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Before and After Pictures from Chester
Installing a Vapor Barrier in Chester, VA

Installing a Vapor Barrier in Chester, VA

Before After
Installing a Vapor Barrier in Chester, VA Installing a Vapor Barrier in Chester, VA

The standard vapor barrier that is installed in the crawl space during construction is a flimsy 6-mil liner that is easily torn apart by any service persons, rodents, and pests who crawl on top of it. This ineffective vapor barrier does not get properly sealed around the piers or foundation walls. Moisture from the earth floor rises into the crawl space through these gaps, adding to the relative humidity if the temperature rises.

CleanSpace is a 20-mil thick vapor barrier that completely seals off the home from the earth’s moisture. It is wrapped around the piers and sealed to the foundation walls using a 4” wide vinyl tape. Moisture rising from the ground is not able to penetrate the CleanSpace liner, adding to the total control of relative humidity in the crawl space.

Vented Crawl Space in Chester, VA

Vented Crawl Space in Chester, VA

Before After
Vented Crawl Space in Chester, VA Vented Crawl Space in Chester, VA

The open vents allow moisture and outside air into the crawl space. This makes it extremely difficult to control the overall relative humidity underneath a home. The dry winter air entering the vents will cause the floors above to feel cold and drafts, as well as raising the energy costs to keep the house comfortable. And in the summer, the wet, hot air will carry moisture into the crawl space, raising the relative humidity and allowing mold and mildew to thrive.

The foundation walls of this crawl space have been sprayed over, using a closed-cell spray foam that provides not only insulation but blockage from outside air moisture, while the open vents were sealed with foam board and covered in the same closed-cell spray foam. When closed-cell spray is applied at 1.5” thickness, it acts as an air barrier and vapor retarder. Sealing off the outside air and moisture provides the homeowner with more control over the relative humidity in the crawl space.

Crawl Space Foundation Walls in Chester, VA

Crawl Space Foundation Walls in Chester, VA

Before After
Crawl Space Foundation Walls in Chester, VA Crawl Space Foundation Walls in Chester, VA

The insulation in this crawl space beginning to pull apart and fall to the floor. Fiberglass insulation is not meant to hold moisture, and it loses its value when it becomes damp. Water droplets displace the air in the spaces between the glass fibers, reducing the material's thermal abilities. The wet insulation fibers pull apart and the added weight of moisture causes it to sag and even fall to the crawl space floor, rendering it useless.

Most crawl spaces in our area, like this Chester, VA home have fiberglass insulation between the floor joists. However, this is not an effective solution in our area due to high humidity and warm temperatures over half of the year resulting in high relative humidity, falling insulation, and microbial growth. So instead, the foundation walls were insulated using closed-cell spray foam which acts as an air barrier and vapor retarder, while the home was sealed from the earth’s moisture with CleanSpace, a heavy-duty vapor barrier. The foundation vents were sealed with Foamax foam board and covered over with closed-cell spray foam. Not only does all this protect the crawl space from moisture, with the addition of a dehumidifier it helps control the relative humidity, improves air quality, and reduces energy bills.

Company Awards
The Founder's Award 2023
Thursday, November 9th, 2023 The Drying Company and Owners, Steve Tetreault and Tyler Tetreault are honored to be presented with... [Read more]
Top Work Places 2023
The Drying Company LLC has been named a Top Workplace in Hampton Roads Top Workplaces! This award is based solely... [Read more]
BBB Torch Award for Ethics
The Drying Company is extremely honored to be recognized by the BBB (Better Business Bureau) as a 2022 Torch Award... [Read more]
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Chester, VA's Basement Waterproofing, Crawl Space Repair, & Home Insulation Company

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Reviews From Chester
Testimonials From Chester
Outstanding and professional crew. Great representation for your company!
Testimonial by Tom R. from Chester, VA
The crew did a great job! They communicated very well and were very courteous!
Testimonial by Robert Z. from Chester, VA
Everything was done to our satisfaction!
Testimonial by Kristina H. from Chester, VA

Expert Ductwork Sealing, Home Energy Audits, & Insulation Contractor

The Drying Co. is an authorized dealer of the nationally renowned Dr. Energy Saver network. The Dr. Energy Saver network is comprised of the best energy-conservation contractors across the country. We are not just another contractor company, we specialize in improving your home's current energy efficiency issues. You'll receive the maximum energy and cost-saving results with the least amount of hassle. We offer a wide range of services including:

  • Attic Insulation
  • Crawl Space Insulation
  • Spray Foam Insulation
  • Blown-in Insulation
  • Rigid Foam Insulation
  • Ductwork Sealing
  • Home Energy Audits
  • Replacement Windows
  • And More!

