Crawlspace Encapsulation in Trenton, IL

Tuesday, May 15th, 2018 by Jordan Link

Challenge

This homeowner in Trenton, IL had a dirt and gravel floor in their crawlspace, with old insulation falling from above. While the homeowners kept their crawlspace in good condition, the crawlspace was not renovated yet to keep out moisture. One of the most common problems in crawlspaces is moisture control, which, if not taken care of, can produce mold. The crawlspace vents can only do so much in regards to moisture control. This homeowner wants to prevent moisture from accumulating in the future, and have a solution that keeps the crawlspace dry. The challenge lies with calculating the perfect solution that is also permanent for this homeowner.

Solution

The best solution for preventative moisture control was our CleanSpace™ encapsulation system, the SaniDry™ dehumidification system, and the TripleSafe™ sump pump system. These three solutions put together will ensure the crawlspace remains dry, controlling the moisture that seeps in the crawlspace.

Installation begins with installing air-tight vents and air-sealing any openings into the crawlspace. We installed our TripleSafe™ sump pump system, which drains any water entering the crawlspace into a sump pump consisting of two pumps, where the second pump operates in the case the first one is overloaded or fails, and a battery-backup pump that operates in the case of a power outage. This way, homeowners can have piece of mind of keeping their crawlspace as dry as possible, even during a thunderstorm, if they are not at home.

The next step was to install the encapsulation system, consisting of a vapor barrier that prevents moisture from accumulating through the block walls and floor. Underneath the barrier lies a drainage matting that guides any water coming behind the barrier to the sump pump.

To further protect this homeowner's crawlspace, the SaniDry™ dehumidification system was installed. Any excessive moisture or humidity in this crawlspace will be removed, ensuring the area will remain clean and dry. The SaniDry™ can be set to proper humidity level, so the homeowner can be comfortable knowing the humidity level will not exceed what is set. By keeping moisture and humidty levels low, pests and mold cannot thrive.

These three solutions will control mold, dust mites, and mildew damage.

Project Summary

Primary Foreman: Joshua Bailey

Systems Design Specialist: Brenton Kutz

This crawlspace has a dirt and gravel floor with the torn up plastic lining, which provides no moisture protection.

There is little insulation underneath the home's flooring, so any moisture or humidity accumulating in the crawlspace goes right through the floor into the home, causing the humidity to rise.

If this crawlspace were to accumulate water, there would be a muddy mess underneath the home, which could damage the foundation.

Any insulation in the crawlspace needed to be taken out, due to moisture accumulating in it. The insulation can become heavy and sag, due to the condensation, and fall out.

After the encapsulation system was installed, we installed the SaniDry™ dehumidification system, the blue machine in the corner. Any humid air in the crawlspace will be expelled out and conditioned, leaving the air dry.

The encapsulation system is formed around any obstacles, including supports, to ensure as little moisture as possible enters the crawlspace.

The crawl space after photo.

The crawl space vapor barrier covers the floor and walls.

About the author

Jordan Link

Jordan Link lives in the St. Louis Metro-East area and serves as a Marketing Specialist for an industry-leading home improvement contractor and as a Sales Trainer for a multi-national retail corporation. Jordan provides quality email marketing campaigns and web content that transcend the competition, inspire clients, and develop new business.

Back to Previous Page Back to Case Studies

Crawlspace Encapsulation in Trenton, IL

Challenge

Solution

Project Summary

About the author

our service area

We serve the following areas