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Fordsville, KY, like most of the surrounding areas has two struggles to deal with: high groundwater levels and lots of dirt floor crawlspaces. The combination of the two creates a crawlspace mold epidemic that has largely been ignored by many residents until the mold infestation is quite advanced. After all, how often do we really inspect our crawlspaces? As you can see here, the mold situation in this Fordsville crawlspace was advanced and causing issues like musty, damp smells throughout the home, increased indoor allergies, and more frequent sinus related and respiratory illnesses. When the homeowners went to inspect the crawlspace, they discovered that mold was growing over practically every surface in the crawlspace. The homeowners immediately contacted Healthy Spaces to get the crawlspace remediated.
Donnie Stutesville, a mold remediation expert with Healthy Spaces, came out and inspected the crawlspace. He recommended a three pronged approach to resolving the crawlspace mold and moisture issues:
1. Remediate the mold and fungus
2. Remove standing water, debris, and the like
3. Seal the crawlspace with a vapor barrier
Donnie recommended both a mold/fungus treatment and a preventative coating to stop regrowth. He explained that the mold and fungus treatment would need to be scrubbed off of all surfaces to remove the dead fungi and spores, then that debris would need to be removed prior to coating the entire crawlspace with a preventative solution. In addition, the crawlspace needed a water removal system with sump pump and a dehumidifier. Finally, the entire crawlspace needed a powerful vapor barrier installed to prevent the crawlspace from becoming moldy again. You can see in the after photo that the mold removal was successful and the wood looks great with it's clear preventative coating in place!
A homeowner in Philpot, Kentucky reached out with concerns about moisture and airflow in their crawl space, initially inquiring about vent solutions. After evaluating the space, it became clear that a more comprehensive waterproofing and encapsulation system would provide a long-term solution to protect the home from moisture damage, flooding, and poor air quality.
To address these concerns, we installed a complete crawl space waterproofing and encapsulation system. The project began with the installation of a SmartSump pump system, which included a durable liner, a cast iron pump, CleanPump Stand, and an airtight lid with an integrated floor drain and WaterWatch alarm system. This setup ensures reliable water removal while alerting the homeowner to any issues.
To safeguard against discharge line freezing or blockage, we added an IceGuard system, along with a LawnScape outlet at the end of the discharge line for efficient water dispersion away from the home. We also installed a StarPipe drainage system in key areas of the crawl space, connecting it to the sump pump via a discharge line. This required drilling through the footer to properly route the drainage system and extending the discharge line as needed.
Once the drainage infrastructure was complete, all debris was removed from the work area to prepare for encapsulation. We then installed the CleanSpace crawl space encapsulation system, creating a sealed barrier to prevent moisture intrusion. To further enhance insulation and energy efficiency, SilverGlo panels were installed along designated walls.
Additional improvements included installing an EverLast crawl space door for a secure, airtight entry point, as well as a 12-inch high plastic well ring around the access door to prevent surface water intrusion. Finally, all existing crawl space vents were sealed from the inside using SilverGlo and spray foam insulation, eliminating unwanted air exchange and helping maintain a controlled environment.
This comprehensive solution transformed the crawl space into a clean, dry, and energy-efficient area, giving the homeowner lasting protection and peace of mind.
Homeowner in Beaver Dam, KY, was interested in getting an estimate for a new vapor barrier. Having heard from friends and family in Beaver Dam who had work done from us, they decided to give Healthy Spaces a call.
We installed CleanSpace vapor barrier, which is a durable, bright white crawl space liner that installs on the walls and floors, preventing water vapor and humidity from passing by. By keeping their crawl space dry, they're protecting their structure from mold and rot.
Here, you can really see the difference that CleanSpace makes! The initial crawlspace was lumpy dirt floor, covered in a clear plastic sheet. When the sheet was pulled back, it was amazing to see how moldy and gross that plastic had become and how tattered and shredded it was. Underneath the plastic, there was a failed trench system for drainage. Instead of helping control the influx of water, it trapped over 4" of standing water in the crawlspace, which lead to mold and fungus growth among other problems.
Damon Cheatham with Healthy Spaces came out and inspected the crawlspace. He designed a comprehensive water removal system to keep the crawlspace dry all the time! The installation team started by remediating the mold, removing the debris, and leveling the floor of the crawlspace. Next, they re-dug the trench system to fit an EZFlow drainage system, which connects to a SuperSump sump pump system to remove the water. The entire crawlspace needed to be more energy efficient as well, so SilverGlo insulation was installed along the walls and in the spaces between the subfloor joists. The crew installed 1,134 sq feet of Cleanspace, two vent covers, and an EverLast Crawlspace well and door for entry. Finally, a Sani-dry dehumidifier was installed in the crawlspace to keep the space conditioned and the relative humidity low so mold won't grow in there again.
As you can see in these pictures, there's a huge difference between a crawlspace with an old black plastic vapor barrier and a CleanSpace installation! One of the benefits of a CleanSpace system is that it is guarnteed against rips, tears, or water on top of the liner for 25 years. The white surface of the Cleanspace reflects light instead of absorbing it (like that old black plastic), making a brighter crawlspace experience!