Your Trusted Home Services Provider in Burlington Area

After living in their home for several years, this homeowner noticed some signs that the insulation in the crawl space wasn't in good condition. They were experiencing cold floors and higher energy bills that they hadn't noticed in years past. Deciding it was time for an inspection, they reached out to John's Waterproofing to see if they could get the issue resolved. Upon inspection, it was obvious there had been significant moisture issues due to most of their fiberglass insulation sagging from the sub-floor. This happens when water gets into the crawl space and evaporates into the air. Then, the fiberglass insulation absorbs the moisture in the air which makes it loose and fall. We informed the homeowners that the best long-term solution to their insulation issue is to control the moisture problem by encapsulating. 

Encapsulations are the process of sealing the crawl space off from the outside and controlling the environment to help prevent mold and wood rot. To begin this process, we need to strip the crawl space of the falling insulation and damaged vapor barrier because these can increase the exposure to mold and mildew growth. Then, we install a drainage system using a perforated pipe and a SuperSump Plus sump pump. The pipe is installed along the interior perimeter of the crawl space and collects any water that tries to seep through. It sends the collected water to the sump pump to be safely pushed out and away from the homes foundation. Once drainage is installed and we can ensure the crawl space will stay dry, then TerraBlock gets installed. TerraBlock is a thick insulation foam that goes along the base of the space. It seals the earth off from the crawl space which helps control the environment. Customers have found that it improves energy efficiency in the home because the heating/cooling systems don't have to work as hard to keep up with the changing climate since the crawl space maintains the same temperature year round. On top of the TerraBlock, a CleanSpace vapor barrier gets installed to prevent any water from seeping through. A SaniDry dehumidifier is placed to filter the air by pulling out excess moisture or particles. Lastly, Spray Foam is applied to the foundation walls as a final air sealant and insulator. After this encapsulation is completed, it will help improve energy efficiency in the home and be properly insulated.

Having a vapor barrier in your crawl space is essential in maintaining a healthy and dry home. They help prevent groundwater from rising up inside and causing water damage to the wood supporting your home. Over time, this can eventually lead to poor air quality in the living spaces because if that water gets in the crawl space and evaporates, it increases the humidity. This homeowner realized that there was no form of protection against water in their crawl space and wanted John's Waterproofing to come out to encapsulate it. 

Encapsulations are the process of sealing the earth off from the home starting in the crawl space. This helps ensure that water or moisture can get into the space and cause damage to the homes health. The first step to add moisture protection to this home was to add a Drainage Matt. This is a dimple matting that goes along the base of the crawl space to prevent water from being able to seep over top, while also guiding it to SmartDrain. The SmartDrain takes all the water that tries to enter and offers a safe passageway to push it out of the crawl space and away from the homes foundation. Over top of the Drainage Matt, then we install a TerraBlock insulation foam. This is cut to perfectly fit into each individual crawl space and seals the earth from the home. It helps to regulate the environment and make the home more energy efficient. The most important step for this crawl space was installing the CleanSpace vapor barrier. This is a 20 mil thick liner made with woven fibers that prevents water from being able to seep through. It seals the space and offers protection against water and moisture. We apply Spray Foam along the foundation walls to air seal the space and insulate. The last step is installing a SaniDry dehumidifier to promote healthy and clean air by pulling out any moisture or particles. Once this system is completed, the homeowners feel safer knowing this is a long-term solution against water intrusion.