3 Pros Basement Systems Case Studies: Clean Space transformation of Reston VA crawl space

Monday, March 14th, 2022 by Dan Bomar

Challenge

This Reston VA home was suffering from cold floors above the crawl space so the homeowner called to ask us what we can do to help. Our Sales Pro Tim Brock visited and were able to identify not only the problem but a solution to fix it. Tim noticed that the existing insulation attached to the crawl space ceiling (intended to insulate the floor above) had fallen loose in many places and had become very dirty, moldy, and damaged. This was allowing for cold air coming through the crawl space vents to make contact with the floor above. It also meant that the nasty air from the crawl space was able to make its way into the living space above. This dirty air making its way into the living space above not only impacts the comfort in the home but can be unhealthy for the homeowner. In addition to the cold floors above and failing insulation, the crawl space showed evidence of rodents and uncontrolled moisture.

Solution

The solution Tim identified involved several steps. The old insulation would need to be removed due to it has served as an air filter for the dust, mold, and rodents waste that had been present. The air vents in the crawl space would need to be sealed in order to eliminate the free flow of unconditioned air in and out of the crawl space. Covering the crawl space dirt floor with CleanSpace™ Encapsulation System with Drainage Matting, TerraBlock™ Floor Insulation, and installing 2" SilverGlo™ Insulation on the Walls. This all helps to create a conditioned space in the crawl space below the home, improve the energy efficiency inside of the home and make the living space more comfortable. Finally, the rim joists in the crawl space would be sealed up using spray foam. All together this helped to reduce the existence of nasty air in the crawl space and improved the air quality in the home above. The crawl space now has better moisture control and is more useable if the homeowner wanted to store items in the space.

Dirty, old insulation hanging loose from the ceiling above.

Open-air vent allowing free flow of air in and out of the crawl space.

Open-air vents and uninsulated ceilings help to make the floors above cold.

Air vents like this allow for unconditioned outside air to move into a crawl space along with dust and allergens.

Old, fallen insulation creates weak spots and allows cold air to make contact with e living space above.

Old, dirty insulation has unintentionally acted as an air filter, capturing dust, pollen, and other nasty things floating around in the uncontrolled crawl space air. Removing it will improve the air quality in the home above.