Background: Addressing Sticking Doors and Mold Growth
Mr. McCollum, a homeowner in Hartselle, AL, reached out with concerns about his back door sticking and the possibility of mold growth in his crawl space. He had previously hired another foundation company to install a moisture barrier, but he was worried that the mold problem had returned. He recognized the need for a thorough assessment, so he contacted our team to investigate and provide a long-term solution.Comprehensive Foundation Inspection and Mold Assessment
Grant Crowden, our Deep South Construction Pros specialist, conducted a comprehensive foundation inspection to diagnose the issues. Upon inspection, Grant found two critical problems:
- Foundation Stability: The back door was sticking due to an underlying issue with the foundation’s stability. This problem required the installation of additional supports to stabilize the foundation and ensure that the back door would function properly.
- Mold Growth: Significant mold growth was observed in the crawl space, likely exacerbated by the previous moisture barrier’s inadequate performance. This mold posed a potential health risk and indicated a need for a more effective moisture control solution.
Proposed Solutions: Crawl Space Encapsulation and Foundation Stabilization
Grant recommended a multi-step approach to address both the structural and environmental issues:
- Mold Remediation: A complete mold treatment was necessary to eliminate the mold and prevent it from spreading to other home areas.
- Crawl Space Encapsulation: A full crawl space encapsulation system was proposed after the mold was treated. This included installing a high-quality 100-mil encapsulation barrier to seal off the crawl space completely.
- Dehumidifier Installation: A dehumidifier was to be installed to maintain a dry environment and prevent future mold growth. This would help control humidity levels within the encapsulated crawl space.
- Foundation Support Installation: Custom-made floor supports were needed to stabilize the foundation around the back door area. These supports would correct the alignment issues that are causing the door to stick.
Mold Remediation and Moisture Barrier Replacement
Grant recommended a multi-step approach to address both the structural and environmental issues:
The project commenced with the crew from Deep South Construction Pros removing the old moisture barrier and all debris from the crawl space, creating a clean environment for the encapsulation. The team then performed mold remediation, treating all areas with active mold growth to ensure the safety and health of the household.
Following the remediation, the crew installed a durable 100 mil encapsulation barrier, sealing all vents and ensuring the crawl space was fully protected from external moisture. A dehumidifier was installed to manage humidity levels and prevent future mold growth continuously.
Four custom-made floor supports were installed around the back door area to address the foundation issues. These supports were carefully tightened until the door operated smoothly, restoring both function and stability to the affected part of the home.
Long-Term Results: Improved Home Stability and Moisture Control
The project successfully resolved all of Mr. McCollum’s concerns. Thanks to the newly installed foundation supports, the back door was realigned and operated without sticking. The encapsulated crawl space, now equipped with a dehumidifier, provided a long-term solution to moisture control, effectively preventing future mold growth.
Mr. McCollum expressed satisfaction with the results, appreciating the team’s thorough approach. The solution addressed the immediate issues and ensured the long-term health and stability of his home.
Customer Satisfaction: Ensuring a Mold-Free and Stable Home
Mr. McCollum was pleased with the professionalism and efficiency of the crew. He felt confident that the solutions provided would protect his home from future issues and was particularly impressed with the comprehensive nature of the service, which addressed both the foundation and mold concerns in one project.SCHEDULE A FREE Crawl Space INSPECTION WHEN YOU CALL US AT (256) 562-8373 TODAY.
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