Crawl Space Repair Photo Album: Crawl Space Repair in Rapid City, MI

Our customer called with - you guessed it - a problematic crawl space. The house had been built in the 40s and the crawl space was moldy and drafty due to an insufficient door and multiple vents. It was also only three blocks high (about two feet) and the plumbing was located under the house in the crawl space, creating a tight working environment with multiple obstacles. After removing tree roots and other debris, we installed the CleanSpace vapor barrier system with drainage matting to encapsulate the crawl space and reduce humidity levels by protecting the space from incoming ambient moisture. We also installed vent covers and a new, efficient door to reduce exposure to the elements. Inside, we installed a SmartDrain to help remove water and a SaniDry dehumidifier to futher reduce the humidity and mititgate its effects.

Moldy Crawl Space

Mold is visible not only on the wooden support beams, but on the dirt itself. All mold needs in order to thrive is moisture (aka humidity) and a food source (like all of those tasty wooden beams, or anything else organic).

Plumbing Located in Crawl Space Causes Trouble

We're always up for a challenge, but a two foot high crawl space that was also full of plumbing was quite a (not so) tall order.

Working in Close Quarters

Between the tree roots trying to start a new life, the plumbing, and just how short the crawl space was, it was definitely a challenge to encapsulate this crawl space.

Crawl Space Vent and Wooden Door Don't Provide Protection

Oh boy. Between the vent - which is the equivalent of an open window - and the wooden door, which is moldy and definitely not airtight, this crawl space isn't protected from the elements. That means that whatever is outside - rain, dust, critters - can go right in.

DIY Crawl Space Protection

Alright, I can't 100% be sure I'm right about what's going on here, but it's just another example of the ways we try to take care of problems ourselves before calling in the experts. It looks like they've put cinderblocks in front of the open vents to try and stop air/water/debris from coming in.

Closeup of Mold on Support Beams

As you can see here, mold is quickly taking over the floor joists. Short-term effects of mold include gross smells and health problems, but long-term mold problems can affect the structural integrity of the house as mold eats and decays the wood.

High Humidity in Crawl Space

The humidity in this crawl space was over 88%, which is basically...ya know...raining.

Weed Viewing Portal in Crawl Space

This vent, which is even more open to the outside than most we've seen, accidentally provides a lovely garden view. So if that's what you're going for...

Drainage Matting Allows Water Flow

The lightly dimpled surface of the drainage matting creates just enough space for water to move through the crawl space and to the SmartDrain without causing the CleanSpace to stick to the floor.

SmartDrain Helps Rid Crawl Space of Water

When ambient moisture condenses, it can be no different than having a flood. The SmartDrain will collect water underneath the CleanSpace and keep it out of the crawl space.

Installing CleanSpace Around Fixtures

Despite the plumbing and other fixtures in the crawl space, we installed the CleanSpace system with a tight seal to ensure protection.

Tight Quarters for Kyle

Here's foreman Kyle De Witt getting the CleanSpace in place while working with a low ceiling and many obstacles. Sometimes "laying down on the job" isn't a bad thing!

CleanSpace Cleans Up Crawl Space

In addition to protecting the crawl space (and therefore the house) from ambient moisture, the CleanSpace vapor barrier system also gives is a brighter, cleaner look.