Battling Hidden Moisture: 80’s Home Crawl Space Transformation, Snohomish, WA

A family home had a hidden problem. Beneath their home was a crawl space, dark and damp, plagued by mold and excessive moisture. Concerned about the health and efficiency of their home, they reached out to us for help.

The team arrived promptly, ready to tackle the challenges lurking below the house. They began by removing all compromised materials, including the old vapor barrier, soggy insulation, and even remnants of animal waste. With determination and care, they thoroughly sanitized the area, making it safe and clean once more.

To combat the persistent mold, they treated all the wooden surfaces with a powerful fungicide solution, effectively eliminating the mold on contact. To ensure the mold would not return, they applied a primer, sealing the wood and safeguarding it from future growth.

Addressing the moisture issue, the team installed a French drain around the entire perimeter of the crawl space. They added a catch basin and sump pump to keep the area dry and free of standing water, creating a more stable environment beneath the home.

Understanding the importance of a rodent-free space, they meticulously sealed all potential entry points. They also addressed air leaks around plumbing, ducting, and electrical penetrations, enhancing the home’s energy efficiency. The final touches included installing a new vapor barrier, wrapping water supply lines, and insulating the floor with high-quality insulation.

To further improve the crawl space, they sealed all air duct joints with mastic paste, preventing any air leakage and ensuring proper insulation for the ducts. They installed a brand-new crawl space door and built a sturdy access cover, securing the area for future inspections.

As a final measure of protection, the team introduced a one-year rodent protection plan. They placed traps and scheduled regular monitoring every three months, ensuring the family could rest easy knowing their home was well-guarded.

The family’s crawl space, once a source of worry and potential danger, is now a clean, dry, and secure area, thanks to the diligent work of the professional team. The house stands stronger and healthier, ready to shelter its inhabitants for many more years to come.

Location: Snohomish, WA

Duration: 1 day

Services:

• Clean and Sanitize: Removed old insulation, vapor barrier, animal feces, nests, carcasses, and debris. Sanitized with a mold inhibitor.
• Rodent Exclusion: Sealed all entry points using concrete, steel wire, construction adhesive, and re-screened vents.
• Prescriptive Air Seal: Sealed air leaks around plumbing, ducting, and electrical wiring with foam.
• Vapor Barrier Installation: Installed 6-mil black plastic vapor barrier secured with deep ground stakes and sealed with industry-standard tape.
• Insulation: Wrapped water supply lines with R11 fiberglass insulation and installed R25 fiberglass batted insulation on the floor.
• Sump Pump System Installation (10-Year Warranty):
  • Preparation: Protected work area and removed standing water.
  • French Drain Installation: Installed along the foundation’s inner side with lava rock and a perforated pipe.
  • Catch Basin Setup: Installed a perforated backfill basin with lava rock filtration.
  • Sump Pump Installation: Set up a 1/2 hp cast-iron sump pump with a flood alarm system.
  • Water Discharge: Directed water away from the house using a solid PVC pipe.
• Rigid Duct Package: Sealed the ducts at all joints, corners, and saddles with water-based Mastic paste to prevent air leakage.
• Crawl Space Door Installation: Installed a sealed treated-wood frame and cover with a latch.
• Rodent Protection Plan (1 Year): Monitored rodent traps every three months with ongoing exclusion services and an unlimited damage warranty contingent on an active plan.