Moisture Issues Resolved in Walnut Creek, CA

Friday, September 13th, 2024 by Mike Gray

Challenge

Background: A homeowner in Walnut Creek, CA, was facing persistent moisture problems in the crawlspace of their home. The presence of water in the crawlspace not only created unhealthy conditions but also raised concerns about potential damage to the foundation and the overall structural integrity of the house. To address these issues, the homeowner sought the expertise of Foundation Repair of CA.

Challenges:

Excessive moisture accumulation in the crawlspace.
Concerns about long-term damage to the foundation.
Poor drainage in the crawlspace area, exacerbating the moisture problem.

Solution

Solution: Foundation Repair of CA implemented a comprehensive moisture mitigation solution tailored to address the homeowner’s concerns and the specific conditions in the crawlspace. The scope of work included the following steps:

Regrading for Drainage to Sump Pump: To ensure water was properly channeled out of the crawlspace, the soil in the crawlspace was regraded. This created a slope that directed water seepage toward the newly installed sump pump system, preventing water accumulation under the home.
SmartSump Kit with WaterWatch Alarm: A SmartSump pump system was installed to remove any collected water from the crawlspace. This system included a liner, a durable cast iron pump, a CleanPump Stand, and an airtight lid with a floor drain. For added safety, a WaterWatch alarm system was included to alert the homeowner if water levels rose unexpectedly. The discharge line was installed to safely direct the water away from the home, ensuring the crawlspace remained dry. The homeowner was advised to supply a dedicated electrical outlet for the sump pump system.
Drain Pipe Installation: To efficiently capture and direct water into the sump pump, a 3” corrugated drain pipe with a sleeve was installed. The pipe was surrounded by rock within the crawlspace soil, ensuring water flow was captured and redirected away from the foundation.
Debris Removal: Before the installation, debris from the crawlspace was cleared out ensuring that the crawlspace floor was free of any obstacles that could obstruct the installation or worsen the moisture problem.
CleanSpace 20ml Liner: To create a permanent barrier against moisture, a durable CleanSpace 20ml liner was installed over the ground surface and up the foundation walls. This liner was designed to keep the space dry and protect against any future water intrusion. Drainage matting was installed beneath the liner to ensure that water could easily flow underneath without compromising the liner's integrity.
CleanSpace Pier Wrapping: The bottom of the pier posts in the crawlspace was wrapped with CleanSpace liner and sealed with CleanSpace tape, creating a sealed environment around the piers and preventing moisture from seeping through.
Drainage Matting Installation: Drainage matting was installed under the CleanSpace liner to promote proper water flow around the dimpled surface, adding another layer of protection for the liner and ensuring long-term durability.
CleanSpace Wall Installation: CleanSpace liner was also extended up the foundation walls to a height of 3 feet, creating a comprehensive moisture barrier that protected the entire crawlspace area.

Results: The moisture issues in the crawlspace were completely resolved. The regraded soil and drainage system, combined with the SmartSump pump and CleanSpace liner, provided an effective long-term solution. The homeowner was pleased with the results, knowing their home was protected from moisture-related damage and that their crawlspace environment was now dry and safe.

Conclusion: This project demonstrated Foundation Repair of CA's ability to provide tailored, comprehensive solutions to moisture issues in crawlspaces. The use of advanced systems like the SmartSump pump and CleanSpace liner ensured lasting protection for the home, giving the homeowner peace of mind. The recommendation for annual maintenance through the Care Club Membership further underscores the company’s commitment to long-term solutions and customer satisfaction.