Comprehensive Crawl Space Solution in San Mateo, CA

Thursday, December 12th, 2024 by Mike Gray

Challenge

The Problem: A homeowner in San Mateo, CA, reached out to Foundation Repair of CA with concerns about their home’s foundation. They noticed cracks in the structure and an unpleasant musty odor that suggested underlying moisture issues. Concerned about the potential damage to their home and the air quality, they sought a professional inspection and a permanent solution to address these problems.

Inspection and Diagnosis: Foundation Repair of CA conducted a thorough inspection of the property, focusing on the crawl space and foundation. The inspection confirmed the presence of high moisture levels in the crawl space, which were contributing to the musty odor and creating an environment conducive to structural deterioration. The cracks observed were attributed to the impact of this moisture on the foundation’s stability.

Solution

The Solution: To resolve the homeowner’s concerns and provide a long-term solution, Foundation Repair of CA implemented a comprehensive crawl space encapsulation and moisture control system. The scope of work included the following:

CleanSpace® 20ml Liner Installation
A durable CleanSpace® 20ml liner was installed across the crawl space floor and up the foundation walls to create a sealed environment. This liner prevents moisture intrusion from the soil and adds a layer of protection for the foundation.
Pier Wrapping with CleanSpace®
The bottom of the pier post assemblies and concrete pier sections were wrapped with CleanSpace® liner and sealed with CleanSpace® tape, ensuring a complete moisture barrier around critical support structures.
Drainage Matting
Drainage matting was placed beneath the CleanSpace® liner to facilitate proper water drainage and to prevent any rips or tears in the liner. This feature ensures the long-term durability of the encapsulation system.
CleanSpace® Wallie Installation
CleanSpace® Wallie liner was applied to the foundation walls, extending up to 3 feet in height. This enhanced moisture protection ensured a complete seal and reduced the potential for wall-related moisture issues.
Sedona Dehumidifier with Condensation Pump
A Sedona Dehumidifier, equipped with a condensation pump, was installed to actively pull moisture out of the air within the crawl space. The system also filtered the unconditioned air, helping to eliminate damp, musty odors and improve overall air quality in the home.
Debris Removal
The team removed debris from the crawl space, clearing the area of potential obstructions and ensuring a clean environment for the encapsulation system.
Crawl Space Vent Covers
Existing crawl space vents were sealed using SilverGlo® rigid foam insulation. This created an airtight barrier, preventing external moisture and unconditioned air from entering the crawl space.

Outcome: The homeowner’s crawl space was transformed into a clean, dry, and encapsulated environment. The CleanSpace® system, combined with the Sedona Dehumidifier, eliminated the musty odors and drastically improved the air quality within the home. Additionally, the moisture control measures provided by the drainage matting, pier wrapping, and vent sealing helped protect the home’s foundation from further damage, ensuring long-term stability and peace of mind for the homeowner.

Conclusion: This project highlights Foundation Repair of CA’s commitment to providing innovative and effective solutions tailored to each homeowner’s needs. By addressing the root cause of the issue, the team delivered lasting results that not only resolved immediate concerns but also safeguarded the home against future problems.