Crawl Space Repair Photo Album: Protecting a Crawlspace with CleanSpace™
Dirt crawlspaces can be incredibly harmful to the longevity of a home. This is because dirt crawlspaces offer the vulnerable underside of the home no protection from hazards such as pests, water vapor and mold. These things can rise through the dirt and impact the floor joists that make up the roof of the crawlspace - and support your floor!
The best way to combat these dirt crawlspace problems is with CleanSpace™. CleanSpace™ is a tear-proof and waterproof liner that incapsulates a crawlspace, totally protecting it from the dangers of having a dirt floor. Water and water vapor that rises from the dirt gets blocked by the liner and directed to a sump pump to be drained away from the home. CleanSpace™ also has an anti-microbial layer that will block mold and prevent mold from growing on the surface of CleanSpace™.
CleanSpace™ is also installed vertically along the walls. This will prevent any leaks from entering through the walls and sitting on top of CleanSpace's™ surface, where it could evaporate into the air and feed mold growth or cause damage. Once it is permanently fastened into place, CleanSpace's™ tough liner will also block back insects and pests such as mice that might want to make their home in the crawlspace.
As if preventing harm wasn't enough, CleanSpace™ also offers the opportunity for a more energy efficient home. In a dirt crawlspace any insulation in the crawlspace will get immediately ruined by contact with water. It also serves as the perfect nesting material for many pests. Once the crawlspace is incapsulated with CleanSpace™ and is protected from water and pests, it can be insulated again. This insulation will prevent cool winter air or warm (and humid!) summer air from entering the home from below and will make the entire home easier to heat or cool. CleanSpace™ doesn't just protect the crawlspace, it saves money too!
For this home in O'Fallon, IL., upgrading to CleanSpace™ meant getting protection against the hazards that threatened their crawlspace and, by extension, their home.
Dirt Crawlspace
This dirt crawlspace is suceptable to damage from water and mold as well as pests. The plastic liner on the floor will do little to block water vapor as well as leaks through the walls and it isn't nearly as tough as CleanSpace™.
Pests Love Dirt Crawlspaces
These cave crickets feel equally at home in a dirt crawlspace.
Unprotected Crawlspace
This crawlspace had a rudimentary tarp to protect from water vapor. This tarp isn't permanently secured, nor does it protect against leaks through the walls.
Ruined Insulation
Once insulation gets wet it loses its shape and practically all of its insulating power. This dirt crawlspace allowed water vapor to ruin this insulation.
CleanSpace™ Going Up
CleanSpace™ not only covers the dirt floor, but is also fastened to the walls to block leaks or pests from entering the crawlspace above the liner.
Sump Pump and Sedona
This Sedona dehumidifier will make sure the air is appropriately dry. Dry air will help combat mold growth as well as dust mite populations. Dry air is also easier to condition, making the home more energy efficient. This sump pump will remove any water the Sedona collects, as well as any water that builds up beneath the CleanSpace™ vapor barrier.
Adding Insulation Again
Once the crawlspace is incapsulated, the old and ruined insulation can be removed and replaced with new insulation. CleanSpace™ will protect the new insulation and prevent mold, water and pests from ruining it again.
Finished Crawlspace
This crawlspace is finally protected thanks to CleanSpace™ across the floor and up the walls. CleanSpace™ will protect against water, mold, pests and water vapor.
