Crawl Space Repair Photo Album: Structural Reinforcement and Encapsulation of Crawl Space - West Linn, OR
When crawl spaces are not protected from water intrusion, structural damage is not a matter of "if", but "when". Rain water persistently entering crawl spaces erodes and rots crawl space footings, piers, insulation, foundation walls, and subfloor framing, leading to eventual structural damage and/or collapse. Additionally, wet crawl spaces pose enormous health risks to families, as 40% of the air inside of homes, comes from the crawl space. As the area beneath homes is frequently dark and wet, crawl spaces are excellent breeding grounds for rodents, mold, mildew, and bacteria - all of which are toxic, and are inevitably breathed in by all who enter the home. To protect the structural integrity of homes, as well as the health of the family living inside, John's proudly offers Encapsulation. This home was in need of an encapsulation paired with some structural work to address rotting posts.
To make the space safe, we replaced the rotting posts with Steel SmartJacks. When original subfloor piers have already began rotting, it is imperative to remove and replace the rotten wooden posts to restore structural integrity. SmartJack Posts are "jacked up", until the overhead floor is level, and they remain in place to support the home. Installation of these will ensure even weight distribution of the home to extend its structural longevity. However, without also Encapsulating your crawl space after structural damage has begun, further impairment will likely occur to the remaining wooden posts, costing more in repairs over the life of the home. To provide absolute protection this homeowner had us encapsulate the crawl space. Encapsulated crawl spaces are sealed, waterproofed, and insulated, preventing water, rodents, and debris from entering the space. Thanks to the 100% air-tight seal that is achieved, all structural components beneath the home are protected, and will not rot or erode. Through the combined installation of several professional-grade waterproofing components, these crawl spaces remain dry, and maintain a safe and clean air quality at all times, conducive to the health of your loved ones.
Very Dirty Crawl Space
This crawl space was filthy and full of toxic mold, and rodent droppings.
Close Up
There was a layer of nasty "sludge" covering the vapor barrier inside of this crawlspace. The "sludge" was a mixture of rodent feces and urine, dropped insulation, bacteria, and mud.
Encapsulated Crawl Space
Encapsulated crawl spaces are sealed entirely to protect structural integrity of homes, as well as the health of the family living inside.
SilverGlo Insulation Panels
SilverGlo insulation is installed directly onto the foundation walls, to prevent water from seeping in, while reflecting heat back into homes to save homeowners money on heating costs. SilverGlo is much more effective and longer lasting than traditional insulation.
Steel SmartJack Piers
Our crew of structural experts works diligently to remove and replace rotten wooden subfloor piers with heavy-duty Steel SmartJacks, permanently returning stability and longevity to family homes.