CleanSpace Protects Southwest Harbor, ME Crawlspace From Mold

Challenge

A homeowner in Southwest Harbor, ME owned a crawlspace that would regularly take on water after any rainfall. Fearing a mold problem starting in the usually damp space, this homeowner contacted TC Hafford Basement Systems to get their crawlspace waterproofed properly.

Solution

To help the homeowner, there were two basic objectives to complete which would waterproof this space. The first was giving the water a way out. To do this, we installed a SuperSump sump pump. This pump will carry up to 2,650 gallons of water per hour up and out of the crawlspace. This water exits through a PVC discharge line. To help maintain constant power to the sump, we installed an UltraSump backup battery. This battery attaches to the SuperSump and gives it an extra 11,000 gallons worth of water removal before needing to be charged again. Now the water will have an escape route if it pools up on the floor.

The second step to waterproofing this space was to install a vapor barrier. The first piece of this barrier is a Drainage Matting which is laid down across the floor of the space. This mat both allows water to shift around beneath it, while preventing this water from reaching the air. Keeping moisture out of the air is a sure way to kill off any potential mold growth. Finishing the vapor barrier, we encapsulated the crawlspace with a CleanSpace liner. This is a thin sheet of plastic which covers all of the walls as well as the floor. Once covered, absolutely no moisture will be able to reach the inside atmosphere of the space. Water is now completely sealed out.

Outside the home, we had two additions to make to the discharge line before we were done. These attachments will help keep the whole system running smoothly. The first was an IceGuard pipe segment which attaches just outside the home. The IceGuard has holes built-in to allow for trapped water to escape. This prevents an overflow in the SuperSump if/when a blockage occurs in the line. Finally, the water exits the line through a LawnScape discharge point. Exiting onto the ground here leaves the water far enough from the home where it will not be able to flow back.

With their newly encapsulated crawlspace, this homeowner no longer needs to fear a mold problem. No more moisture will be building up in this space now that it has a place to exit through.

Project Summary

Products: CleanSpace, Drainage Matting, SuperSump, UltraSump, IceGuard, LawnScape

Sales Rep.: David Zawistowski

Foreman: Mike Penna