Proper Vapor Barrier Protects Biddeford Pool, ME Crawlspace

Challenge

A couple in Biddeford Pool, ME had begun to notice an unpleasant smell arising from their crawlspace. This smell was being caused by a damp atmosphere in the space, which could be prevented with a proper vapor barrier in place. To receive such a barrier, the homeowners called TC Hafford Basement Systems.

Solution

Once we arrived on the scene, we began work on the space. The first priority was to give any water collecting on the floor a way to escape the crawlspace. We installed a SmartSump sump pump in the floor of the space, at the lowest natural point. This will take in water as it flows to this point, then force that water up and out of the home through a PVC discharge line. On top of this sump, we laid down our Drainage Matting to act as the first part of a new vapor barrier. This mat will keep moisture from reaching the atmosphere from the floor, allowing any water beneath it to flow to the sump.

The next step was to finish the vapor barrier. To do this, we encapsulated the space with a CleanSpace liner. This liner is made of a thin plastic, and it covers all of the walls, as well as the floor. This locks out moisture, allowing any entering from the outside to only flow to the sump and nowhere else. With the water locked beneath the barrier, it was then time to take care of any moisture still in the air. We installed a SaniDry CX dehumidifier which will take this moisture out of the wet air, passing it to the sump for removal. With the air in the crawlspace dried, the smell should clear up in no time.

Moving outside, we had two final additions to make to complete this system. The first was an IceGuard pipe piece attached to the discharge line just as it exits the home. This piece has built-in holes which will not change the flow of water as it leaves. The holes will, however, allow any trapped water to escape. This prevents an overflow in the sump in the event of a blockage in the piping. The final piece added was a LawnScape discharge point on the end of the line. This is where the water is let out onto the ground a safe distance from the home. The water will now drain away without causing any more problems for these homeowners.

With their crawlspace upgraded with a proper vapor barrier, moisture will no longer cause any issues in this home. The homeowners can rest assure their CleanSpace encapsulation will keep the moisture back.

Project Summary

Products: CleanSpace, Drainage Matting, SmartSump, SaniDry CX, IceGuard, LawnScape

Sales Rep.: Peter Folsom

Foreman: Mike Penna