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This homeowner in Gloucester Point was using an old sump hole to help collect any water that infiltrated their basement. Unfortunately, these sump holes are useless in collecting any water seeping through the basement foundation walls. The old pump could not handle the amount of infiltrating water, and there was nothing in place to direct the water to the sump pump. Our team was sent out to install a number of solutions to help combat water infiltration. We mechanically fastened a durable 10-mil CleanSpace Light vapor barrier over the walls to help protect the basement from water seeping through the walls. This also collects any infiltrating water and sends it down to a WaterGuard XL drainage system that we installed within a trench leading to our sump system. The sump system itself is what we call a SuperSump Plus system. It used our TripleSafe twin line basin with a single cast iron 1/3 horsepower Zoller pump. This reliable sump pump can handle 2,650 gallons per hour smoothly and quietly. It uses a mechanical float switch and will resist clogging more efficiently than the old sump. The basin contains a WaterWatch Alarm system, a battery backup pack, and an airtight lid. Any water collected in the WaterGuard XL system will be directed straight to the SuperSump Plus, then it will be distributed out of the home via hose line to a determined location away from the home's foundation. The homeowners can feel at ease knowing that this sump pump system will help to keep their basement dry and clean for years to come.
The exterior access to this crawl space was in good shape. However, it was uninsulated and it was not air tight. This means it allowed heat to radiate in and warm humid air to flow into the crawl space. We installed an interior friction fit door behind the access door. The interior door provides an R-10 of insulation and air seals behind the crawl space access. This seals a big hole that adversely impacts the crawl space otherwise.
These homeowners in Chesapeake, Virginia needed help sealing and insulating their crawl space. These pictures show a before and after of installing CleanSpace, a heavy-duty vapor barrier that helps protect the crawl space from moisture rising from the earth. It is wrapped around all crawl space piers and is mechanically fastened 6-8 inches above outside grade. An antimicrobial called UltraFresh is made into the material of this 7-layer polyethylene liner to help protect it from mold and mildew growth.
These homeowners in Virginia Beach wanted to replace their existing crawl space access well, which was full of dirt and rocks and was allowing outside air and moisture to leak into the crawl space where the well meets the crawl space door.
Our solution was to install The Turtl crawl space access system, designed for below-grade crawl space access. The Turtle provides a clean and convenient access to the crawl space while keeping debris like leaves and rocks out of the way. This durable and lockable access door is made from rigid plastic, which will not rot, rust, corrode, or require new paint and is weathertight.
The foundation walls of this crawl space are made with porous bricks, which are allowing the outside air and moisture to seep through, affecting the relative humidity. An increase in relative humidity can lead to mold growth, water puddles, and weakened structure due to moisture damage. Efflorescence is visible on the walls in multiple places, which occurs when moisture infiltrating through the walls pulls the salts and sediments from within the blocks to the surface, leaving behind a chalky, powdery substance.
Closed-cell spray foam was applied to the foundation walls, which at 1½ inches thick, acts as an air barrier and moisture retarder, protecting the crawl space from the outside influence coming through the walls. All cracks and corners are sealed, and any open vents lining the foundation walls are covered with precisely cut foam board pieces and sealed over with foam.