Identifying and Solving Crawl Space Issues in Chesapeake, VA
Challenge
This homeowner in Chesapeake, Virginia wanted to have their crawl space inspected and given solutions for any repairs needed, so they called us at The Drying Company, and we sent out one of our professional Home Performance Advisors to evaluate the situation.
Upon inspection, we found that the fiberglass batts were sagging and falling out of place in the floor joists. Many were heavy with moisture starting to pull apart in chunks. These insulation batts absorb water like a sponge, making them too heavy to sit between the floor joists.
We also noticed mold and mildew growth on many of the wooden floor joists. This growth can occur on any organic materials when the relative humidity of the crawl space reaches over 60% during warmer temperatures. Musty odors can then find their way up in the home, irritating those with allergies or asthma.
Another problem we found was that the existing vapor barrier was torn in many places, exposing the dirt floor, and allowing the earth’s moisture to rise into the crawl space, increasing the relative humidity of the area. Service persons find it difficult to work on top of this ripped and torn liner, and small critters and creatures also love to make this dark and damp environment their home.
Efflorescence was also visible on the foundation walls of the crawl space. This occurs when moisture from the outside seeps through the porous cinderblock walls and pushes all the salts and sediments from within the blocks to the surface, creating a chalky, powdery substance. Open vents lining these foundation walls are also allowing outside air and moisture to freely enter the crawl space, affecting the relative humidity and environment.
We drew up the best solutions to combat the constant influence the outside air and moisture had on this crawl space and had a team of well-trained installers put many of them into action.
Solution
The first step we took to sealing this crawl space was to remove the existing vapor barrier, every fiberglass insulation batt, and any debris littering the crawl space floor. The next step was to apply Shockwave to any mold-infected floor joists. Shockwave is an antimicrobial that remediates any mold and mildew from organic materials but does not remove any staining left by said mold growth.
We then moved on to installing a 20-mil CleanSpace vapor barrier over the dirt flooring of the crawl space. This heavy-duty liner will protect the crawl space from any moisture rising out of the earth and affecting the relative humidity. The vapor barrier gets wrapped around all piers, and mechanically fastened six to eight inches above outside grade, ensuring protection from any outside moisture infiltration.
Once the CleanSpace was installed, we then focused our attention on the foundation walls, where we blocked out the open vents with foamboard pieces, and applied spray foam over the entire foundation walls, leaving a two-inch viewing strip for termite inspectors. At 1½-inches thick, the spray foam acts as an air barrier and moisture retarder, ensuring there is protection from the outside influence.
The next step was to install a SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier and condensation pump to the crawl space. This energy-efficient dehumidifier is perfect for controlling the relative humidity and environment. It circulates dry air around the crawl space, while the condensation pump sucks out any water collected via a hose line to a predetermined location on the property.
The last product we added was an Everlast crawl space door. This custom-fit PVC panel is sealed into the entrance of the crawl space, adding some protection to the crawl space from outside air and moisture. With this door in place, we are done sealing and insulating this crawl space. A hygrometer is given to the homeowner to monitor the relative humidity and temperature of their crawl space.
The homeowners can now enjoy having a conditioned space underneath their home. Their energy bills should be considerably lower, and the quality of the home’s air should increase.
If you are experiencing any issues in your crawl space, or simply wish to get the opinion of an expert, then please call us at 757-566-8622 to schedule your free estimate and appointment!
