Crawl Space and Foundation Repair in Hermitage

After a thorough inspection, we determined that installing a new vapor barrier and performing a full fungal treatment would significantly improve the condition of the crawlspace. Our crew removed all debris, then completed a comprehensive fungal treatment on the crawlspace floor, floor joists, and support system. We finished the project by installing a durable white cross woven vapor barrier designed for long-term protection.

With the home now on the market, the crawlspace shows a clear and noticeable improvement, something home inspectors look for and buyers appreciate. The result is a cleaner, healthier crawlspace that adds confidence and value during the selling process.

Addressing the fungal growth in the crawl space required a multi-faceted approach: not only chemically treating the existing contamination but also safeguarding the area against future issues. Recognizing that our first-time homebuyer was operating on a tight budget, we engineered a viable and highly affordable solution to ensure their new investment was fully protected. Our remediation plan included three crucial steps: first, chemically treating the fungal growth with professional-grade disinfectant; second, installing a new sealed vapor barrier to block ground moisture; and finally, adding a dehumidifier to actively control the elevated moisture levels that were the root cause of the contamination. By providing this balanced and effective solution, the new homeowners can move into their first home feeling completely safe, protected, and confident in the long-term health of their foundation.

To ensure the radon mitigation system would function optimally, the existing vapor barrier was professionally sealed along the foundation walls and piers. Once the crawl space was fully sealed, we installed the new radon system to effectively exhaust hazardous gases from the crawl space and essentially the living areas.

The project focused on addressing moisture issues and fungal growth in the crawlspace to protect the home’s structure and improve air quality. The first step involved removing all failing insulation and the old vapor barrier, clearing the area of compromised materials and debris to prepare for remediation. A full fungal cleaning was then completed, treating all exposed surfaces, including floor joists and subflooring, to eliminate active fungal growth and reduce the risk of future mold issues. To address ongoing water intrusion, a perimeter drain system was installed around the crawlspace. The system was buried along the perimeter and connected to a sump pump, which was then plumbed to the exterior of the foundation with a popup drain to safely discharge water away from the home. This solution helps prevent standing water and reduces excess moisture, which is a major factor contributing to fungal growth and insulation deterioration. After addressing the moisture and fungal issues, the crawlspace was lined with a budget-friendly vapor barrier, providing a clean and moisture-resistant surface for long-term protection. To further control humidity, a budget-friendly dehumidifier was installed, complete with a condensation pump to remove water efficiently and maintain proper moisture levels. The combination of removing compromised materials, performing a thorough fungal cleaning, installing a functional drainage system, and adding a vapor barrier and dehumidifier ensures that the crawlspace is now clean, dry, and properly protected. These improvements not only mitigate current moisture and fungal issues but also provide a foundation for long-term crawlspace health and a safer, more durable home environment.

During our inspection, we discovered areas of fungal growth, damaged vapor barriers, animal feces, and elevated humidity levels throughout the basement and three separate crawlspace sections. Our team recommended removing all contaminated materials and debris, followed by a thorough cleaning and disinfecting of the affected areas. We then installed new vapor barriers in all crawlspace areas and added two dehumidifiers to effectively control moisture levels in both the basement living space and crawlspaces. This comprehensive solution provided the homeowner with a cleaner, healthier, and safer living environment.

After completing a thorough inspection, our specialist recommended extending the home’s downspouts to properly divert roof water away from the foundation and reduce moisture intrusion along the perimeter. The existing damaged vapor barrier was removed, and a full fungal cleaning was performed to disinfect and restore the crawlspace. Following the cleaning, a new white vapor barrier was installed and securely sealed to prevent ground moisture from entering the crawlspace.

The homeowner now has a cleaner, drier crawlspace with improved moisture control. We will continue to monitor the home, and if elevated moisture or fungal growth persists, we have outlined a future plan to upgrade the space with a full crawlspace encapsulation and dehumidifier for long-term protection.