The Basement Doctor of Cincinnati Case Studies: Home built in the 1800s with a wet crawl space and basement.
Challenge
A homeowner called The Basement Doctor of Cincinnati regarding some water problems they were having with their home that was built in the 1800s. The home had been destroyed by fire in the 1950s and rebuilt over the same basement. In the 1970s the homeowner had an addition added that has a crawl space. The homeowner met with Mike, a Certified Inspector, to find a solution to the problems that they were having in the basement and crawl space.
Solution
Mike recommended that CleanSpace Wall System, WaterGuard Basement Waterproofing System, SuperSump Premier Sump Pump System, Spray Foam, and a SaniDry Sedona was installed in the basement. In the crawl space, he recommended that CleanSpace and Spray Foam are installed.
CleanSpace is a 20-mil-thick plastic liner, similar to a pool liner, that permanently attached to the basement walls with drilled-in fasteners. CleanSpace is used to cover ugly walls, stop water from permeating the walls, and it drains wall leaks down into the drainage system. The white color also reflects the natural light and brightens up the basement.
WaterGuard Basement Waterproofing System is a patented sub-floor piping system that is used to intercept water that seeps into the basement. The water is drained into a sump pump system, such as a SuperSump, to be pumped out of the basement.
SuperSump Premier Sump Pump System is a high-end 1/3 hp Zoeller cast iron pump. The SuperSump can pump up to 2,650 gallons of water per hour out of the basement. The SuperSump includes a WaterWatch Alarm, SuperLiner, Airtight Lid with and Airtight Floor Drain.
SaniDry Sedona is used to remove excess moisture from the air and filters mold spores, dust mite droppings, and particles from the air. Too much moisture in the air encourages mold, musty odors, and makes the home humid and uncomfortable. The filters improve the air quality of the home.
In the crawl space, we also installed CleanSpace on the floor and walls. This provides a vapor-proof barrier between the crawl space and the home. The crawl space is part of the home so whatever is in the crawl space is also in the living space. Keeping the moisture under control will keep the living space more comfortable and healthier.
RimTight Spray Foam Insulation was used on both the basement and crawl space to seal and insulate the rim joists. This keeps the unconditioned air from seeping into the house and helps with condensation.
