Energy-Saving Crawl Space Repair Featuring TerraBlock Insulation in Blanchester, OH

Friday, May 10th, 2024 by Jack Purdon

Challenge

This homeowner knew they were in their forever home and wanted their crawl space to reflect that. Their goals were simple but important: stop mold and moisture from creeping in, cut down on expensive energy costs, and make sure the crawl space would last as long as the home itself.

Solution

We began by giving the crawl space a complete cleanout. All loose debris and old fiberglass insulation were removed, along with gravel that made the ground uneven. From there, we dug a pit for the SmartPump system, paired with an UltraSump 4 battery backup for extra protection.

With the pump in place, we rolled out drainage matting to handle groundwater and prevent the need for traditional gravel drains. Next came the special part of this project: TerraBlock foam insulation on the crawl space floor. Unlike fiberglass, TerraBlock cannot hold moisture, and with its R-3.2 insulation value, it makes the crawl space much more energy efficient and comfortable to access.

On top of the TerraBlock, we installed our CleanSpace liner across the floors and walls, creating a tough vapor barrier that locks out moisture for good. For added insulation, we attached SilverGlo panels to the walls and applied spray foam to the band boards.

To finish, we sealed off the old sump pump with an airtight lid (custom-supplied by the homeowner) and added another UltraSump 4 backup for complete peace of mind. We also installed vent covers to block outside air and a LawnScape discharge outlet to camouflage the discharge outlet in the yard.

Result

The end result is a transformed crawl space that provides the homeowner with dry, usable storage, majorly improved energy efficiency, healthier air throughout the home, and the assurance that their forever home now has a crawl space built to last just as long.

This photo shows what the final transformation looked like. The space is now free from moisture, fiberglass, drafts, etc...

This photo shows what we installed overtop the gravel floor of the crawl space. We started by nailing our brown dimpled drainage matting over the gravel. We then laid down our white TerraBlock floor insulation over the drainage matting.These two products are then concealed with our CleanSpace vapor barrier, (not yet pictured).

Underneath the vapor barrier on the floor in this crawl space is our Terrablock floor insulation. Its puncture-resistant, and durable enough for access. It also makes the crawl space super comfortable to crawl across. It has an R-3.2 insulation rating.

We installed an airtight lid that the homeowner bought for their existing sump system. We also attached our UltraSump battery backup for their existing system, which will give the system a backup option for power outages.

This photo shows our SmartSump with an Ultra Sump 4 battery back up system. Our SmartSump comes with an airtight lid, an airtight floor drain, and an alarm system. The alarm system will alert the homeowners if any plumbing leaks occur in the space.

Our SilverGlo panels along the walls will never lose their R value of 11.

In this photo you can see the SilverGlo insulation panels along the walls of the crawl space. You may also be able to notice the spray foam insulation we injected onto the rim joists.

This is what the crawl space looked like before we repaired it. Fiberglass was drooping from the ceiling, moisture was running rampant, and the floors above the space were very cold in the winter.

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Energy-Saving Crawl Space Repair Featuring TerraBlock Insulation in Blanchester, OH

Challenge

Solution

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