Crawl Space Encapsulations Prevents Structural Damage in Forsyth, MO
Challenge
Branson-area homeowner takes the initiative to make sure their Crawl Space doesn't contribute to future structural damage.
When David bought a home next to a lake in Forsyth, Missouri, he knew right away that he wanted to make a few improvements. He had experience with crawl spaces and knew the dangers of leaving dirt exposed and open vents. Previously he had issues with sagging floor joists and knew that the high humidity in a crawl space would cause those problems for him again if he didn’t get it fixed.
His new home near Branson had a tiny crawl space, but he could already see the early signs of damage from the dirt crawl space.
He also believed he crawl space would make for a nice storage area if it were cleaned and the debris removed. David called Thrasher Foundation Repair for an evaluation to see what it would take to seal off the crawl space and make it into useable storage area. He also wanted to have the wood checked to ensure it wouldn’t sag in the future.
Miles Bearden was the specialist that came to inspect the crawl space. Fortunately, David had caught the problem early enough that the wood had not deteriorated to the point that additional structural support was needed. Miles was able to show David that the floor joists and wood support posts were still in good enough condition that he didn’t need to replace them or add supplemental supports.
Solution
Early Detection Prevents Structural Damage
The solution was quite simple and only required a crawl space vapor barrier and sealing the vents so outside air couldn’t enter the crawl space. These solutions will seal off moisture from the ground and outside air, keeping the relative humidity low inside the crawl space.
During the installation, the crew removed some larger rocks and debris and installed the CleanSpace Crawl Space Encapsulation System along the floor and up the walls. This system is a thick plastic liner that will not tear. The liner is sealed along the edges and makes for an air-tight crawlspace. Our CleanSpace crawl space encapsulation system reduces high humidity while improving indoor air quality and lowers utility bills. This liner also makes the crawl space cleaner and brighter.
David was excited to have the additional storage space and to know that he wouldn’t have to worry about the floor sagging on him. CleanSpace is a hefty 20 mil thick liner – like a pool liner. It is manufactured in seven layers – a blend of high-density polyethylene for puncture resistance, low-density polyethylene for flexibility, and polyester cord reinforcement for brute tear resistance. This combination is why CleanSpace comes with a 25-year warranty against rips and tears.
After the job, David called Miles to let him know how pleased he was with the crew and the job that they did. He even said that he was looking forward to working with Thrasher on a concrete-level project in the future.
The Cleanspace liner covers the dirt, but also runs up the stone wall and is mechanically fastened so it won’t pull away. The liner is sealed at the top with caulk, creating an air-tight seal.
CleanSpace offers our customers peace of mind from dirty, humid, wet crawlspaces and basements. If you have humidity issues, want to encapsulate that nasty crawl space or are ready to finish off the basement, CleanSpace might be the answer. Call Thrasher Foundation Repair for a free inspection and find your solution. Fill out the form here or call us for an appointment. We look forward to helping you!
