Crawl Space Repair Photo Album: Humid Crawl Space in Petoskey, MI

With humidity levels almost reaching 90%, this crawl space was in dire need of encapsulation. Seven crawl space vents - some with box fans rigged up to create even more airflow - allowed too much damp air and debris inside, and the fiberglass insulation was all but destroyed because of it. After sealing the vents, we used CleanSpace vapor barrier with drainage matting to encapsulate the crawl space and protect it - and the house above it - from the elements. We also installed SilverGlo insulation panels and used spray foam insulation to seal off even the tightest crevices. Finally, our new SaniDry Sedona dehumidifer was put in place to control ambient moisture.

Wet Block Walls in Crawl Space

While much of the wall space is covered with foam board, the blocks that are visible are covered is water staining.

Crawl Space Vents Do More Harm than Good

Once considered important for air circulation, it's now understood that vents allow harmful moisture and debris inside. The only way to protect the crawl space is to seal it off. Note the discoloration of the fiberglass insulation around the vent - clearly there's dirt and debris coming in.

Mold Growing on Insulation

Fiberglass insulation is pervasive but is a bad choice for any damp environment, because it absorbs ambient moisture until it gets too heavy and falls. The homeowners installed screens to try and keep it in place, but how much good is it really doing covered in mold?

DIY Attempts at Drying Out Crawl Space

A box fan sighting! Homeowners often do anything they can to dry out their basements and crawl spaces, which often involves breaking out fans to try and increase air circulation.

Damp Crawl Space

This crawl space had extremely high humidity throughout and signs of large amounts of debris coming in through the vents.

Drainage Matting Allows Water Movement

The dimpled surface of the drainage matting puts enough space between the CleanSpace and the ground to allow water to move without getting stuck.

IceGuard Prevents Winter Backups

In the event of a frozen discharge line in the winter, the IceGuard cap allows water to spray out rather than back up into the basement.

Vent Covers Protect Crawl Space from Water and Debris

By covering the crawl space vents, we eliminate an entry point for water, debris, and critters.

SIlverGlo Panels Save Energy and Money

SilverGlo insulation panels are inorganic and waterproof, which means they don't harbor mold and won't be warped by ambient moisture in the crawl space. They provide more complete insulation, keeping your energy use (and bills) down.

Encapsulated Crawl Space Kept Dry with Sedona Dehumidifier

The SaniDry Sedona is our smallest and most efficient dehumidifier. In conjunction with the CleanSpace encapsulation, the Sedona will help control ambient moisture in the crawl space.