Crawl Space Repair & Encapsulation

Cat Pee Smell In The Crawl Space

Tue, 20 Mar 2018 08:07:00 -0500

The “nina” of crawl spaces makes videos claiming string reinforced vapor barriers are “glued” together and the polyester string used as the reinforcement is the cause of the cat pee smell. This article will use science to show you the actual cause and solution of the cat pee smell while exposing this “nina’s” claims for what they are, ignorant.

How To Install A Crawl Space Vapor Barrier

Wed, 15 Jul 2015 22:43:00 -0500

Ten steps to a successful crawl space encapsulation, laid out by CrawlSpaceRepair.com. This is a project that will take some time to complete, so make sure you don't have to do it twice...

How to Install a Vapor Barrier with wall Insulation

Sat, 07 Feb 2026 21:13:00 -0600

To get the most out of the SilverBack™ vapor barrier and foundation insulation, be sure to install both correctly. This diagram shows how to install them in your crawl space.

Click this link to learn more about crawl space insulation.

By installing the crawl space vapor barrier over the insulation you will prevent holes in the vapor barrier from securing the rigid foam to the wall. It goes without saying that the holes would not be a good thing.

The rigid foam will not absorb moisture. However, please be aware that spray foam is not the same as rigid foam. The spray on version will absorb moisture and that moisture will lower its R value.

Lean more about crawl space encapsulation and get familiar with everything you need. Crawl Space Repair has a number of different resources to help you. Every step of the process is important. Your DIY crawl space project is not as difficult as you think when you have the right resources.

What Crawl Space Vapor Barrier Thickness Do You Need?

Sun, 07 Feb 2016 21:54:00 -0600

This is a very common question and it really depends on what is going to happen after you encapsulate your crawl space. Most people want nothing to do with the crawl space and are only going to go down there to do home maintenance.

Your Crawl Space - Getting The Right Answers

Sun, 07 Feb 2016 21:39:00 -0600

Chances are this is not the first article about crawl spaces you have read. There is a lot of articles on the web about how to fix a crawl space. Problem is...

Crawl Space Moisture Problems- An Email From Brian

Sun, 07 Feb 2016 21:26:00 -0600

I wanted to take this opportunity to thank you so much for your website. It is extremely informative and helpful to the DIYer like myself–I’ve read every single page you have on your site. I have a fairly serious moisture problem in my crawlspace at my home in Virginia Beach. My washer machine....

Crawl Space Moisture, an email from a customer

Sun, 07 Feb 2016 20:56:00 -0600

Hi,

My crawl space is moist, i.e., the air is damp and the foundation walls show signs of wetness. A mold inspector has not found mold and the subfloor is dry. I am planning to dry out the crawl space and I have a few questions regarding your product and the various approaches that I’ve read about:
1. I’ve come to your site via ‘Ask the Builder’ where you or one of your colleagues pointed to the Crawl Space Vapor Barrier product. (Very nice site, btw.) In the article, Tim Carter (author of ‘Ask the Builder’ column) referred to high performance polyethylene. Can you tell me what the advantage of the Crawl Space Vapor Barrier over the high performance polyethylene is? I’m not planning to use the crawl space for storage.
2. Based on what I read, the best practice indicates that one should close the crawl space vents and to seal the crawl space. But given that moisture will still be underneath the vapor barrier, will this not lead to wet foundation walls and wet studs underneath the vapor barrier?
3. I’ve read about two alternative approaches to dry out the crawl space:
a)use a crawl space dehumidifier
b) open up a HVAC duct and an air return to dry and warm the crawl space through conditioned air.
– Is option (b) the cheaper solution that is recommended for less moist crawl spaces. Is option (a) recommended for severe cases? We live in Maryland (West of DC), so it gets humid in the Summer, but it’s not as wet as in the Eastern Shore.
– Does option (b) require insulation of the foundation walls, while option
(a) does not?

Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Many thanks,

****** (customer asked to remove his name)

Response-

Thanks for the email!

1.The big difference in vapor barriers is whether it is made of virgin polyethylene resin and if it has a polyester reinforcement, which all of ours do. Our vapor barriers are considered high performance. I believe the confusion is in the lingo.

2.It is true that moisture will be trapped under the vapor barrier, that is what we want. Currently the moisture is not trapped so it is allowed into the crawl space. The moisture against the foundation walls will not damage the concrete. Think of it this way, the outside of the block is (most of the
time) under grade and exposed to a much harsher environment. If you have wood studs in the crawl space they should never be under the barrier. All wood, including the sill plate should be left exposed to the crawl space.

3. I am assuming you are asking about after the crawl space is sealed up. I personally see a greater advantage in adding the conditioned air to the crawl space over a dehumidifier, provided you live in the home year round.

If this is a vacation home the a dehumidifier is probably better suited to care for the crawl space when you are gone. Of the two the cost effective option is the conditioned air. Professionally, it is my opinion that you will need to add a mechanical means of air flow in the crawl space once you close the vents. However, personally I recommend sealing the crawl space and then monitor the humidity and temperature before making a final decision on what it best for you home concerning air flow in the crawl space.

There are remote hydrometers you can purchase to collect this information without getting into the crawl space every day. The subject of crawl space insulation can be quit complicate and in my opinion it will take a conversation between both of us in order for me to best guide you. As a set answer I would direct you to your local building code or energy code for guidance. I say this because without all the information I do not what to steer you in the wrong direction.

I hope this helps!

Crawl Space Drains- What if I have a leak?

Sun, 07 Feb 2016 20:48:00 -0600

What if I have a leak from a pipe after I have my crawl space encapsulated? I will have a swimming pool under my house, should I have some kind of drain installed in the vapor barrier?

How to Install A Crawl Space Drain System

Thu, 23 Apr 2015 13:08:00 -0500

Step by step instructions on how to install a crawl space drain system.

How To Close Crawl Space Foundation Vents

Wed, 25 Mar 2015 15:40:00 -0500

How to Install Foundation Pins™ - Video Walkthrough

Sat, 07 Feb 2015 15:30:00 -0600

Installing the Foundation Pins™ may seem like it is too hard or unnecessary, but I assure you it is needed in order for your investment to last the many years you are expecting it to. Caulks, adhesives and just plain goop will not hold anyones liner to the wall for long without a mechanical fastener. If it could be done without any permanent fasteners, then all of the professional installation crews out there would be doing it without them, but they are not.

The installation is as simple as drilling a small 1/4" hole through the crawl space liner at the Foundation Seal Tape™ and insert the Foundation Pin™. The video illustrates the process.

Installation Of The Foundation Seal Tape™ - Video Walkthrough

Thu, 16 Oct 2014 14:39:00 -0500

Like any tape you want to make sure the surface is clean and dry. A small hand broom works well and will get the job done. A steel wire brush is too coarse and will cause unneeded surface dust. The only time this tape won’t work is when the foundation block is either damp or dirty. If it is to damp to stick you can use a polyurethane caulk to seal the crawl space liner to the foundation after the foundation pins are installed.

When used properly this tape will save you hours and give you a permanent seal.