Crawlspace Waterproofing & Encapsulating in Frankfort, Kentucky

Wednesday, July 17th, 2024 by Jack Purdon

Challenge

When this home was built, nobody expected the crawl space would have problems later on, but that is true for many houses. Over time, groundwater started seeping in, creating damp conditions and a musty smell. To fix it, we waterproofed the crawl space first and then fully encapsulated it, making sure the space stays dry and clean for years to come.

Solution

To waterproof the crawl space, we started by digging along the perimeter to install perforated drain pipes. These pipes will collect groundwater before it can enter the space. We backfilled them with clean gravel, which acts as a natural filter to keep mud and debris out of the system. At the same time, we dug a pit for the SmartSump sump pump and plumbed it so it would be ready to capture all water from the drains.

Next, we laid down drainage matting across the entire crawl space floor and installed SilverGlo insulation panels along the walls. The drainage matting channels water toward the sump pump, while the SilverGlo panels provide insulation and fit neatly behind the liner. Installing the matting and panels together created a solid foundation for the CleanSpace liner and ensured the system would function properly.

We then installed the CleanSpace liner over the floor and up the walls. The dimples in the drainage matting create channels for water to flow underneath, while making the liner surface softer and stronger for walking or crawling. It was especially important to waterproof the crawl space to protect the vapor barrier system and keep it free from flooding.

After the liner was in place, we finished the sump pump by installing its airtight lid, allowing us to seal the CleanSpace directly to it. We also connected a SaniDry dehumidifier to the sump pump, so it can automatically run and remove excess moisture from the air whenever the pump activates. Finally, we sealed all existing ventilation and installed a proper discharge line, completing a fully protected crawl space that will stay dry, clean, and comfortable for years to come.

Here you can see pools of water in the trenches we dug. The waterproofing system took care of this problem.

This musty crawl space was cause for concern. The wooden framing could reach a point of no return in the near future due to moisture damage, and the homeowner was tired of the musty smells emitting into the rest of the home.

This is what the gravel backfilled trenches looked like after we waterproofed. The perforated pipes lie underneath the gravel.

Here you can see the dimpled drainage matting. Our CleanSpace vapor barrier was then applied over the matting and up the walls.

Here's another final picture. The CleanSpace reflects light and looks very clean. The SilverGlo panels do a great job of retaining heat in the crawlspace, and they allowed us to rip out all the moldy fiberglass.

Here's a final picture showing the SmartSump and the SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier adjacent to one another. The SaniDry Sedona can remove up to 99 pints of water a day, and it will automatically discharge all the water it collects into the sump pump. This system is completely automatic, saving the homeowner's time and frustration.

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Crawlspace Waterproofing & Encapsulating in Frankfort, Kentucky

Challenge

Solution

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