Rogelio Perez

After confirming that water intrusion was keeping the crawlspace wet enough to fuel ongoing mold growth, we addressed the problem in the right order—cleaning, controlling water, then sealing and drying the space for the long haul. We began with soda blasting to safely remove mold from affected surfaces and restore cleaner, healthier conditions. Next, we installed a full-perimeter drainage pipe to capture water around the entire foundation and direct it into a sump pump basin, where a dependable 1/3 HP sump pump could collect and remove it. We then ran a dedicated discharge line to carry water safely away from the home so it couldn’t recycle back into the crawlspace. With water under control, we installed our Crawlspace Doctor exclusive encapsulation system to block ground moisture and outside humidity from re-entering the space. To maintain consistent, mold-resistant conditions year-round, we added a Sierra Watchdog NXT 85-pint dehumidifier and finished with a custom-built PVC crawlspace door for a tighter, more durable seal.

After our evaluation confirmed the open-porch exposure was allowing outside moisture to drive rot and weakening key framing components, we fixed both the cause and the structural damage it created. We started by treating affected areas with a Pro Cleaner hydrogen peroxide application to address microbial growth and help sanitize the crawlspace. To stabilize and reinforce the floor system, we installed PowerPost floor supports, doubled/scabbed compromised floor joists where reinforcement was needed, and added a steel beam to restore strength and proper load support. With the structure secured, we focused on long-term moisture control by blocking the foundation vents and installing a durable 9 mil vapor barrier to cut off ground vapor. We then added a Sierra Watchdog NXT 85-pint dehumidifier to keep humidity in a safe range year-round, and finished with a custom-built PVC crawlspace door to create a tighter, more durable seal—helping prevent future moisture intrusion and protecting the repaired structure.

After our inspection confirmed the insulation had been damaged by ongoing moisture and uncontrolled air exchange, we tackled the crawlspace as a complete system instead of just swapping material. We started with full insulation removal to eliminate the wet, sagging fiberglass and any trapped contaminants. Next, we installed a partial-perimeter drainage pipe to intercept water at the foundation and direct it to a new 1/3 HP sump pump, then routed the discharge line safely away from the home so water couldn’t cycle back into the crawlspace. To stop outside humidity from constantly feeding the problem, we blocked the foundation vents and sealed the ground with a durable 9 mil vapor barrier. From there, we added a Sierra Watchdog NXT 85-pint dehumidifier to maintain consistent, dry conditions year-round. Finally, we finished the enclosure with a custom-built PVC crawlspace door for a tighter, longer-lasting seal—creating a clean, dry crawlspace where new insulation and the home above can actually perform the way they should.

To solve the standing water and hydrostatic pressure issues, we installed a full interior perimeter drainage pipe system to intercept water along the foundation wall and within the soil profile before it could spread across the crawlspace. That system was pitched to a newly installed sump pump basin, where a 1/3 HP sump pump collects and removes the water through a dedicated discharge line, carrying it safely away from the home. To prevent lingering moisture and humidity from returning, we blocked the foundation vents and installed a 15 mil vapor barrier to separate the crawlspace from ground moisture and outside air. We then added a Sierra Watchdog NXT 85-pint dehumidifier to maintain dry, stable conditions year-round, and finished with a custom-built PVC crawlspace door to improve access while sealing the entry point and helping keep the crawlspace protected.

To solve the crawlspace issues, we started with soda blasting to remove existing fungal growth and surface contamination from the framing, leaving the wood clean and ready for long-term protection. Next, we installed a full interior perimeter drainage pipe system to capture water along the foundation wall and within the soil profile, then directed that collected water to a newly installed sump pump basin. Inside the basin, we set a 1/3 HP sump pump and connected a dedicated discharge line to move water safely away from the home. To control humidity and prevent future moisture-related problems, we installed a Sierra Watchdog NXT 85-pint dehumidifier to actively dry the crawlspace air. Finally, we improved access and sealing at the entry point with a custom-built PVC crawlspace door, helping reduce outside air and moisture intrusion and supporting a cleaner, more stable crawlspace environment.

