Crawl Space Encapsulation & Moisture Remediation in Old Town – Alexandria, VA
In Old Town Alexandria, a homeowner faced persistent crawl space issues: standing water, musty odors, high humidity, and cold floors.
Previous sump pump installations hadn’t resolved the problem. DMV Foundation Solutions stepped in with a full crawl space encapsulation system—featuring foam wall insulation, a reinforced vapor barrier, and a new sump pump with Wi-Fi backup—to eliminate moisture, improve comfort, and restore indoor air quality.
Customer -
David R
Our Crawl Space Encapsulation Process: Cleaning, Insulation & Waterproofing
We began by performing a full crawl space cleanout, removing deteriorated plastic sheeting and uncovering a cracked sewage pipe—an unexpected but critical repair we handled immediately. We also discovered a downspout that was improperly draining directly into the crawl space, which we re-routed away from the foundation.
After cleanup, we removed failing insulation and installed 2” rigid foam board insulation on the walls for enhanced thermal protection.
We then encapsulated the entire crawl space with a reinforced, antimicrobial vapor barrier system. Every seam was overlapped, sealed, and anchored—not just taped—to ensure lasting durability and protection. This system was designed to seal out moisture, stabilize indoor humidity, and eliminate odors.
Key project components included:
- Complete debris and moisture removal
- Cracked sewage pipe repair
- Redirected downspout drainage
- 2” closed-cell foam wall insulation
- Full vapor barrier encapsulation (walls and floor)
- New sump pump with Wi-Fi-enabled battery backup
By sealing and insulating the space, the floors above became noticeably warmer, and the foul odor disappeared. David immediately noticed a more comfortable living space and improved indoor air quality.
Results & Homeowner Impact: Moisture Elimination, Comfort Gains, and System Performance
Our success is measured both by technical performance and customer satisfaction. Our crews document each step with photos for internal quality checks, and we follow up with the homeowner 1–2 weeks after completion.
In this case, David reported noticeable improvements almost immediately—no more foul smells, significantly reduced humidity and far more comfortable indoor temperatures. His heating system also began running more efficiently thanks to the improved insulation.
Post-Installation Support & Warranty: Ensuring Long-Term Crawl Space Protection
At DMV Foundation Solutions, we make sure every homeowner knows how to maintain their new system. After each project, we walk clients through the completed work and provide helpful maintenance tips.
For long-term performance, we advised David to:
- Monitor humidity levels if a dehumidifier is installed
- Avoid damaging or puncturing the vapor barrier during future work
- Regularly test sump pump functionality
Like all of our encapsulation projects, this system is backed by a written warranty covering workmanship and long-term performance. Our goal was simple: to help David reclaim a clean, dry, energy-efficient home—and we did exactly that.
Ready to Reclaim Your Crawl Space?
If you’re dealing with cold floors, high humidity, or persistent crawl space odors, DMV Foundation Solutions can help. Our team delivers permanent, warrantied encapsulation systems designed for homes across Alexandria and the greater DMV region.
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FAQs
Q: Why was my crawl space still humid even with sump pumps installed?
A: Sump pumps remove standing water but not vapor or humidity. Without vapor barriers and insulation, moisture continues to enter from the soil—especially in crawl spaces with dirt floors, common in Alexandria’s historic homes.
Q: What made crawl space encapsulation the best solution for this Alexandria home?
A: The homeowner faced standing water, high humidity, mold odors, and cold floors—issues common in the DMV’s clay soil regions. A full encapsulation system offered a comprehensive fix by sealing the space and improving air and thermal quality.
Q: What kind of crawl space insulation was used and why?
A: We installed 2” closed-cell foam board insulation along the crawl space walls to stop moisture and improve energy efficiency—ideal for homes with cold floors above the crawl space.
Q: How long does crawl space encapsulation take in homes like this?
A: For most DMV homes, including prep work and repairs, the encapsulation process takes 2–4 days.
Q: How much maintenance does an encapsulated crawl space require?
A: Very little. We recommend periodic sump pump checks, monitoring humidity if a dehumidifier is installed, and avoiding damage to the vapor barrier during future access.
Q: Does DMV Foundation Solutions provide a warranty on crawl space encapsulation?
A: Yes. All encapsulation systems include a written warranty covering workmanship and long-term performance—giving homeowners peace of mind.
Contact DMV
If your basement is still leaking—even after a previous repair—let’s talk. Our inspections are free, and our solutions are built to last.
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