Crawl Space Repair Photo Album: Humid Crawl Space Remedied In Petoskey, MI

The crawl space was pretty clean and was insulated. As far as crawl spaces go, this one was not so intimidating and there were no real obvious problems. Unfortunately, the problems did still exist. To start, crawl space vents are thought to help move air through the crawl space and keep the space dry. Instead, they just allow moist humid air to enter the crawl space, be cooled, and deposit moisture below the home. This leads to mold, musty air throughout the house, and the rotting of building materials. Fans set up in front of the vent were probably meant to help the problem when in reality they would only make matters worse. To help keep moisture from affecting the crawl space, we installed a dehumidifier, encapsulated the crawl space with our CleanSpace Vapor barrier, installed a sump system with a battery backup, spray foamed the rim joists to help seal the space, and put air tight vent covers over the vents. As an addition, we also put TerraBlock insulation on the floor and SilverGlo insulation on the walls. This crawl space is dressed to the nines now and should be much safer and dryer.

Crawl Space Before

The crawl space upon first inspection was pretty clean and there are no obvious problems at first glance. At closer inspection, certain problems become more noticeable.

Copper Line Oxidized

The blue copper water line was a less obvious sign of humidity in the air.

More Signs Of Moisture

Even little things like the rusted staples holding up the screening material can signal a high level of humidity or moisture content in the wood.

Vents Allow Humid Air In

Several vents around the crawl space were drawing very humid air into the crawl space.

Fans Over Vents Cause More Problems

Crawl space vents in theory are supposed to help move air through the crawl space and keep it dry, but instead they just allow humid air into the crawl space, cooling the air and depositing moisture in the crawl space. The air then flows upward into the home carrying mold spores and musty smells. What is thought to help the problem only worsens it.

More Fans To Help Move Air

Fans in the center of the crawl space attempt to move the air around and keep the space dry.

Mold Present In Crawl Space

Some mold was present in the crawl space. These spores can make their way up into the home and affect the air quality. It's important to address the issue behind the mold growth.

Dimple Matting Installed

Terra Block insulation was first installed on the floor. This acts as an insulator and a vapor barrier. Dimple matting is installed over top to help allow any moisture to flow to the sump pump rather than getting stuck and puddling under the CleanSpace material.

Sump System Installed

The sump system will be fitted with an air tight lid to keep any moisture from evaporating back into the crawl space air and adversely affecting the home.

Sump System Has Several Unique Features

The sump system has an air tight lid, a water watch alarm to alert the homeowner if the pumps fail and the water level becomes dangerously high, and a floor drain.

Sump System Has Battery Backup

The sump system has a 1/3 hp Zoeller pump to remove moisture from the crawl space. However, in the event of an outage, a second pump which runs off its own marine-style battery backup will handle the moisture for several hours.

SilverGlo Insulation Warms The Crawl Space

The SilverGlo insulation on the walls helps reflect heat back into the crawl space during cold winter months to keep floors warm and toasty.

Vent Covers Secured On Exterior

Air tight vent covers seal the vents to give us ultimate control of the humidity levels in the crawl space.

Sump Pump Discharge Installed In Yard

The sump pump discharge line features an IceGuard fixture to give water an escape in the event that the line becomes frozen. This prevents any backups in the crawl space.

Finished Crawl Space Brighter

The finished crawl space is brighter, cleaner, and dryer. The SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier in the background helps to keep the humidity at safe levels and deposits any moisture that it removes in the sump system.