Tappahannock, VA's Respected Basement Waterproofing & Crawlspace Repair Specialists

This homeowner contacted us because they noticed that the ground was holding a lot of moisture after rain or snow. They wanted to know their options for protecting the crawl space from future moisture damage.

At our inspection, we found mud and puddling throughout the crawl space. This indicates that water infiltration and moisture are certainly an issue. Water seeps through block walls, under the footing, and between the footing and walls. Moisture floods into the crawl space through open vents, water vapor rises from the ground and the block walls soak up ground moisture. Condensation occurs on ductwork and plumbing resulting in even more moisture. This moisture evaporates into the crawl space increasing the relative humidity.

Moisture is absorbed by the wood and fiberglass insulation in the crawl space. It is also pulled up into the living space because air flows upward in a house. As the fiberglass batts absorb moisture, the fibers of the material are damaged causing them to pull apart from one another and fall. The added weight of the moisture in the insulation causes it to fall away from the floor. This leaves the homeowner with cold floors in the home. The wood joists and subfloor are also absorbing moisture which can lead to wood rot which occurs at about 19% wood moisture content. In this crawl space, we did not see any signs of wood rot. However, the high relative humidity resulted in mold and mildew growth on the floor joists.

The homeowner already had concerns about what the moisture could do to their crawl space, and we were finding that it was already wreaking havoc. So, we helped them develop a solution to protect the home from moisture, prevent future mold growth, and have healthier indoor air quality and lower energy bills.

We first recommended cleaning out all the old materials and debris in the crawl space, then treating the mold growth. To treat mildew and mold growth, we use an antimicrobial solution designed to kill the microbial growth. Then we recommended installing an interior foundation drainage system. This system will address the bulk water entering the crawl space and send it to a 1/3 HP SmartSump pump, which will take it away from the home’s foundation and deposit it to a designated spot on the property. We found a drainage system to be necessary in this case due to the excess water coming into the crawl space.  

Next, we advised installing a heavy-duty crawl space vapor barrier. The vapor barrier would be sealed at all seams, wrapped and sealed around all piers and attached and sealed to the foundation walls 6-8 inches above outside grade. This will allow us to direct any water migrating through the block wall behind the CleanSpace and down into the drainage system. The CleanSpace will seal the crawl space off from the earth’s moisture and prevent water vapor from evaporating into the air.

We then recommended insulating the crawl space from the foundation walls with closed-cell spray foam or rigid foam board. This extends the thermal barrier of the home and reduces heat transfer through the foundation walls. All vents, the sill plate, rim and band, and utility penetrations leading to the outside would be sealed as well. An insulated Friction Fit Door would be installed behind the existing crawl space door. This would allow us to both air seal and insulate behind the crawl space door, which is otherwise a large hole for moisture and air to dump into the crawl space.

Finally, we recommend installing a SaniDry Sedona Dehumidifier. Even though we have done everything we can to seal off the crawl space from outside air, some air will still find its way in. Crawl spaces suck in air from the smallest holes and that outside air is warmer than the air in the crawl space during summer months, raising the relative humidity. The SaniDry Sedona regulates the relative humidity in the crawl space efficiently and effectively. The unit only cuts on when the relative humidity increases over the preset threshold, about 55%. It pulls excess air from the crawl space, filters the air, and circulates dry air throughout the entire crawl space. We would also provide the homeowner with a hygrometer to monitor the humidity and temperature of their crawl space from the comfort of their home.

This solution will help to protect their home from future damage to the crawl space and ultimately the foundation of their home. Giving them the peace of mind that the structure is durable and healthy. They will also have the added benefits of a more energy-efficient home, lower energy bills, and healthier indoor air quality.

This Tappahannock, VA home had a partial crawl space and partial basement. One end of the home’s foundation was a couple of feet high, while the other end was tall enough to walk in. The homeowners used the taller space for mechanical equipment and yard storage. They had been experiencing cold floors in the home and drafts. They wanted options for their crawl space that would help make the home more comfortable.

At our inspection, we found that the walkout portion of the crawl space had a cement slab, while the rest was a dirt floor covered with a 6-mil vapor barrier. Despite not being properly sealed, the existing 6 mil was in fair condition. We also found efflorescence on the foundation walls indicating that moisture was seeping into the crawl space. There was little mold growth in the crawl space, but there was some moisture damage to the insulation that resulted in delamination.

After discussing the options with the homeowners, they determined they were most concerned with fixing their cold floors and drafts. They were not too concerned about the moisture, because the items they chose to store in the space were all outdoor items that were intended to be subjected to the elements. In this case, we determined that the best solution for the homeowner was spray foam.

We recommended removing the old fiberglass insulation and applying 3.0” closed cell spray foam to the subfloor. At 1.5” this foam product is a vapor retarder and air barrier. This offers the homeowner air sealing properties that will help reduce the drafts in the home. The vapor retarder will help to prevent moisture from migrating through the foam into the joists, subfloor, or the home. The homeowners will experience warmer floors in the winter, as well as improved energy efficiency.