Basement Waterproofing Case Studies: Wet Cottage Crawl Space in Bracebridge, Ontario
Challenge
Everybody loves going up to a cottage, longing for the escape and relaxation. We dread closing them all summer and look forward to opening them all winter. There are few things that can dull the excitement of finally opening the cottage and smelling the spring air, but a flooded crawl space is definitely one.
A cottage in Bracebridge, Ontario was dealing with a wet crawlspace every spring. With the cottage closed during winter and the owner not always there in the summer, dealing with water issues on a regular basis was getting old. The moisture was causing damage to the cottage framing and producing a musty smell whenever the cottage was opened after an extended period. Wanting to protect his investment and deal with his crawl space conundrum for good, the customer reached out to Clarke Basement Systems.
Solution
We started with an encapsulation of the crawlspace using CleanSpace® Vapour Barrier. CleanSpace® is great for preventing moisture since it’s 100% waterproof, durable, washable, and even has anti-microbial protection. The vapour barrier keeps moisture from entering the crawl space and causing any damage to the cottage framing.
System Design Specialist Rob Malcomson also designed the solution to include a SmartSump™ Sump Pump, designed specifically for crawl spaces, with a backup battery. This deals with any springtime rush of water, pumping it out efficiently and effectively. The battery pack gives the customer some peace of mind knowing that even if the power goes out and he can’t make it to there, his cottage will remain dry and protected.
To ensure the basement stays as warm as can be during the cold season, Installation Foreman Jose Martinez installed vent covers and insulation. The vent covers and insulation help prevent cold from entering the space while retaining heat that’s already present. He also installed an Aprilaire® 1850 Dehumidifier to prevent future damage from moisture, and deal with lingering mould and odours.
The customer is happy his cottage now has no smells when opening it up. He can leave for as long as he would like without having to worry about water issues. His cottage air is finally healthy, and his crawl space is finally dry. A happy cottager!