Water Intrusion Taking Over Crawl Space in West Linn, OR
Challenge
This crawl space was experiencing water intrusion from what seemed like all possible angles. When water has no where to drain to in a crawl space it begins to cause several issues such as damage to the foundation, wooden posts and integrity of the home itself. Moisture and humidity will than cause fiberglass insulation to become damp and heavy leading it to fall on the ground and cause a nasty mess and negate its insulation value. This type of moist environment attracts pests and rodents that can cause further damage and even introduce health hazards and musty odors. These homeowners reached out to John's to set up their free visit and find a solution that will permanently keep water out of the crawl space and stop causing issues. They let us know that there was a strong musty odor that was starting to linger in the home even during the dryer seasons as well as a lingering humid feeling in the living areas. We went out and thoroughly inspected the crawl space and found multiple points where water was coming in as well as a lot of damage to the vapor barrier and fiberglass insulation. After the inspection, we met with the homeowners to go over all of the findings and work on a plan that addresses each issue, creating a permanent solution.
Solution
Encapsulation protects the crawl space from water intrusion, prevents mold and mildew, deters rodents and pests and ensures structural protection. When hearing the benefits the homeowners chose to move forward with the estimate and we scheduled the project. We start by removing all of the debris, fiberglass insulation and old vapor barrier. We then dig a trench around the interior perimeter of the crawl space and in it we install a 3 inch perforated pipe into a silt sock to create a safe passage for water to drain to the lowest point. At this low point we install our TripleSafe Sump that will collect any water that enters and pump it outside of the home, away from the foundation through a discharge line. We also cover all of the vents and seal them shut to prevent outside air from entering. Next, we install our TerraBlock system onto the dirt floor of the crawl space to create an insulated barrier between the home and the earth, blocking moisture from making its way up. Our CleanSpace system is next, we install this on top of the TerraBlock system and it is sealed at the footing of the wooden posts as well as anchored into the foundation walls, up to the rim joists. Then, to control the environment, we install our SaniDry Sedona Dehumidifier that will help eliminate damp and musty odors by drying and filtering the air, as well as keep the home at a healthy relative humidity. To finish this crawl space, we anchor our SilverGlo wall system into the foundation walls up to the rim joists and this helps with insulating not only the crawl space but the home as well. Now that this crawl space is dry and protected, these homeowners can finally have peace of mind with their now dry, healthy and stable crawl space.
