Photo Album: Crawl Space Makeover in Freehold, NJ

A homeowner in Freehold, NJ was fed up with water building up in his crawl space, so he called Cowleys for help.

Open for Problems

Here was where the crawl space outside access point was. There was no door at all, so not only will humidity and moisture invade the crawl space but pests and wildlife as well!

Dirt Floor Crawl Spaces & Moisture

Dirt floor crawl spaces attract and absorb moisture and once the dirt dries, it causes humidity levels to rise and can lead to mold and mildew issues (fortunately, there was no mold or mildew in the crawl space).

Clear it Out

We removed all the debris, leveled the ground for proper draining, and installed a drainage matting. This dimpled plastic mat material is installed over the dirt-floored crawl space, allowing excess moisture to work its way over to the sump pump.

Now for the Vapor Barrier

Next, we installed a vapor barrier which is a 20-mil 7-ply sandwich of high and low-density polyethylene with a polyester-cord reinforcement and is treated with an antimicrobial finish that protects against mold and mildew growth.

Here's What it Does

The vapor barrier is designed to permanently prevent moisture, outside air, mold, and pests from getting into the crawl space. The vapor barrier is installed over the foundation walls and floor to create a continuous air and moisture barrier.

SilverGlo

Afterwards, we insulated the walls with SilverGlo, which provides a vapor barrier that holds back moisture and humidity. The rigid foam of the SilverGlo won't absorb moisture or support the growth of mold, rot, or mildew.

Direct the Water Away

We installed a pvc pipe extension to divert the water away from the home and the crawl space. Also, to prevent the discharge line from freezing and backing up, which installed an Ice Guard. This is an automatic overflow device that allows water to evacuate from the sump basin even if the line freezes or becomes blocked.

Sedona Dehumidifier

Next, we installed a Sedona dehumidifier. These commercial dehumidifiers are specially made for the high humidity levels in crawl spaces and basements and directs the extracted water pulled out of the air into the newly installed sump pump.

The Last Step

Finally, we installed a sturdy, heavy-duty crawl space door in order to seal up the crawl space. This will prevent pests, wildlife, humidity, and moisture from entering the crawl space.