Crawlspace Encapsulation in Champaign, IL

Monday, July 11th, 2016 by Jordan Link

Challenge

Mark W. had a damp crawlspace that had an existing vapor barrier, but it was not keeping out moisture. Mark also wanted to waterproof his crawlspace and have a solution that would control the humidity and moisture within. He called Woods Basement Systems, where Systems Design Specialist Kevin Estes came out to design a solution based on Mark's needs.

Solution

The best solution for Mark was to replace the vapor barrier in his crawlspace with the CleanSpace® vapor barrier, install the SmartPipe drainage system, a SmartSump™ crawlspace sump pump, and a SaniDry™ CX dehumidification system.

Joshua Bailey and his team came out to install the products. The process began with covering all vents to prevent cold air, humidity, and moisture entering from the outside. The SmartSump™ sump pump was then installed, along with the SmartPipe drainage system. The drainage system was installed around the perimeter, and includes holes on the top and front to collect water from the soil, and a wall flange to collect water from the walls. A drainage matting was installed over the crawlspace floor, which has dimples in it to provide air circulation. Moisture underneath the drainage matting is directed to the SmartPipe draining system, and then directed to the sump pump to be pumped out. Over the draining system and drainage matting went the CleanSpace® vapor barrier. The vapor barrier was placed over the floor and the walls, which was mechanically fastened so the barrier would not fall off the walls. The seamless finish would help control the humidity and moisture in the basement. To finish the project, the team installed a SaniDry™ CX dehumidification system. The dehumidification system would further control the humidity and moisture in the basement, while emptying the water itself, eliminating the need for manual emptying. The system can be set to turn on only when the humidity level is too high (determined by homeowner), minimizing the machine's usage.

Now, Mark enjoys a dry crawlspace, one he can be confident in that it will remain dry and benefit his home.

Project Summary

Systems Design Specialist: Kevin Estes

Primary Foreman: Joshua Bailey

Moisture can be seen around this corner in the crawlspace. Since the vapor barrier was not installed over the walls, moisture could still come in through the walls. The barrier also had gaps and holes, which minimized the benefits of having a vapor barrier.

More moisture can be seen along the bottom of the crawlspace wall. The barrier is also wet, as the photo shows by the lighter and darker areas.

The project is complete. Seen in the photo is the CleanSpace® vapor barrier on the wall and floor, along with the discharge lines coming from the sump pump.

Looking though the crawlspace hatch in the inside of the home, one can make out the seam in the CleanSpace® liner, which is carefully sealed to keep out moisture and humidity from the floors and walls. Also seen in the top left of the photo is a small, round button. This is one of the fasteners that prevent the CleanSpace® from falling off the walls.

Another view of the CleanSpace® throughout the crawlspace. Underneath the vapor barrier lies the drainage matting and the draining system. The drainage matting helps direct water to the draining system, which is then transported to the sump pump to be pumped out.

View of the CleanSpace® vapor barrier, and the SaniDry™ CX dehumidifier. This dehumidification system is a self-draining system, and only runs when the humidity rises above the level set by the homeowner. Also seen are the discharge lines from the SmartSump™ sump pump.

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.

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Crawlspace Encapsulation in Champaign, IL

Challenge

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