Energy Efficiency & Insulation Specialists in Surry, VA

These homeowners in Surry, Virginia were interested in getting their crawl space encapsulated and contacted us at The Drying Co./ThermalTec to discuss their options for doing so. We sent out an experienced home performance advisor to inspect the home and evaluate any issues the homeowners may be having in their crawl space.

Upon inspection, we found that the crawl space floor was littered with trash and debris, scattered on top of the flimsy 6-mil liner possibly placed on the floor during construction of the home. This inadequate liner offers little-to-no protection with the moisture rising from the earth and is easily torn apart when service people need to tread on top of it to do work in the crawl space. It is merely an oversized trash bag and will need to be replaced. We propose having a heavy-duty 20-mil CleanSpace vapor barrier installed, once the crawl space has been cleared of the old 6-mil liner and any debris laying on top of it. The CleanSpace is a 7-layer polyethylene composition, with polyester cord reinforcement, and can be compared to a durable pool liner. We would lay it over the crawl space floor, wrap and seal it around all piers, and fasten it to the foundation wall. This vapor barrier will not only increase the crawl space defenses against moisture, but it also comes with an antimicrobial called UltraFresh made within its material, ensuring that mold and mildew can not grow on the liner itself.

We would also want to address the mold and mildew problem, something we discovered during the inspection. Mold and mildew will grow on any organic material, so long as the relative humidity is around or above 60%, and the temperatures escalating over 70 degrees Fahrenheit. At least 50% of the air you breathe on the first floor of a home comes from the crawl space. Mold spores can rise into the conditioned areas above the crawl space, where it may cause irritation to those with allergies, and prolonged exposure may cause asthma. The wooden floor joists and girders were spotted with mold and mildew growth. We propose using an antimicrobial solution called Shockwave, and EPA-registered sanitizer and cleaner created specifically for mold remediation. The Shockwave would be applied to all organic materials within the crawl space affected by mold growth, but the relative humidity and environment will need to be regulated and controlled if we are to put a stop to the growth of more mold and mildew.

Then next issue we would propose attacking would be the foundation walls. Efflorescence was clearly visible along the walls, suggesting that water had seeped through the porous cinderblock walls and pulled all the salts and sediments from within the blocks to the surface. Open vents lined the foundation walls, which allowed outside air and moisture to freely move into the crawl space. To increase the crawl space defenses from the outside, we propose insulating the foundation walls with closed-cell spray foam. At 1½ inches thick, the spray foam acts as an air barrier and vapor retarder. The open vents are sealed from the inside with a precisely cut foam board piece and sealed with spray foam. The environment will be easier to control with the walls and dirt floor sealed away from intruding moisture and mold spores.

The last thing we would propose adding would be a SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier. This high-efficiency dehumidifier is capable of regulating and controlling the relative humidity while circulating the dry air through the corners and small spaces of the crawl space. The Sedona is connected to a Little Giant condensation pump, which will drain the dehumidifier of water and move it out of the crawl space via hose line. We will set the dehumidifier to run if the relative humidity reaches 55%, for mold growth can begin around 60%. The homeowners would be given a hygrometer to monitor the relative humidity as well as the temperature within the crawl space.

This solution will allow the homeowners to experience an increase in comfort and air quality and a decrease in energy bills and moisture within the home. Encapsulation will also help prevent cold floors during the winter, and mold and mildew growth during the warmer and wetter seasons. If you are experiencing any of these issues within your home or crawl space, then please give us a call at The Drying Co./ThermalTec for a free estimate. Our experienced and friendly team would love to help make your home more comfortable and relieve you of the stress of existing moisture problems.

These homeowners in Surry, Virginia were interested in getting their crawl space encapsulated and contacted us at The Drying Co./ThermalTec to discuss their options for doing so. We sent out an experienced home performance advisor to inspect the home and evaluate any issues the homeowners may be having in their crawl space.

Upon inspection, we found that the crawl space floor was littered with trash and debris, scattered on top of the flimsy 6-mil liner possibly placed on the floor during construction of the home. This inadequate liner offers little-to-no protection wall the moisture rising from the earth and is easily torn apart when service people need to tread on top of it to do work in the crawl space. It is merely an over sized trash bag and will need to be replaced. We propose having a heavy-duty 20-mil CleanSpace vapor barrier installed, once the crawl space has been cleared of the old 6-mil liner and any debris laying on top of it. The CleanSpace is a 7-layer polyethylene composition, with polyester cord reinforcement, and can be compared to a durable pool liner. We would lay it over the crawl space floor, wrap and seal it around all piers, and fasten it to the foundation wall. This vapor barrier will not only increase the crawl space defenses against moisture, but it also comes with an antimicrobial called UltraFresh made within its material, ensuring that mold and mildew can not grow on the liner itself.

We would also want to address the mold and mildew problem, something we discovered during the inspection. Mold and mildew will grow on any organic material, so long as the relative humidity is around or above 60%, and the temperatures escalating over 70 degrees Fahrenheit. At least 50% of the air you breathe on the first floor of a home comes from the crawl space. Mold spores can rise into the conditioned areas above the crawl space, where it may cause irritation to those with allergies, and prolonged exposure may cause asthma. The wooden floor joists and girders were spotted with mold and mildew growth. We propose using an antimicrobial solution called Shockwave, and EPA-registered sanitizer and cleaner created specifically for mold remediation. The Shockwave would be applied to all organic materials within the crawl space affected by mold growth, but the relative humidity and environment will need to be regulated and controlled if we are to put a stop to the growth of more mold and mildew.

Then next issue we would propose attacking would be the foundation walls. Efflorescence was clearly visible along the walls, suggesting that water had seeped through the porous cinder block walls and pulled all the salts and sediments from within the blocks to the surface. Open vents lined the foundation walls, which allowed outside air and moisture to freely move into the crawl space. To increase the crawl space defenses from the outside, we propose insulating the foundation walls with closed-cell spray foam. At 1½ inches thick, the spray foam acts as an air barrier and vapor retarder. The open vents are sealed from the inside with a precisely cut foam board piece and sealed with spray foam. The environment will be easier to control with the walls and dirt floor sealed away from intruding moisture and mold spores.

The last thing we would propose adding would be a SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier. This high-efficiency dehumidifier is capable of regulating and controlling the relative humidity while circulating the dry air through the corners and small spaces of the crawl space. The Sedona is connected to a Little Giant condensation pump, which will drain the dehumidifier of water and move it out of the crawl space via hose line. We will set the dehumidifier to run if the relative humidity reaches 55%, for mold growth can begin around 60%. The homeowners would be given a hygrometer to monitor the relative humidity as well as the temperature within the crawl space.

This solution will allow the homeowners to experience an increase in comfort and air quality and a decrease in energy bills and moisture within the home. Encapsulation will also help prevent cold floors during the winter, and mold and mildew growth during the warmer and wetter seasons. If you are experiencing any of these issues within your home or crawl space, then please give us a call at The Drying Co./ThermalTec for a free estimate. Our experienced and friendly team would love to help make your home more comfortable and relieve you of the stress of existing moisture problems.