Proper Vapor Barrier Protects Hartland, ME Crawlspace From Mold

Challenge

An unprotected crawlspace can have unwanted effects on a home or homeowner. Water damage can occur to the home itself, while excessive mold growth can cause health concerns for the homeowner. Looking to have their crawlspace waterproofed before any of these problems occurred, this Hartland, ME homeowner called TC Hafford Basement Systems.

Solution

The crawlspace in this home did not contain a sump, so any water leaking in could linger for a long time. This not only causes water to pool up on the floor, but the moisture also gathers in the air, lingering for longer, and creating a musty smell. To correct this, we installed a SmartDrain in the natural low point of the space. This will now collect the pooling up water as it flows down to the drain, and guide it out of the home. To handle the moisture in the air, we installed a SaniDry CX dehumidifier. The SaniDry cycles through the air within the basement, pulling the moisture out and handing it off to the drain for removal. The dry air is propelled out into the space to help circulate more moist air back towards the SaniDry. This process continues until the atmosphere in the space is dry and healthy.

Next, we began installing a vapor barrier to help stop the moisture from entering the crawlspace. We started by laying down a Drainage Matting across the floor. This matting allows water to move around underneath it, potentially finding its way either back into the ground or into the drain. We then encapsulated the crawlspace with a CleanSpace liner. This liner is composed of plastic, which water cannot pass through. This barrier covers all of the walls, as well as the floor. Now, any water entering the space has no choice but to drain away.

With a barrier in place and water removal systems ensuring the crawlspace remains dry, this homeowner no longer needs to worry about the concerns of a wet crawlspace.

Project Summary

Products: CleanSpace, Drainage Matting, SmartDrain, SaniDry CX

Sales Rep.: Peter Folsom

Foreman: Tom Hunter