Basement Waterproofing Experts

Water in your basement is a serious problem. Not only does standing water cause damage and facilitate mold growth, but it also greatly lowers the value of your home. Very few people will want to buy a home that is known to have a leaky basement. However, The Drying Co. can help with our quality basement waterproofing solutions.

Give us a call and our experts can provide you with the basement waterproofing solution you need. We'll inspect your basement, identify the cause of your water problem, and then implement the required repairs and waterproofing solution. We offer a wide range of products and services designed to make your basement healthy and dry, including:

  • Waterproof Wall Coverings
  • French Drain Systems
  • Sump Pumps
  • Dehumidifiers
  • Crack Repair
  • And more!

Crawl Space Repair in Chester, VA

Issues with your crawl space can have wide-ranging effects on the rest of your home. Mold, mildew, pests, and other contaminants can get into the air that passes through your crawl space and then into the home, cold air from your crawl space can cause drafts, and issues with the structure can lead to sagging floors.

At The Drying Co. we offer the crawl space repair services you need to make your crawl space dry, healthy, and beneficial to your home. We offer a variety of solutions including:

  • Crawl Space Insulation
  • Crawl Space Encapsulation
  • Crawl Space Support Jacks
  • Crawl Space Dehumidifiers
  • And More!

Contact us today to schedule your free estimate for any of our services in Chester, VA!

News & Events from Chester
Is Mold a Problem?
Ten things you should know about mold... [Read more]
Work Requests From Chester, VA
Project Location: Chester, VA
Want to put some blown in insulation in an area over my garage that has no insulation at all
Project Location: Chester, VA
About 175 sq feet. Remove insulation, mitigate white mold, install R10 insulation, de humidifier and wiring needed.
Project Location: Chester, VA
I have two areas that have drastic temperature issues in summer and winter. These areas are adjacent to attic spaces. One area is a third floor attic build-out with insulated knee walls. The other is second story above garage with an attic space above.
Project Location: Chester, VA
Musty odor in room above crawlspace
Project Location: Chester, VA
Mold in crawl space
Project Location: Chester, VA
I am seeking insulation in my attic that keeps the attic from being EXTREMELY hot in the summer and EXTREMELY cold in the winter
Project Location: Chester, VA
Crawl space questions
Project Location: Chester, VA
Bugs getting into garage
Project Location: Chester, VA
Noticing some "play" in my hardwood floors - and small gaps. Have a full basement with partial crawl space. Floors are becoming a bit unlevel
Project Location: Chester, VA
Older home with basement. Like to waterproof
Project Location: Chester, VA
Crawl space to reduce humidity and possibly help with electric bills
Project Location: Chester, VA
Damp, orange spores and termites seen. Who does work first termite co or you. Need barrier 1 bedroom cottage like to have appt tues or thurs.
Project Location: Chester, VA
Wanting to have Over all general knowledge of my homes energy efficiency and options if needed.
Project Location: Chester, VA
Large temperature variations in rooms upstairs
Project Location: Chester, VA
Have a water mitigation issue in the front crawl space (small crawl space then a full basement) and i can't figure out where the water is coming from. basement is dry, but can smell the moisture in the crawl space.
Project Location: Chester, VA
Attic insulation removal cost
Project Location: Chester, VA
Install closed cell spray foam in a new post frame shop building
Project Location: Chester, VA
Would like someone to check out the entire house- for air leaks and insulation.
Project Location: Chester, VA
40 yr old home with crawl space moisture and dampness, causing camel crickets - looking for possible solutions with concrete lifting, encasement, drainage, sump pump, dehumidifier etc.
Project Location: Chester, VA
House built in 1963 with minimal insulation. Need insulation in attic to lower electric bills and maintain heat / cooling. Currently heat pump is working overtime in hot summer and cold winters after oil furnace was removed last winter.
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