Crawl Space Repair Before & After Photos

As the insulation acts as a sponge, it holds moisture against the wood joists raising the moisture content of the joists. Mold requires organic material, warm temperatures, and relative humidity above 60% to grow. Often we see mold growing on the paper backing of the insulation and on wood joists in the crawl space. As the moisture content in the joists increases, the probability for wood rot becomes more likely. Once the joists reach 19% moisture wood rot begins. An antimicrobial called Shockwave is sprayed onto the joists to kill the mold. Once the encapsulation is complete and the dehumidifier is installed it will be set to turn on before the humidity in the crawl space reaches 60% (The ideal point for mold to grow). The Encapsulation system will help prevent ideal conditions for mold to grow from occurring and make the home healthier and more comfortable.

The old crawl space door has been replaced with a new door that does not warp, rust, or rot. A friction fit insulated interior door is installed before the exterior door is put on to keep out outside air and moisture.

This vented crawl space in Charles City, VA had falling and damaged insulation, a torn vapor barrier, high relative humidity, and mold growing on the joists. The vents and rim band were sealed and insulated, the sill plate was sealed, a vapor barrier was installed, and spray foam insulation was applied to the walls. 

This Bruington, VA client contacted us about repairing moisture damage in their crawl space. Moisture had caused mold and mildew growth, was absorbed in the insulation which held it against the floor joists, the material began to delaminate and fall away from the floor. 

All debris and insulation was removed from the crawl space, microbial growth was treated, the vents, sill plate, & rim band were sealed, the foundation walls were insulated with closed cell spray foam insulation and a dehumidifier was installed to control the relative humidity. The homeowners no longer need to worry about moisture damage in their crawl space and have the added benefit of warmer floors in the winter and reduced drafts in the home. 

The ground cover in this crawl space was a 6-mil, a similar thickness to a trash bag, it is easily ripped and displaced. Because it is unsealed and has tears, the 6-mil ground cover allows moisture from the earth to affect the crawl space raising the relative humidity, damaging insulation, and causing microbial growth. 

After removing the 6-mil, we installed a 20-mil heavy-duty vapor barrier called CleanSpace, and is similar to the thickness of a pool liner. CleanSpace has a built-in Antimicrobial called UltraFresh. When we install the vapor barrier, we overlap and seal all seams, seal the liner to the walls 6-8 inches above outside grade, and wrap and seal all piers. By sealing the CleanSpace at all of these points, we are able to isolate the crawl space from the earth's moisture.