Crawl Space Entrance
The first thing noticed when entering the crawl space was a thin unsealed plastic barrier and a fan. Unsealed barriers allow moisture and humidity to enter the crawl space - often pooling on top of the liner. Fans are generally thought to dry out the crawl space, but they actually cause humid air to move both in and out of the crawl space faster, making the issue worse as the humidity sticks to cool surfaces.
Temporary Support by Homeowner
Light-duty crawl space jacks were previously installed by the homeowner to support sagging areas, but these solutions only partially help to prevent further settlement. A permanent solution is necessary.
Exterior Humidity for Reference
A measurement of the humidity outside of the crawl space read 55% relative humidity with the temperature being 89 degrees Fahrenheit. 55% is a safe humidity level to have in the crawl space, but the measurement inside the crawl space was vastly different.
Crawl Space Humidity Measurement
In the crawl space, the relative humidity was an alarming 82%! How is this possible? Well, the temperature in the crawl space was 78 degrees Farenheit, 10 degrees lower than than the outside air, so even though the outside humidity was at a safe 55%, once the air entered the crawl space, for each degree colder the air is, the relative humidity raises by about 2-3%.
Wood Moisture Reading
The wood moisture in the crawl space was reading at about 22%, a high level.
Drainage Matting Installed
The first layer of the CleanSpace Encapsulation is the drainage matting layer that helps water to flow under the vapor barrier, allowing it to drain properly.
Vapor Barrier Installed
The CleanSpace Vapor Barrier is installed over the drainage matting later and sealed up the walls and piers, keeping out moisture and humidity.
SmartJack Support Installed
The existing temporary support the homeowner installed was replaced with our heavy-duty crawl space jacks, called SmartJacks, that are designed to not sink or settle.
SaniDry Sedona Dehumidifier
A SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier is installed to monitor and control the humidity level in the crawl space with high energy efficiency.
EverLast Crawl Space Door Installed
The EverLast crawl space door is a sealed crawl space door that does not allow moisture to enter the crawl space. A wooden door for example is porous and has unsealed openings around it that can let in humid air or moisture.