To solve the moisture and floor-shift issues in this 100-year-old home, we started with a Pro Cleaner hydrogen peroxide treatment to clean and treat the affected wood surfaces. Next, we installed a partial interior perimeter drainage pipe to intercept water where it was entering, and directed it to a new sump pump basin with a 1/3 HP sump pump and a dedicated discharge line to move that water safely away from the foundation. To reduce crawlspace humidity long-term, we blocked the foundation vents and installed a 15 mil vapor barrier to separate the home from ground moisture, then added a Sierra Watchdog NXT 85-pint dehumidifier to keep the air dry and stable. We also improved the seal and access point with a custom PVC crawlspace door. Finally, to correct the structural movement contributing to uneven floors, we installed a steel beam and added PowerPost floor supports to reinforce and stabilize the framing—helping stop future sagging and shifting while supporting a more level floor system.

To solve the moisture issues and protect the home long-term, we sealed and conditioned the crawlspace using our R-5 Insulated Encapsulation System with a heavy-duty 23 mil floor liner, creating a durable barrier against ground moisture and outside air. We paid close attention to sealing seams, edges, and penetrations to ensure the space was truly closed off and controlled. To keep humidity in a safe range year-round, we installed a Sierra Watchdog NXT 85 Pint Dehumidifier, providing active moisture removal even during the most humid months. We finished by building a custom PVC crawlspace door for a tight, long-lasting entry seal—helping the encapsulation system perform at its best and leaving the crawlspace clean, dry, and protected moving forward.

To fully address the crawlspace issues and give the homeowner a long-term solution, we started by soda blasting affected areas to clean and remediate surfaces impacted by moisture and organic growth. Next, we installed a full-perimeter drainage pipe system to capture groundwater and direct it into a new sump pump basin, where we added a reliable 1/3 HP sump pump. We then ran a dedicated discharge line and added a discharge extension to ensure water is carried safely away from the foundation and doesn’t recycle back toward the home. With water management in place, we sealed and insulated the space using our R-5 Insulated Encapsulation System with a heavy-duty 23 mil floor liner, and finished with a custom-built PVC crawlspace door for a tight, durable entry seal. Finally, we installed a Sierra Watchdog NXT 85 Pint Dehumidifier to maintain stable, healthy humidity year-round—keeping the crawlspace dry, protected, and far less likely to develop odors, mold, or wood deterioration again.

To solve the problem the right way, we approached it as both a structural repair and a full crawlspace remediation so the new forward joists wouldn’t be put back into the same damaging conditions. We began with demolition and removal at the back deck as needed to access the work area, then demoed and repaired the rotten band board and addressed compromised framing by double/scab floor joists where appropriate and installing PowerPost floor supports to restore strength and proper load support. With the structure stabilized, we soda blasted affected areas to clean and remediate the surfaces, then implemented a full-perimeter drainage pipe system that feeds into a sump pump basin with a 1/3 HP sump pump and a dedicated discharge line to reliably move water away from the foundation. Finally, we sealed and conditioned the space with our R-5 Insulated Encapsulation System featuring a 15-mil floor liner, added a custom-built PVC crawlspace door for a tight exterior seal, and installed a Sierra Watchdog NXT 85 Pint Dehumidifier to maintain safe humidity year-round—creating a dry, controlled crawlspace that protects the repairs and helps prevent future rot and structural deterioration.

To solve the settling-floor issue at the source, we stabilized the crawlspace environment using our Crawlspace Doctor Exclusive Encapsulation System, which seals the area off from ground moisture and outside air that can drive rot, weakening framing, and long-term structural movement. We started by preparing the space, then installed a durable vapor barrier and sealed key seams and penetrations to create a tight, controlled crawlspace. To keep humidity consistently in the safe range year-round, we paired the encapsulation with a Sierra Watchdog NXT 85 Pint Dehumidifier, giving the crawlspace active moisture control even during the most humid months. With moisture and humidity brought under control, the subfloor system can dry, stay dry, and remain stable—helping prevent further settling and protecting the home’s floors and structure moving forward.

