Falling Insulation
Fiberglass insulation absorbs humidity and moisture like a sponge. This moisture causes the insulation to pull apart from itself in a process called delamination and it begins to fall away from the floors. Once it's wet, the r-value of fiberglass is greatly reduced.
Mold & Mildew Growth
Mold and mildew have begun to grow on the floor joists due to high relative humidity and warm temperatures.
Ground Water
Moisture rises from the earth into the crawl space. Vapor barriers are installed with the purpose of preventing the earth's moisture from rising into the crawlspace, however, there is no vapor barrier lining this crawl space.
Bulk Water Entry
Staining on the foundation walls and trenching worn around the perimeter of the foundation are indicators that bulk water is often an issue under the home.
Wood Rot
This girder is rotting away due to the moisture in the crawl space. Wood rot can begin at 19% wood moisture content. This girder supports the floor above it, as it rots away, it will get softer and begin to splinter and bow.
Microbial Treatment
Mold and mildew growth on the floor joists is treated with an antimicrobial called shockwave, which kills the microbial growth.
CleanSpace Vapor Barrier
A 20-mil CleanSpace vapor barrier is installed. The liner is attached to the foundation walls and sealed at all seams and it's wrapped and sealed around all foundation piers sealing the crawl space off from the earth's moisture.
Insulating the Crawl Space
The vents and sill plate are sealed, and spray foam will be applied to the crawl space walls and rim band.
Foundation Drainage
An interior foundation drainage system is installed and leads to a sump pumps system which diverts the water out of the crawl space and away from the home to a spot on the property designated by the homeowner.
Stabilization
The girder is replaced and a smart jack is installed to stabilize and support the beam. A dehumidifier is installed as well to control the relative humidity in the crawl space. Controlling the relative humidity will help prevent future microbial growth and wood rot.
