threaten the structural integrity of the crawl space.
High Humidity in Crawl Space
Our hygrometers can take an accurate reading of the temperature and humidity in your crawl space. At nearly 80% humidity, this crawl space was primed for mold growth and warping.
Falling Fiberglass Insulation
Fiberglass insulation isn't meant for crawl spaces or anywhere else that naturally has ambient moisture. The paper backing on the insulation makes a great snack for mold, and the insulation itself absorbs moisture until it gets too heavy to stay in place, at which point it falls and leaves your crawl space unprotected.
Crawl Space Vent Allows Moisture in Crawl Space
While they were once considered vital for ventilation, people are realizing that putting what amounts to small windows in your crawl space does more harm than good. Moisture and air can easily enter the crawl space.
Dismal View of Crawl Space
This photo doesn't show anything that the rest don't. But would you want this to be the view when you looked into your crawl space?
CleanSpace Installation in Progress
CleanSpace is affixed to the walls and floor to ensure a tight barrier against moisture.
SaniDry Dehumidifier Keeps Crawl Space Humidity Under Control
While the CleanSpace will keep a majority of the ambient moisture under control, in a crawl space this humid it helps to have extra backup. The SaniDry dehumidifier will control any remaining moisture to keep the crawl space dry.
Wrapping Support Piers
We extend the CleanSpace up to cover support piers. This both provides a better seal for the CleanSpace and protects the piers from warping by ambient moisture.
Creating a Tight Seal from Humidity
In addition to wrapping piers, we also extend the CleanSpace to cover the bottom of any fixtures - like this water heater - to ensure a tight seal.
Sealing Vents Protects Against Air and Water
By installing vent covers on the outside of the home and putting insulation over them inside, we eliminate another air and water entry point.
Encapsulation Creates Clean, Bright Crawl Space
Instead of the dark, dismal, damp space we first inspected, CleanSpace encapsulation creates a clean dry space that isn't scary to explore.