To address the crawlspace conditions and deliver a long-term encapsulation solution, we began with a Pro Cleaner hydrogen peroxide treatment to clean and treat affected wood surfaces. Next, we installed a partial interior perimeter drainage pipe in the areas where water was most likely to enter and routed it to a new sump pump basin. Inside the basin, we set a 1/3 HP sump pump and connected a dedicated discharge line to move collected water safely away from the foundation. With water control in place, we sealed and conditioned the space using the Crawlspace Doctor Exclusive Encapsulation System, creating a durable barrier against ground moisture and outside air. To keep humidity consistently in check, we installed a Sierra Watchdog NXT 85-pint dehumidifier, and we finished by building a custom PVC crawlspace door to improve access while tightly sealing the entry point.

To solve the problems in this home, we started by addressing the mold directly using our Pro Cleaner hydrogen peroxide treatment to clean and sanitize the affected surfaces in the crawl space. We then installed a partial perimeter drainage pipe system to capture groundwater and direct it into a new sump pump basin, where a 1/3 HP sump pump and dedicated discharge line now move water safely away from the foundation. To control humidity long-term, we added a Sierra Watchdog NXT 85-pint dehumidifier to keep moisture levels in a safe range. We also upgraded access with a custom-built PVC crawlspace door for a tighter, more durable seal. Because we identified structural concerns, we installed a steel beam and PowerPost floor supports to stabilize and strengthen the floor system above. Finally, we encapsulated the crawl space with an R-5 insulated system, including a heavy-duty 15-mil floor liner, to separate the home from the damp earth, improve energy efficiency, and create a clean, dry, and healthy environment underneath the house.

To solve the moisture issues around the home and protect the crawlspace long term, we started by installing a full-perimeter drainage pipe system to capture water before it could pool under or against the foundation. That drainage was routed into a dedicated sump pump basin, where a 1/3 HP sump pump now automatically collects and discharges water through a properly installed discharge line that carries it safely away from the house. Inside the crawlspace, we transformed the environment with an R-5 insulated encapsulation system and a durable 15-mil floor liner, sealing the ground and separating the home from damp soil and vapor. To actively control humidity, we installed a Sierra Watchdog NXT 85-pint dehumidifier, which maintains dry, stable conditions and helps prevent mold, wood decay, and musty odors. Finally, we custom built a PVC crawlspace door that won’t rot or warp and provides a tighter seal against outside air and moisture. Together, these steps turned a wet, vulnerable crawlspace into a clean, dry, and protected space that supports the health and stability of the entire home.

To solve the problems caused by hydrostatic pressure and standing water, we focused on drying the crawlspace and turning it into a controlled environment instead of a damp, exposed one. We began by removing the existing insulation, which had become damp and was trapping moisture against the floor system, creating ideal conditions for mold and wood decay. Once the insulation was out, we applied a Pro Cleaner hydrogen peroxide treatment to the exposed wood and surfaces, helping to clean and treat areas that had been affected by moisture and organic growth. After that, we installed a heavy-duty encapsulation system with a 15-mil floor liner, sealing the ground and isolating the home from the damp soil below. To further protect the space, we custom built a PVC crawlspace door that won’t rot, warp, or absorb moisture, and provides a tighter seal against outside air and humidity. Finally, we installed a Sierra Watchdog NXT 85-pint dehumidifier to actively control humidity levels and keep the crawlspace dry year-round. Together, these steps reduced the impact of hydrostatic pressure inside the crawlspace, eliminated standing moisture, and helped protect the home’s structure and indoor air quality over the long term.

