The Drying Co. Before & After Photos

This Bruington, VA client contacted us about repairing moisture damage in their crawl space. Moisture had caused mold and mildew growth, was absorbed in the insulation which held it against the floor joists, the material began to delaminate and fall away from the floor. 

All debris and insulation was removed from the crawl space, microbial growth was treated, the vents, sill plate, & rim band were sealed, the foundation walls were insulated with closed cell spray foam insulation and a dehumidifier was installed to control the relative humidity. The homeowners no longer need to worry about moisture damage in their crawl space and have the added benefit of warmer floors in the winter and reduced drafts in the home. 

Utility lines in a vented crawl space are often affected by outside air carrying in moisture. Sealing vents, installing the CleanSpace Encapsulation System and insulating the crawl space walls with Spray Foam will help control the flow of air carrying moisture into the crawl space. 

As the insulation acts as a sponge, it holds moisture against the wood joists raising the moisture content of the joists. Mold requires organic material, warm temperatures, and relative humidity above 60% to grow. Often we see mold growing on the paper backing of the insulation and on wood joists in the crawl space. As the moisture content in the joists increases, the probability for wood rot becomes more likely. Once the joists reach 19% moisture wood rot begins. An antimicrobial called Shockwave is sprayed onto the joists to kill the mold. Once the encapsulation is complete and the dehumidifier is installed it will be set to turn on before the humidity in the crawl space reaches 60% (The ideal point for mold to grow). The Encapsulation system will help prevent ideal conditions for mold to grow from occurring and make the home healthier and more comfortable.

This crawl space has been battling moisture and humidity. The high relative humidity and moisture in the space have resulted in microbial growth on the floor joists, damaged and falling insulation, and even some odors in the living space, impacting the indoor air quality of the home. Our team begins by cleaning out the debris and old insulation and vapor barrier. Then they begin sealing off the crawl space from outside air and the earth's moisture. Sealing the crawl space, insulating the foundation walls, and controlling the relative humidity with a dehumidifier will help to prevent future microbial growth. 

Portions of this home did not have gutters installed. The homeowner who often has clogged gutters due to trees and falling leaves around the home opted to have the Gutter Shutter System installed due to its guarantee to never clog, sag, or pull away.