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A family in Lambertville, MI noticed a musty smell in their home after returning from their vacation. They knew that the cause of this was moisture and wanted a solution that would prevent situations like this in the future. So, they reached out to HomeSpec Waterproofing and Foundation Repair with an interest in a vapor barrier. After Zach, a senior project manager, did an inspection of the home and crawl space, he revealed to the homeowners that there was also some sagging in the floor due to a main beam in the crawl space.
The homeowners decided to address both the musty smell emanating from the crawl space as well as the floor sagging. Zach proposed a CleanSpace® vapor barrier, as the homeowners originally anticipated, as well as a new crawl space vent cover for each vent lining the home. These vent covers would prevent moisture from entering the crawl space as well as pests and cold winter air. Another method of moisture management proposed was the SaniDry Sedona crawl space dehumidifier. Instead of being preventative like the vent covers, the dehumidifier actively fights any moisture, mold, and allergens that are in the crawl space. The homeowners agreed to all of these options and they were later installed by foreman Jon and his team. They were happy with the results and knowing their home would not be musty or moisture-damaged again in the future.
HomeSpec Waterproofing & Foundation Repair sent one of their inspectors, Erik, to a home in Fenton, MI to evaluate the homeowner’s concerns. While the initial focus was on foundation settlement, Erik knew their crawl space needed additional attention. He suggested encapsulating the crawl space using the CleanSpace® system. It protects the home both beneath and above from moisture and mold, keeps the critters out, and provides a clean area for storage.
The homeowner agreed with the CleanSpace® suggestion as well as other repairs like rerouting the plumbing, HVAC, an exterior discharge line, and downspout extension. The work was carried out by HomeSpec’s team headed by foreman Jon and plumber Rick. By the time they completed the projects, the crawl space was a beautiful, clean dream from corner to corner. The homeowner was thrilled with the results and now recommends HomeSpec to others in search of home repairs.
This homeowner contacted HomeSpec Waterproofing and Foundation Repair for a free estimate of their crawl space. They were curious to know what sort of repairs would improve the area beneath their home, such as encapsulation. HomeSpec sent one of their senior project managers, Erik, to investigate.
Erik entered the crawl space through an exterior access point. While he was inside, he took notes of the condition and dimensions of the crawl space before returning outside to speak with the homeowner again. He proposed the homeowner not only encapsulate using CleanSpace® vapor barrier but also insulate using SilverGlo™, a type of foam insulation. This combination of products would keep the home warmer and prevent moisture from entering the crawl space. The homeowner agreed to this plan and allowed HomeSpec to move forward with the installation process. They were very happy with the work!
Fiberglass insulation, as seen in the first image, is the most standard and economical option, but it also has many flaws that accompany it. Fiberglass insulation absorbs water and loses its R-value when wet, and also promotes mold growth when dirty, beyond that air passes through fiberglass batts, contributing to uncomfortable rooms upstairs, cold floors, and high energy bills. Her insulation was failing; that much was obvious with the constant chill in her home in recent years, the insulation had aged out.
SilverGlo insulation was installed in the second image, which is made of expanded polystyrene insulation with graphite infused into it. The tiny particles of graphite reflect heat and lower the material's conductivity for superior R-values. This type of crawl space insulation helps keep warmth in the winter throughout the house and can even help reduce heating bills with their heat reflective material, making it the ideal crawl space insulation option to any homeowner.
The HomeSpec team was called to encapsulate and insulate a crawl space that had standing water in it. We also installed an interior drainage system.