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Home & Garden Articles
Guide to a Dry Crawl Space
Wed 13 Dec 2006 - 20:19
Guide to a Dry Crawl Space
By Larry Ralph
Any crawlspace can be cleaned and kept dry, but the process varies immensely due to
various factors such as: type of foundation and home construction, crawlspace depth
and size, soil types and conditions; as well as past ventilation, drainage, and moisture
control techniques used previously in the home. There are 7 basic steps needed to bring
the home environment into comfort, security and compliance. The homeowners level of
need or the order of steps taken varies on the factors listed above. Here is the process:
1. DownSpout Extensions - Check grading for positive drainage away from your home and make sure all downspouts are extended properly and gutters kept clean.
2. Sump Pump and Pit - In crawl spaces with standing water, a properly installed sump pump is vital for water collection and removal. The pit must have several holes drilled in it to allow water infiltration as well as a good gravel backfill around the liner.
3. Internal Perimeter Drainage System - The drainage system installation consists of hand trenching the interior perimeter, laying a 4" perforated, corrugated flex tile in the trench, and backfilling the tile with a filtration aggregate. This prevents unwanted sediment from entering the drains and ensures lifetime operation.
4. Vapor Barrier - A durable 6mil poly liner placed on the crawl space floor surface to reduce some of the moisture. This step is necessary over a drained crawl space, but an encapsulation system is recommended.
5. CleanSpace Encapsulation System - An encapsulation system completely isolates the earthen floor from the home structural envelope. The liner is a heavy 20-mil-thick material similar to a pool liner that totally prohibits moisture penetration. The CleanSpace liner is COMPLETELY SEALED over the floor and walls to fully isolate your home from the earth. Encapsulation totally seals off all outside ventilation and is the ultimate in vapor barrier protection, all the while reducing radon gas, ground odors, insect infiltration and thus helping to control mold spores and their propagation. Also, by sealing off outside ventilation, your home will become more energy efficient!!!
6. Crawl Space Conditioning - Conditioning can be achieved by the actual heating/cooling of the encapsulated area by the opening of ducted pipes into the crawlspace. Average duct leakage may be sufficient conditioning in some crawl spaces.
7. Dehumidification - Dehumidification is necessary for removing remaining excess moisture from the air and making your home free of mold and mildew.
Larry Ralph Jr. is general manager of Americrawl South Inc., Indiana's Leader in Crawl Space and Basement Waterproofing. For more info, visit http://www.americrawlsouth.com
Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Larry_Ralph
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