Crawl Space Moisture Control in Lexington, Kentucky

Friday, May 31st, 2024 by Jack Purdon

Challenge

This huge crawl space was in decent condition, but the owners understood that it wasn't going to stay that way if they didn't do something to control the moisture. This crawl space encapsulation project was going to be a big task because of the sheer size of the crawl space.

Solution

To control moisture in this crawl space, we first installed a full waterproofing system. Because the space was prone to larger water leaks, this step was especially important for the homeowners.

We began by digging trenches along the interior perimeter of the crawl space. As we dug, it was clear how much water had been sitting in the space—the trenches quickly filled with groundwater. We placed perforated pipe in the trenches to collect the water and backfilled with clean gravel, which adds an extra layer of drainage and filters dirt out of the pipes. At the same time, we installed SilverGlo insulation panels along the walls. These panels are made from inorganic materials that resist mold, and they provide excellent insulation for the crawl space.

Next, we dug a pit in the lowest part of the crawl space to install our SmartSump sump pump. Once the sump pump was in place, we laid down drainage matting across the floor. The matting cushions the CleanSpace liner, making it softer and more durable, and its dimples create channels that let water flow toward the sump pump underneath the liner.

We then installed CleanSpace liner over the floor and up the walls. The liner makes the crawl space brighter and cleaner while acting as a moisture barrier. Its flexible material can wrap around piers and other obstacles, and it is carefully sealed with tape and buttons to maintain a tight barrier. We also sprayed foam along the rim joists for additional insulation and protection. With all the new insulation in place, we were able to remove the old, moisture-damaged fiberglass from the ceiling.

In the end, this large crawl space is now fully protected from moisture, properly insulated, and safe for the home above. The system will save the homeowners time, money, and headaches in the future while keeping the space clean and comfortable.

This section of the crawl space was stained with mold and efflorescence.

You can see the water that had built up in the trenches when we started the waterproofing process.

This is the SuperLiner for the SmartSump sitting in the lowest part of the crawl space, connected to the perforated pipes.

This is the drainage matting, which adds durability and softness to the CleanSpace matting. It also grants better drainage functionality to the sump pump.

The CleanSpace matting and SilverGlo insulation panels look very clean.

The CleanSpace matting and SilverGlo insulation panels will keep this crawl space dry and well insulated.

This is the corner where the SmartSump sits. It is also connected to the SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier, which automatically dumps the water it collects throughout the air into the sump pump.

This is where the discharge line exits the crawl space. Seen is the IceGuard outlet, which allows water to flow out of the crawl space when the discharge line freezes in the Winter under the ground. We would later conceal the discharge line with dirt.

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Crawl Space Moisture Control in Lexington, Kentucky

Challenge

Solution

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