Crawl Space Repair Photo Album: Waterproofing a Ludington, MI Crawl Space for Summer

Our customer called with the hope of getting his summer house encapsulated before it was, well, summer. This is a great option - you don't even need to be present for our installation crew if you live out of town. While the crawl space didn't have any standing water, he knew there were moisture problems of some sort because there was /a smell/. If you have a summer house, you know the smell I'm talking about. The smell was, in fact, indicative of a severe ambient moisture problem. Water had already begun to affect the support beams and mold was present in the crawl space. We encapsulated the crawl space with CleanSpace vapor barrier to seal it off from anything that could come in from outside. We also installed vent covers to prevent moisture from entering through the vents, a Smart Drain to take care of any accumulating water, and a SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier to eradicate ambient moisture and prevent mold from growing. Thinking ahead and having the work done in the offseason means this home is ready for a summer of fun.

Wet Crawl Space in Ludington

The effects of water are visible throughout this crawl space, from the stained walls to the warped beams.

Closeup of Warped Beam

As mold and water damage take over this beam, it's structure starts to break down.

Warping Support Beams

Constant humidity causes mold growth and, over time, warps and ruins wooden beams. If it goes unchecked, these beams can splinter and break, threatening the structural integrity of your home.

Plastic Sheeting Isn't Protective

Many people put down some type of plastic sheeting to prevent contact with the muddy ground, and that's a good step, but it doesn't provide any actual protection from moisture.

Crawl Space Vents Exacerbate Problem

A crawl space vent is equivalent to having an open window exposing your home to whatever is happening outside.

Vent Covers Protect Crawl Space from Outside

Airtight covers on all crawl space vents prevent air, water, and even bugs and critters from getting into the crawl space.

CleanSpace Encapsulation

We affix CleanSpace to the walls and floor, and wrap support piers, to ensure protection. SilverGlo panels add insulation to make the home more comfortable and lessen energy loss.

SmartDrain in Crawl Space

The dehumidifier drains into the SmartDrain, which will collect any existing water in the crawl space.

SaniDry Sedona Dehumidifier Keeps Humidity Under Control

The SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier has a low profile but packs a big punch. It will keep ambient moisture at bay and prevent mold growth in the crawl space.