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Amish
01-02-2008, 12:56 PM
Before finishing my basement, I want to cleanup my crawlspace to use as a frequent access storage area. My orginal thought was to pump in a slab and condition the space turning it into a mini-basement. I spoke with one of your dealers about clean space being a cheaper alternative, but I have a few questions.

The space is approx. 320 sq. ft., poured walls, dry, interior access to adjoining dry basement, vented, dirt, with joist insulation.

Regardless of whether I use clean space or concrete, I want to tear out the existing insulation, glue styrofoam insulation to interior walls, condition the space with heat and return vents into the adjoining basement, and seal up the vents.

My questions:

1. I have read plenty that clean space is durable enough to walk on. But I will be using this area as a primary storage area and expect frequent traffic on the floor surface (including sliding boxes, etc.). Do you recommend Clean Space for a high traffic area?

2. Can I place carpet over cleanspace to protect the liner from heavy traffic? Or is this a no-no? Any other suggestions as I'm sure you realize my primary concern?

3. I haven't seen much on your site regarding conditioning the space (HVAC), so is there anything I need to be aware of, or would my statement above work with clean space?

4. Moisture has not been a problem, but prior to me moving in a few years ago there was a mice problem. I believe I have taken care of that issue, however, this is one area that has me strongly leaning towards concrete since my primary reason for doing anything is to create storage space.

I've read about clean space before and never really considered it until now as a less expensive alternative to concrete. Are there any other benefits that you can point out for my situation (remember, not a water issue, but a storage issue). Thanks.

Lou B
01-10-2008, 10:35 AM
Amish,

The best way to condition the space is with CleanSpace (http://www.basementsystems.com/crawlspace/) and our SaniDry CSB (http://www.basementsystems.com/crawlspace/crawlspace_products/crawlspace_dehumidifier.php) dehumidifier. Adding heat to the crawlspace is not necessary. You can have a damper put on a supply duct if you want to have heat/ac added to the space.

Answers to your questions:
1 & 2. We have a dimpled material called CleanSpace Drainage matting which is put under the CleanSpace (http://www.basementsystems.com/crawlspace/) to not only allow drainage, but will give another layer of protection for the CleanSpace (http://www.basementsystems.com/crawlspace/). Using a carpet over the CleanSpace (http://www.basementsystems.com/crawlspace/) is not recommended.

3. Answered above.

4. Mice can chew through concrete if they believe there is a food source. CleanSpace (http://www.basementsystems.com/crawlspace/) is not an impenetrable material. Having CleanSpace (http://www.basementsystems.com/crawlspace/) installed eliminates the food source for pests. Concrete is a pourous material that will still allow moisture to be drawn up into the subfloor. CleanSpace (http://www.basementsystems.com/crawlspace/) will break that stream of moisture and with a SaniDry CSB (http://www.basementsystems.com/crawlspace/crawlspace_products/crawlspace_dehumidifier.php), dry out the crawlspace.

CleanSpace is the best option for not only drying the space, but also for energy savings, elimante structural damage, and creating adequate storage space.

Amish
01-15-2008, 04:20 PM
Thanks for the reply Lou.

So the Drainage Mat will help to reduce tears in the cleanspace liner? As I indicated, this space will be used frequently and I need to know it will hold up.

In regards to your comment that CleanSpace eliminates the food source for pests, how does it do that any differently than my alternative (concrete)?

I guess I'm leaning back towards using concrete for durability, but I'm still willing to listen to a compelling reason to use CleanSpace. Thanks.