Respected Insulation & Duct Sealing Experts in Gloucester Point, VA

This homeowner in Gloucester Point, VA contacted us at The Drying Co./ThermalTec to evaluate their crawl space for moisture damage. We sent one of our experienced Home Performance Advisors to examine the crawl space and give a free estimate for the job.

Upon inspection, we found that the crawl space floor was quite cluttered with debris, old wood, cinder-blocks, and what remained of a dirty, torn vapor barrier. All the debris will have to be removed, the old liner will need to be replaced with a heavy-duty 20-mil CleanSpace vapor barrier, similar to a pool liner, which will prevent moisture from the dirt floor to rise into the crawl space. The CleanSpace liner has polyester cord reinforcement inside, making it quite heavy and durable, and has an antimicrobial agent called UltraFresh manufactured in the material, which will help prevent mold and bacteria growth. The vapor barrier would be wrapped around all piers and attached to the foundation walls six to eight inches above outside grade. The CleanSpace is bright white and adds a clean and pleasing aesthetic appearance to the crawl space.

The next problem we found in this crawl space was the mold and mildew growth along the floor joists and girders. Mold and mildew will grow on any organic material within the crawl space such as wood and the paperbacks of fiberglass insulation. The relative humidity needs to be at least 60% for mold to begin growing on the organic materials. We will address the issue of relative humidity later. We would propose using Shockwave antimicrobial, an EPA-registered disinfectant, sanitizer, and cleaner designed to kill mold spores at their source.

We also noticed that much of the fiberglass insulation was tearing apart and falling to the floor. Fiberglass acts like a sponge, soaking up moisture from the crawl space air, and becoming too heavy to sit between the floor joists. Water droplets pull apart the fine fibers of the insulation, and the extra weight of the water tears it apart. Instead of replacing the fiberglass in the floor joists, we would propose insulating the foundation walls of the crawl space. The benefit of doing this would enable us to help mitigate heat during the warmer seasons while reducing cold floors during the cooler seasons. There would not be any need for fiberglass insulation in the floor joists with the walls being sealed. We would use a closed-cell spray foam, which acts as an air barrier and vapor retarder if sprayed at an inch and a half at least. The open vents in the foundation walls, which let air and moisture uncontrollably seep in, would be covered from the inside with a precise cut foam board piece and sealed with foam. Doing this would allow us to mitigate the leakage of moisture underneath the home, which will also reduce the relative humidity and mold growth.

The final proposition would be to add a dehumidifier to help control the environment underneath the home. We would use the Sedona SaniDry, a high-efficiency dehumidifier designed to regulate and control the amount of moisture within the crawl space. The Sedona controls the relative humidity, keeping it below 55%, and helps evenly distribute dry air around the area. The homeowners are given a hygrometer to monitor the humidity and temperature within the crawl space in case there are any spikes. With the crawl space being encapsulated and sealed, and the dehumidifier regulating the environment, the homeowners would have a major decrease in moisture problems during the warm and humid seasons, they would not experience cold floors during the colder seasons, and would see a decrease in their energy bills.

If you or someone you know is experiencing moisture problems or smelling the musty odor of mold rising into their home, then please call us at The Drying Co./ThermalTec for a free estimate! Our experienced and professional team will work with you to make your home more comfortable and energy-efficient.