Crawl Space Restoration in Ocean City, New Jersey

Monday, September 19th, 2016 by Jesse Cecola

Challenge

This home in Ocean City, New Jersey, was built in the 1950s and shows its age. The flood vents that were installed when the home was built are now stuck shut, putting the home’s foundation in danger of cracking and collapsing. There has been severe mold growth throughout the basement, rotting the wooden floor joists and making them weak. This can cause the home’s floor to sag which can lead to cracking drywall and skewed door and/or window openings. Without a sump pump or a drainage system, water will remain under the house until it is manually pumped out. After realizing this is a serious problem, the homeowner contacted our team to provide the solution.

Solution

Water that entered the crawl space needed a way to be directed without contributing to the humidity. CleanSpace Drainage Matting was placed along the entire floor to help with part of the issue. (Pictured) This product’s raised dimples give the flooding water, which is getting into the crawl space, a channel to reach the sump pump. Placed on top of the drainage matting, the CleanSpace Vapor Barrier is a durable, 20 mils bright white crawl space liner installed on the walls and floors, preventing water vapor and humidity from passing through. (Pictured) Specifically designed for crawl spaces, the SmartSump Crawl Space Sump Pump, also installed, is designed to fit with the CleanSpace liner and has a sump alarm to ensure you are always aware of any water in your crawl space. After removing the previous flood vents, the team installed 5 Smart Vent flood vents. (Pictured) The most effective way to blunt the destructive force of a flood is to provide a path through foundation walls so that water pressure can equalize inside and outside the foundation. Flood Vent’s internal float mechanism opens the vent door when the water level is high enough to reach the vent opening. Thanks to our effective solutions, this home’s structure is protected from humidity, moisture, and future floods.

Project Summary

Foreman: Lawrence "L.J" Benner, Jr.

System Designer: Ray Rinnier

A picture of the crawlspace before the restoration, a home to old construction materials.

One of the "frozen" vents can be seen in this picture to the right. These old vents are putting the foundation at risk.

Creating channels for water to travel, Clean Space Drainage Matting is installed just below the vapor barrier and coves the entire floor of the crawl space.

Installed on the floor and walls, CleanSpace Vapor Barrier is tough and provides protection form mold and rot. This product now blocks moisture, mold and water from entering the air in the home.

SmartSump Crawl Space Pump is specifically designed for crawl spaces and can provide all the protection you need from leaks and floods.

SmartVent Flood Vents allow flood waters to pass through foundation walls rather than pounding against them, reliving pressure off the foundation walls, and preventing a cave in of the wall.