The Drying Company serving Claremont, VA

This homeowner in Claremont, Virginia, called us because their home was feeling uncomfortable, and their energy bills were quite high. They wanted us to replace their existing attic insulation with new blown-in cellulose and help create a tighter space within their attic. We sent one of our Home Performance Advisors to investigate the attic and home, and we discovered that the insulation that was already in their attic space was old and didn’t even reach the level of the rafters. There wasn’t any proper sealing in the attic, either. This combination could explain why their energy bills were high.

To address these concerns, we will remove all existing cellulose before sealing around any wire holes, top plate edges, plumbing holes, and light fixtures, which will help to seal the attic space from the living space. Then we would cover the ceiling with 14 inches of R-49 blown cellulose insulation. With these solutions in place, the home will be much more energy-efficient and comfortable, while reducing the amount of wear and tear on the HVAC system. Give us a call if you have similar issues and would like a free estimate from one of our experienced Home Performance Advisors! We’ll help to keep the outside, outside!

This homeowner in Claremont, Virginia, called us out to inspect their unfinished basement because they were concerned about flooding in the basement every time it rained. We sent out one of our experienced Home Performance Advisors to investigate their concerns.

Upon arrival, our advisor introduced himself to the homeowner and accompanied them downstairs to the basement, where he immediately noticed that there were signs of water intrusion on the walls of the basement. Many areas of the basement walls and floors were still damp, and dirt or mud piles were scattered around, indicating that the water that flooded the basement brought in outside sediments. Efflorescence was evident on the walls. This happens when water forces itself through the porous brick walls, bringing along with it the inner salts and sediments to the surface, creating a chalky substance upon the wall. There was also evidence of the flooding, thanks to the large dark spots surrounding the exterior basement door and windows, which were level with the outside grade. After discovering all the evidence for water infiltration, our advisor drew up a proposal to help combat the intrusion.

To combat these issues and help protect the basement during heavy rainstorms, we would first remove any belongings and items away from the perimeter of the basement. A trench would be created around the perimeter, where the WaterGuard XL drainage system will be placed. But first, we would attach a 20-mil vapor barrier, called CleanSpace, to the walls of the basement. This vapor barrier would catch any water that infiltrates through the porous walls and help guide it down to the trench. We would then install our WaterGuard XL drainage system within the trench to catch any moisture collected by the CleanSpace. A sump pump hole would then be dug out in connection to the trench, where we would place a sump system. The water collected by the WaterGuard XL would be sent to this sump system to be drained out of the basement via a hose line. Once the WaterGuard XL and sump are in place, we would fill the trench with drainage rock to help filter out any sediments collected. Then the trench would be recemented over, but first, we would place a TrenchDrain in front of the basement doors. This grate would collect any water seeping through the doors and drain it into the WaterGuard XL. Once the systems are in place, we would recement over the trench. With these systems in place, the basement would be better protected from water intrusion during heavy rainstorms. If you or someone you know is having issues with basement or crawl space flooding, then please reach out to our team. We will help to keep the outside, outside!

These Claremont, VA homeowners contacted The Drying Co./ThermalTec because they wanted to identify any weatherization needs and problems in their home as well as options to address them. They wanted to reduce their energy bills and improve the efficiency and comfort of their home.

A big factor in the efficiency of a home is what is going on in the attic, so that is where we started our inspection. In the attic, we found that there was old, dirty, batt insulation and blown-in insulation installed on the ceiling. The dirt and dust are often a result of being carried in through the vents in the attic as well as the fiberglass filtering the air rising through the home and into the attic. There was so little insulation on the ceiling, that the homeowners were not getting any benefit from it.

In addition, there are hundreds of holes connecting the living space to the unconditioned attic. Allowing conditioned air to be sucked out of the top of the home and replaced with unconditioned air at the bottom of the home. These holes are a natural part of construction and include utility penetrations, HVAC connections, top plates, and light fixture housings.

The attic also housed HVAC equipment, which was subject to the extreme conditions of the space. This makes it even more difficult to heat and cool the home and causes additional wear and tear on the unit causing the homeowners more money and no solution to their discomfort.

After our assessment of the attic, we discussed our findings and options for improving the comfort and efficiency of the home with the homeowners. We suggested cleaning out the attic and properly air sealing and insulating to reduce the heat transfer between the bedrooms below and the attic.

To achieve this, we would first clean out all the old, dusty, and dirty insulation. This allows us to get clear access to all the holes allowing conditioned air to escape. We then air seal all top plates, fixture housings, utility penetrations, and any other holes.

Before putting in new insulation, we install a dam around the HVAC unit and attic access to prevent insulation from falling in. We also install PVs, polystyrene vents, to maintain ventilation at the soffit while preventing insulation from falling in or the airflow to cause drift in the insulation.

Finally, we would blow in a fresh blanket of R-38 cellulose insulation and adhere an insulation panel to the back of the attic access. Cellulose insulation has a higher R-value per inch than batt or blown fiberglass, requiring less material to achieve the same R-value. In addition, this product is 85% recycled materials such as newspaper, and only 15% new material, making it more environmentally friendly.

Air sealing the attic stops the massive loss of conditioned air to the attic, this means the air our homeowners paid to heat and cool is going to stay in the house longer. The additional insulation resists the transfer of heat from the attic to the conditioned space in the summer and helps keep warm air in during winter months.

If the homeowners choose this solution, they will experience even temperatures throughout their home and will be more comfortable. Their HVAC will not have to work as hard and air they are conditioning is staying in the home longer, saving them on their energy bills.  

If you are noticing hot and cold spots in your home or high energy bills, call The Drying Co. Team for a free inspection and estimate.