Crawl Space Repair Photo Album: Finishing Touches for a Concrete Crawlspace

This home in Richmond Heights, MO. was built over a concrete crawlspace. This type of crawlspace is rare due to the higher cost of building, but has several advantages over more common dirt crawlspaces.   Unlike dirt crawlspaces, concrete crawlspaces are harder for water and pests to enter. They are also more resistant to mold as there is less organic material and less water to feed the mold growth in a concrete crawlspace. Concrete floors can also prevent pests from entering the area, making it harder for mice or insects to enter the crawlspace. However, concrete crawlspaces are not immune to the hazards of a dirt crawlspace   Water can still leak through tiny gaps in the walls and unconditioned air that is often high in relative humidity can still enter the crawlspace. To take the health of this crawlspace to the next level, these issues need to be addressed.    The first step is to ensure that any water that leaks in has a place to leak out. A SmartDrain is installed to handle leaks. Blocking water is also important in keeping the space dry. Most water that enters this space will do so as water vapor that comes in with the air and condenses on the cooler surfaces inside the crawlspace. Stopping airflow into the crawlspace from outside will stop this problem. To do this, a special door called EverLast™ is installed. The air-tight and sturdy door will prevent humid and unconditioned outside air from entering the crawlspace. Covers are also used over windows and vents to prevent air from entering through those openings.   Once the space is sealed, a Sedona dehumidifier is installed to dry the inside air. The Sedona is a powerful dehumidifier that can wring over 12 gallons of moisture out of the air in a single day. While it is drying the air, the Sedona will also filter out tiny particles like mold spores and dust mite droppings that can cause allergies for the homeowners. With the Sedona installed, the air is drier, cleaner, and easier to condition. This will make the whole home easier - and cheaper - to condition and will save the homeowner money on energy costs.   This concrete crawlspace was decently protected from the harmful elements that often plague dirt crawlspaces, but with the addition of a few extra features the health of this crawlspace is improved even further.