A crawl space encapsulated in Saint-Hippolyte
Challenge
In September 2018, our customer from Saint-Hippolyte sent us a request via the web and wrote us the following message: "My tenants have discovered mold in the closets. There was a water leak due to pump breakage in the crawl space 1-2 months ago. The problem, therefore, comes from there. I would like an estimate of the costs and the measures to be taken as soon as possible. So we sent our specialist Peter who is a specialist in crawl space. Peter has been part of our team for over 10 years. He knows how to detect moisture and foundation problems at their source in order to solve problems at their source and permanently.
The major problem in this uninsulated crawl space is that there is a lot of water seepage and water vapor that evaporates into the air. Water and water vapor make the environment humid, which affects organic building materials such as wood. Support beams and wooden joists are therefore in danger of deteriorating. In addition, moist air consumes much more energy for heating or cooling. Our specialist consequently recommended a complete solution to waterproof, isolate, encapsulate and solidify this crawl space which was in bad condition.
Solution
Our production team led by Foreman Yury has installed systems specially designed for the crawl space environment.
To waterproof the space, we installed the SmartSump sump pump system that adapts to constricted environments as well as a SmartDrain floor drain at the lowest point on the floor to collect run-off water at this location and evacuate to the sump pump.
We insulated the walls with SilverGlo insulation made of graphite particles that reflect heat inwards. The dirt floor has been insulated with TerraBlock panels specially designed to be installed on the dirt floor to block water vapor and provide a comfortable cushion for easy crawling into the crawl space. The crawl space has finally been completely encapsulated thanks to the CleanSpace membrane which a vapor barrier and contains an antibacterial additive that prevents the proliferation of bacteria and molds.
To provide additional support to the foundation, we installed a galvanized steel SmartJacks support pillar to prevent it from rusting or oxidation.
Finally, a SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier is a very important element to control the optimal moisture content of 55% in a crawl space. This dehumidifier is the most efficient and the most economical of its category. It is a dehumidifier and air purifier that empties automatically is made to fit in a narrow space and contains a dual filter to eliminate mold spores and other unwanted particles. Plus, it's rated EnergyStar!
Project Summary
Problem: Water and humidity in the crawl space
Solution: Insulation, encapsulation and waterproofing of the crawl space
Products installed: SmartSump, SmartDrain, SilverGlo, TerraBlock, CleanSpace, SaniDry Sedona, SmartJacks, IceGuard, LawnScape.
expert: Peter
foreman: Yury
