Crawl Space Moisture Control and Structural Repair, Mount Vernon, WA

When the homeowner contacted us about their property in Mount Vernon, they were dealing with standing water in the crawl space and had already identified additional work needed in the attic. They knew the crawl space issue would be the more complex problem to solve. During our inspection, we found significant moisture intrusion, with wood moisture levels exceeding 20 percent. There was also a noticeable dip in the living room and kitchen floors, indicating the need for structural reinforcement. The homeowner was unsure of the root cause, but we were able to diagnose the issues and provide a clear, comprehensive solution.

Our crew began by removing all standing water, damaged insulation, and the existing vapor barrier. Once the area was cleared, we addressed the drainage problem by installing a French drain system and a sump pump to manage future water intrusion. To ensure the system operated safely, a GFCI-protected outlet was required, so we referred the homeowner to our trusted electrician partner, Volta Electrical. After resolving the water issue, we completed a full crawl space encapsulation, including foam board insulation, a reinforced white vapor barrier across the ground and walls, and a dehumidifier to control ongoing moisture levels. We also installed new insulation to maintain good indoor temperatures.

The result is a fully protected crawl space and a stabilized structure above. The homeowner now has peace of mind knowing their home is safeguarded against moisture damage and that their floors are properly supported.

Location: Mount Vernon, WA

Duration: 4 days

Crawl Space Services Performed

• 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: Installed a cast-iron sump pump with a flood alarm system.
  • Water Discharge: Directed water away from the house using a solid PVC pipe.
• Crawl Space Clean and Sanitize: Removed old insulation, vapor barrier, animal feces, nests, carcasses, and debris. Sanitized with a disinfecting mold inhibitor.
• Crawl Space Rodent Exclusion: Sealed all entry points using concrete, steel wire, construction adhesive, and re-screened vents.
• Crawl Space Prescriptive Air Seal: Sealed all air gaps around plumbing, ducting, and electrical wiring penetrations with foam.
• Vapor Barrier Installation: Installed 20-mil white DURA SCRIM plastic vapor barrier secured with deep ground stakes and sealed with industry-standard tape.
• Concrete Wall Insulation: Installed R-10 rigid foam boards secured with double side tape and adhesive spray.
• Crawl Space Insulation: Installed R-21 fiberglass batted insulation, secured with synthetic twine.
• Dehumidifier Installation with Encapsulation: Installed a 180-pint dehumidifier with a built-in pump and a drain line to channel water away.
• Supplemental Structural Beams: Installed 28 feet of lineal support beam and six new posts and piers.