The Drying Co. Before & After Photos

This homeowner in Richmond, VA called us out to discuss insulating their crawl space. We sent one of our Home Performance Advisors to inspect the situation and found that there was an abundance of mold growth on many of the floor joists in the crawl space. This can occur on any organic material in the crawl space so long as the relative humidity reaches over 60% during warmer temperatures. We used an antimicrobial, called Shockwave, to eliminate mold growth in any affected areas. We also removed the existing liner and any fiberglass batts from the crawl space. This was so we could replace it with a durable 10-mil vapor barrier, called CleanSpace Light, which would protect the crawl space from the earth's rising moisture. The liner gets wrapped around all piers, sealed with vinyl tape, and mechanically fastened to the foundation walls six to eight inches above outside grade. We also noticed that the foundation walls were made with porous cinderblocks, which was allowing the outside moisture to seep through and affect the relative humidity. Open vents lined these porous walls to also allow the outside air and moisture to infiltrate the crawl space. We used custom foam board pieces to internally block off these open vents, then we used Foamax to insulate the crawl space walls. Foamax is 1.5 inches thick, giving it an insulation value of R-10. It acts as an air barrier and vapor retarder and helps to protect the crawl space from any outside influence. Finally, a high-performance dehumidifier called SaniDry Sedona was installed in the crawl space alongside a LittleGiant condensation pump to regulate and control the temperature and relative humidity. A hygrometer was given to the homeowner to monitor this at all times, and they should feel a definite increase in comfort and decrease in energy bills, as their crawl space is now insulated and sealed off from the outside.

This homeowner contacted us with concerns about the joists in their crawl space. At the inspection, we found damaged and falling insulation, mold growing on the floor joists, and high humidity. To mitigate the problems under the home, and prevent them from reoccurring, we sealed the crawl space. The space was cleaned out, the mold was remediated, then we installed a new vapor barrier, sealed all the vents, rim & band, sill plate, and any holes through the foundation to outside. Next, we installed insulation on the foundation walls and installed a dehumidifier to regulate the relative humidity and protect the home from moisture damage. 

This homeowner had concerns about water entering their basement, especially during the heavy rainfall the Virginia Peninsula and Richmond have been seeing. The solution was to install a complete basement waterproofing system. CleanSpace was installed covering the below-grade portion of the basement walls to direct any water infiltration into the drainage system. The WaterGuard Drainage System was installed to collect any water entering the basement that was directed downward by the CleanSpace and direct it toward the SuperSump System. The SuperSump System is a 1/3 hp sump pump, that pumps water out of the basement and away from the home. In these photos, you can see the bottom of the stairs in the basement. The before photo shows staining on the walls and a collection of silt and sediment where the floor meets the wall. these are clear signs that water is entering the basement. Since the basement is used for storage and laundry this poses a threat to the homeowner's valuables and washer and dryer. In the after photo, you can see the dark line of cement around the perimeter of the basement where the WaterGuard system has been installed and the bright white walls that are lined with CleanSpace. 

Moisture finds its way through porous foundation walls. Common signs are chipping, peeling or bubbling paint, water staining, and efflorescence (a white powdery residue). 

As part of the waterproofing system installed in this basement, CleanSpace is installed on the walls to direct moisture that moves through the poured concrete walls down into the french drain system we installed called WaterGuard. 

The WaterGuard System has been installed around the perimeter of the basement as well as some additional lateral lines throughout the center of the space. 

WaterGuard is a french drain system installed beneath the slab that collects water and directs it to a sump pump where it can be carried away from the home's foundation, making the basement a dry, useable space.