Crawlspace Moisture and Musty Odor Mitigation in Cupertino, CA

Thursday, October 3rd, 2024 by Mike Gray

Challenge

Project Overview: A homeowner in Cupertino, CA, was facing moisture issues and musty odors emanating from their crawlspace. The moisture was causing unpleasant smells throughout the home, raising concerns about potential mold growth and structural damage. The homeowner reached out to Foundation Repair of CA to evaluate the situation and provide a solution to eliminate the moisture and restore a healthy environment under the home.

Challenges:

Persistent moisture accumulation in the crawlspace.
Musty odors infiltrating the home’s living spaces.
Potential for long-term damage to the foundation due to moisture retention.

Solution

Solution: Foundation Repair of CA implemented a multi-faceted approach to encapsulate the crawlspace, control moisture, and create a healthier indoor environment. The following solutions were applied:

CleanSpace Liner (20ml Blue/White) and Wallie System: To seal off the crawlspace from moisture and prevent musty odors, Foundation Repair of CA installed the CleanSpace liner across the entire ground surface and foundation walls. The liner is a 20-mil thick, durable material designed to encapsulate the space, keeping moisture out. In conjunction with the liner, the CleanSpace Wallie system was installed, extending up to 3 feet on the foundation walls to create a complete seal against moisture infiltration.

Pier Wrapping with CleanSpace Liner: The CleanSpace liner was also used to wrap the concrete pier posts, ensuring that these structures were encapsulated and protected from ground moisture. By sealing the pier posts, Foundation Repair of CA created a more effective moisture barrier and ensured a consistent, dry environment throughout the crawlspace.

Drainage Matting: Drainage matting was installed beneath the CleanSpace liner to help manage any water that might accumulate beneath the surface. The matting is designed with dimples that allow water to flow through and around it, preventing pressure buildup under the liner and protecting it from tears and punctures.

SmartDrain Water Watch Alarm System: To prevent any plumbing leaks from going unnoticed and flooding the encapsulated crawlspace, Foundation Repair of CA installed the SmartDrain Water Watch Alarm system. This system is designed to detect leaks and alert the homeowner to potential issues before they become severe. In the event of a leak, the water is directed away from the crawlspace, preventing it from pooling under the liner.

Sedona Dehumidifier with Condensation Pump: To further reduce moisture levels in the air, Foundation Repair of CA installed a Sedona dehumidifier. This system helps eliminate damp, musty odors by pulling moisture out of the crawlspace air and filtering it. The condensation pump ensures that any water collected by the dehumidifier is pumped out and away from the crawlspace, maintaining a dry environment.

Crawlspace Vent Covers: To complete the encapsulation, vent covers were installed over the existing crawlspace vents. These covers, made of SilverGlo® rigid foam insulation, provided an airtight seal that blocked exterior air and moisture from entering the crawlspace. The covers maintain the home’s original exterior appearance while enhancing the interior moisture protection.

Outcome: The comprehensive encapsulation of the crawlspace drastically reduced moisture levels, eliminated musty odors, and created a healthier indoor environment for the homeowner. The combination of the CleanSpace liner, drainage matting, dehumidifier, and water detection system provided a long-term solution to the moisture problem, protecting the home’s foundation from further damage and ensuring the crawlspace remained dry and odor-free.

This project showcases Foundation Repair of CA's expertise in moisture control and crawlspace encapsulation, offering the homeowner peace of mind with a durable, efficient, and lasting solution.

Location: Cupertino, CA

Services Provided: Crawlspace encapsulation, dehumidification, moisture control.