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There are two types of solutions for crawl space moisture, mold and water problems: Drain Systems and Encapsulation.
Drain Systems are designed to specifically control excess ground water. The control of ground water and installation standard vapor barrier also provide some residual reduction in the moisture content that is still common in a crawl space.
This is done by hand digging a trench completely around the interior perimeter of the crawl space. Upon completing this process, a 4 inch tile is installed (the type of tile and the use of aggregate filtration depends on the type of drain system that the homeowner selects. See our Drain System Overview section). The drain tile channels ground water to a deep set sump basin with a sump pump. The ground water is discharged via the sump pump through an underground 1½ inch PVC to an in-ground water receptacle. The placement of this receptacle is made in conjunction with the homeowner; it can also be taken to naturally conducive low lying areas or yard or field tiles that might already be present. Finally, a 6-mil vapor barrier is placed over the crawl space grade to minimize open earth moisture.
The Crawl Space Team offers two grades of crawl space drain systems: Feature 10 Drain System and CST Lifetime Drain System.
Encapsulation is designed to eliminate all remaining moisture issues that emanate from the open earth environment of a crawl space.
This is done by affixing a liner just below the top of the perimeter crawl space walls through out the crawl space (The type of liner and the insulation value depends on the system that the homeowner selects. See our Encapsulation System Overview Section). The liner is sealed to the wall to stop any escape of moisture from under the liner. The liner is seamed with a moisture proof tape and sealed around all piers, interior walls, and other structures. Again, the entire purpose of this application is to provide a total barrier to open earth. At that point, the final step is to seal all foundation vents. The reason for this is to stop outside air, specifically warm air, which moves into the crawl space and upon coming into contact with the cooler crawl space air, causing immediate moisture conditions. In short, the installation of an encapsulating liner along with sealing the foundation vents transforms your crawl space into a drier, controlled and substantially healthier environment than you currently have now.
The Crawl Space Team offers three grades of crawl space encapsulation: Economy Encapsulation, Standard Encapsulation, and Encapsulation Plus.
Combining a drain system solution with encapsulation provides the additive benefit of both systems resulting in a superior solution. Check out the descriptions above, then use the Crawl Space Team's Online Quote Estimator to determine a cost effective solution that fits your budget.