Ken McKnight

Inspection Findings

Project Manager Ken McKnight  performed a full inspection of the basement and crawlspace. His findings included:

• High moisture levels throughout the basement
• Damp, humid air in the crawlspace
• Efflorescence and minor wall deterioration in the basement
• Musty odors being drawn into the living space above

These symptoms indicated that both the basement and crawlspace were contributing to ongoing moisture problems throughout the home.

Recommended Solution

Inspection Findings

During a full evaluation, the project manager noted:

• Water trapped inside the hollow cores of the CMU block walls
• Signs of moisture seepage along the perimeter of the basement
• An outdated or insufficient drainage system
• A damp, unconditioned, debris-filled crawlspace
• Elevated humidity levels affecting the home above

Recommended Basement Solution

To properly manage water and protect the foundation, we recommended:

1. Full Basement Drainage System

A complete interior drainage system installed along the basement perimeter to capture water before it enters the living space.

2. Sump Pump Installation

A high-capacity sump pump to efficiently discharge all collected water away from the home.

3. Weep Holes in CMU Block Walls

Weep holes drilled at the base of the block walls to relieve hydrostatic pressure and allow trapped water inside the block cores to drain directly into the new system.

These components work together to keep the basement dry, stable, and protected against future water intrusion.

Recommended Crawlspace Solution

To resolve moisture and air-quality issues in the crawlspace, we proposed a full remediation:

1. Full Clean-Out

Removal of old insulation, debris, and any organic material that could retain moisture or harbor mold.

2. Full Encapsulation

Installation of a durable vapor barrier on the floor and walls to isolate the crawlspace from the damp ground and outside air.

3. Spray Foam Insulation

Spray foam applied to rim joists and selected surfaces to improve energy efficiency, seal air leaks, and prevent humid air from entering.

Results

• Basement remains dry even during heavy rain
• CMU block walls no longer hold or release trapped water
• Crawlspace is clean, sealed, and conditioned
• Home’s humidity levels have stabilized
• Energy efficiency improved due to spray foam insulation
• Overall air quality in the living space significantly improved

By combining a full basement drainage system with weep holes and a high-performance sump pump, followed by a complete crawlspace encapsulation and spray foam upgrade, Jamison Basement Waterproofing delivered a long-term, whole-home moisture solution that protects the structure from the ground up.

Project Manager Ken McKnight conducted a thorough assessment and recommended a comprehensive crawl space encapsulation system to address the moisture issues and protect the home’s foundation. Challenges Identified • Excessive Moisture: The crawl space had high humidity levels, which were causing the space to become damp and mold-prone. • Poor Air Quality: The trapped moisture was contributing to musty odors in the home and deteriorating indoor air quality. • Risk of Structural Damage: Prolonged exposure to moisture could lead to mold, wood rot, and damage to the foundation, insulation, and flooring. Solution: A Comprehensive Crawl Space Encapsulation System Ken McKnight and the team devised a tailored solution that included a series of steps to eliminate moisture, improve air quality, and protect the home’s foundation for the long term. 1. Crawl Space Cleanout: The first step was to thoroughly clean out the crawl space, removing debris, organic material, and any existing damaged insulation. This created a clean slate and helped eliminate potential mold growth sources. 2. Installation of a New Sump Pump: Next, we installed a high-quality sump pump designed to collect and remove any water that might seep into the crawl space. The GrateSump pump ensures that any future moisture is efficiently pumped out, preventing it from accumulating and causing damage. 3. Sealing with a Moisture Vapor Barrier: To prevent water from infiltrating the space from the soil, we installed a heavy-duty moisture vapor barrier across the entire crawl space floor and walls. The barrier is airtight and waterproof, effectively sealing off any potential moisture intrusion. 4. High-Volume Dehumidifier #WiseAire To maintain a dry and controlled environment, we added a high-volume dehumidifier that continuously removes excess moisture from the air. This ensures the humidity levels are kept at an optimal level, preventing mold and mildew growth. Ongoing Maintenance for Long-Term Protection In addition to the encapsulation, the homeowners now have peace of mind knowing that their crawl space is backed by 3 years of annual maintenance. This includes: • Annual Inspections: Our team will return each year to inspect the crawl space to ensure everything is functioning properly. • Dehumidifier and Sump Pump Servicing: We will service the dehumidifier and sump pump during each inspection to ensure they are operating at peak efficiency. • Ongoing Protection: The annual maintenance program provides the homeowners with ongoing protection against moisture, mold, and potential structural damage. Results: A Dry, Healthy Crawl Space After the project was completed, the homeowners immediately noticed several key improvements: • Eliminated Musty Odors: With the crawl space sealed and moisture under control, the musty odors that had once infiltrated the home disappeared. • Improved Air Quality: The home’s indoor air quality improved significantly as a result of the reduced moisture and humidity. • Protected Foundation: The foundation, insulation, and wooden supports were now safe from the damaging effects of moisture, ensuring the home’s long-term structural integrity. • Peace of Mind: With our annual maintenance program in place, the homeowners felt confident that their crawl space would remain dry, healthy, and protected for years to come. This crawl space encapsulation project not only solved the homeowner’s immediate moisture problems but also provided long-term protection against future issues. By addressing the source of moisture and installing a comprehensive system that included a sump pump, vapor barrier, and dehumidifier, we ensured the home would stay dry, mold-free, and comfortable. With our ongoing maintenance program, the homeowners now have peace of mind knowing that their crawl space will continue to operate efficiently and protect the home. If you’re dealing with moisture issues in your crawl space or want to protect your home from the damaging effects of excess humidity, Jamison Basement Waterproofing can help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation and learn more about our crawl space encapsulation solutions.