Crawl Space Moisture Mitigation in Pacific Grove, CA

Tuesday, February 25th, 2025 by Mike Gray

Challenge

Background:
A homeowner in Pacific Grove, CA, recently purchased a home and soon began noticing signs of moisture in the crawl space, leading to musty odors and concerns about air quality within the living space. Wanting to ensure a safe and healthy environment for their family, they reached out to Foundation Repair of CA for a professional assessment and solution.

Assessment:
Upon inspection, Foundation Repair of CA identified excessive moisture accumulation in the crawl space as the primary cause of the musty odors and potential air quality concerns. Moisture infiltration can create an environment conducive to mold growth and negatively impact indoor air quality. To effectively address the issue, the team proposed a comprehensive moisture control system designed to eliminate existing moisture, prevent future intrusion, and improve overall air quality.

Solution

Solution:
To provide a long-lasting and effective solution, Foundation Repair of CA implemented the following measures:

TripleSafe Sump Pump System with WaterWatch Alarm

Installed a TripleSafe Sump Pump Kit, including a liner, cast iron pump, CleanPump Stand, airtight lid with an airtight floor drain, battery backup, and a WaterWatch alarm system.
Installed 40 feet of 1.5" double discharge lines to ensure proper water evacuation.
The homeowner provided a dedicated electrical outlet meeting building code requirements for the sump pump.

Crawl Space Vent Sealing

Sealed all existing crawl space vents using SilverGlo® rigid foam insulation to create an airtight seal while maintaining the home’s exterior aesthetics.

CleanSpace 20-mil Liner Installation

Installed a CleanSpace 20-mil liner across the crawl space floor and up the foundation walls to create a durable and sealed barrier against moisture intrusion.
Installed drainage matting underneath the CleanSpace liner to allow proper water flow and protect against punctures or tears.
Wrapped the bottom of pier post assemblies with CleanSpace liner and sealed them with CleanSpace tape to maintain a consistent moisture barrier.

Sedona Dehumidifier Installation

Installed a Sedona dehumidifier with a condensation pump to remove excess humidity, effectively eliminating damp, musty odors and filtering air to enhance air quality.
Installed 40 feet of discharge line to ensure proper drainage of condensate water.

Results:
Following the installation of the moisture control system, the homeowner immediately noticed improvements in air quality and a significant reduction in musty odors. The crawl space remained dry and well-regulated, providing peace of mind that their home environment was now safer and healthier.

Conclusion:
By implementing a comprehensive moisture control strategy, Foundation Repair of CA successfully transformed the homeowner’s crawl space into a dry and stable environment. The combination of a high-performance sump pump, sealed vents, a durable liner system, and a dehumidifier effectively mitigated moisture concerns, ensuring long-term protection for the home. The homeowner was pleased with the results and opted into the annual Care Club Membership to maintain their new system's efficiency and longevity.