Light-Duty Crawl Space Jacks
These jacks are not designed to support the axial loads of a home nor the harsh environment of a basement or crawl space. Moreover, the corrosion protection will vary from non-existent to, at best, paint. The base, or footing of this post is also not ideal to support the weight of a home. See the photo of Smart Jacks and a proper footing.
The SmartJack System
The SmartJack can be cut and adjusted for narrow crawl spaces, as well as taller ones. Installation is possible throughout the year. The SmartJack is rated to support several times more weight than comparable crawl space jack posts, and is warranteed for 25 years.
6mm Poly Vapour Barrier
Up to 50% of the air in your crawl space comes up into your living area. Reguarl poly is not designed to withstand this wet environment and will rip easily as well as rot away. Even one hole left unsealed will cause issues. Note the rust on the duct work.
20mm CleanSpace Vapour Barrier
Sealing off all outside air leaks and moisture from the earth are two steps involved in fixing your crawl space and CleanSpace helps with both! This 25 year warrantied liner will not tear or rip, looks great and will assist in eliminating the smell, moisture and wood rot in your home.
Insulating Before Encapsulating
Spray foam insulation is a great cherry on top for your crawl space. But installing it before a CleanSpace vapour barrier could cause big problems. Doing this allows all the moisture from the earth to collect in the crawl space and causes condensation and that musty smell. Installing the CleanSpace first and then the spray foam is the most effective way to safely condition your crawl space.
Condensation in the Crawl Space
When warm HUMID air enters your home through vents in the foundation, the air condenses because the crawl space is cool and dark. The result is this! Heavy moisture build up and high wood-moisture content. In the winter, vents let in COLD air, right onto your heating ducts.
Unhealthy Spaces
Without even being there, you can tell this would be a smelly space. The insulation is likely occupied by mice, the 6mm poly is rotting and the beam is in poor condition. CleanSpace, the SaniDry, SmartJacks and the SmartSump will save this crawl space!
Sinking Crawl Space Support
This support column may look heavy and solid, but other than the fact it's not rated to hold up this amount of weight, what else causes this issue? Even a good column will be limited by the bearing capacity of the existing soil. A good concrete footing absorbs the higher bearing pressure and distributes lower pressures to the soils surrounding the base.