To properly address the fungus issue and prevent it from returning, we started by removing the existing crawlspace insulation, which was holding moisture and organic debris against the floor system and providing a food source for fungal growth. Next, we installed a drainage pipe system to direct any groundwater or intruding moisture toward a dedicated sump pump basin. In that basin, we placed a 1/3 HP sump pump and connected it to a discharge line that carries water safely away from the foundation, reducing the risk of future standing water under the home. To control humidity long-term, we installed a Sierra Watchdog NXT 85-pint dehumidifier, which works continuously to keep the crawlspace air dry and less favorable for mold and fungus. We also custom built a durable PVC crawlspace door to better seal the opening, helping keep out humid outside air and pests. Finally, we encapsulated the crawlspace with an R-5 insulated encapsulation system and a heavy-duty 15-mil floor liner, which covers the soil and walls to create a clean, insulated, and conditioned environment. Together, these steps not only addressed the existing fungal growth but also transformed the crawlspace into a dry, controlled space that protects the home’s structure and indoor air quality.

To resolve the issues caused by standing water in the homeowner’s crawlspace, our team implemented a comprehensive solution designed to address both the immediate moisture problem and prevent future concerns. We began by soda blasting the affected areas to clean and remove mold and debris safely. A full perimeter drainage pipe system was installed to channel water efficiently into a newly placed sump pump basin, where a powerful 1/3 HP sump pump now actively removes excess water through a dedicated discharge line. To further protect the space, we installed our Crawlspace Doctor Exclusive Encapsulation System, sealing the crawlspace from outside moisture. A Sierra Watchdog NXT 85-pint dehumidifier was added to control humidity levels consistently. For structural reinforcement, we installed PowerPost floor supports and a new steel beam to stabilize weakened areas. We also custom-built a durable PVC crawlspace door to provide secure access, and replaced the HVAC return ductwork to ensure healthy airflow throughout the home. This integrated approach not only solved the standing water issue but also significantly improved the overall health and stability of the crawlspace and home.

To address the homeowner’s concerns and create a clean, dry, and stable crawlspace, we installed our R-5 Insulated Encapsulation System, featuring a heavy-duty 23-mil floor liner for maximum moisture protection and durability. A custom-built PVC crawlspace door was added to ensure a tight seal while providing long-lasting, secure access. To regulate humidity and prevent mold growth, we installed the Sierra Watchdog NXT 85 Pint Dehumidifier, designed for continuous, efficient moisture control. Additionally, we reinforced the crawlspace structure by installing PowerPost Floor Supports, which helped stabilize the flooring above and correct any minor sagging. This comprehensive solution gave the homeowner peace of mind, knowing their crawlspace is now properly protected and structurally sound.

To address the flooring issue near the bathroom, we installed PowerPost Floor Supports beneath the affected area. These heavy-duty, adjustable supports were strategically placed to stabilize the compromised section and lift the settled floor back toward its original position. By providing strong, permanent reinforcement to the under-supported framing, the PowerPosts effectively reduced the floor hump and helped restore a level surface. This solution not only corrected the immediate problem but also ensured long-term structural stability for the area.

ChatGPT said:

To address the homeowner’s foundation concerns, we installed PowerPost floor supports to provide strong, adjustable reinforcement beneath the sagging areas of the home. These steel posts are designed to stabilize and lift weakened sections of the floor system. Additionally, we reinforced the existing floor joists by doubling them or using scab joists—attaching new lumber alongside the original joists—to restore their strength and structural integrity. This solution effectively stabilized the foundation, corrected uneven flooring, and gave the homeowner confidence in the long-term support of their home.

To address the homeowner's crawlspace concerns, we implemented a comprehensive solution to resolve both moisture and structural issues. We began by removing the damaged insulation, which had been compromised by elevated moisture levels, ensuring a clean slate for further repairs. Next, we treated the framing system with a professional hydrogen peroxide cleaner to eliminate fungal growth and sanitize the space. To control humidity and maintain a dry environment, we installed a high-capacity 120-pint dehumidifier. To restore structural stability, we reinforced the crawlspace by installing PowerPost floor supports and durable steel beams, addressing the sagging areas and ensuring long-term strength. This thorough approach resolved the existing issues while preventing future damage, leaving the homeowner with a safe and healthy crawlspace.