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Too little attic insulation and too much air leakage can waste a great deal of energy, leading to an uncomfortable home and higher energy bills. TruSoft Cellulose insulation reduces heating and cooling bills by as much as 32 percent (based on a study by The Leominster Housing Authority), meets and exceeds fire-resistance testing, and is a “green” product as the material contains 85 percent recycled paper that would otherwise end up in a landfill.
This Wells, ME, homeowner was ready to insulate their attic and save money on their energy bill, so they scheduled a free estimate with Dr. Energy Saver by TC Hafford Basment Systems. System Design Specialist Nima Farshid worked with the homeowner to design an energy-efficient system that would make their home healthier and more comfortable. First, their attic was sealed with ZypFoam where necessary and haft-inch Foamax. After the area was finished being sealed, TruSoft Cellulose insulation was blown into the space to insulate the attic and create a home that would be warmer in the winter and keep the AC in during the hot summer months.
This Kennebunk, ME home was recently purchased, and the homeowner wanted to renovate the home and knew they needed to start in the crawl space. The crawl space had issues with water and moisture making its way in. This can lead to wood rot, mold, and eventually destroying anything that is stored in the area. The homeowner contacted TC Hafford Basement Systems and worked with System Design Specialist Ron Bedard to design an encapsulation system that would keep their basement dry.
The first step of encapsulating the crawl space was removing the old insulation and installing CleanSpace with Drainage Matting. Drainage Matting is laid down first to create a barrier between the ground and CleanSpace, keeping it clean and channeling water to the new sump with its dimpled design. CleanSpace is a durable, bright white vapor barrier made of inorganic materials that seals up the area and keeps moisture and critters out of the crawl space. A SuperSump was installed to collect groundwater and pumps out of the crawl space and away from the home through a new Exterior Buried Discharge line. To prevent ice buildup and keep the system running year-round, IceGuard was installed on the discharge line. The homeowner wanted their home to be more comfortable and energy efficient, so SprayFoam insulation was installed along the rim joists and wall surfaces. Finally, a SaniDry Sedona was installed to keep the humidity at a safe level all of the time. Now the homeowner is able to move on with their renovation project knowing that their crawl space is protected and their home is more energy efficient.
A homeowner in Kennebunkport, Maine, reached out to TC Hafford Basement Systems after an energy audit revealed that their home was losing significant heat through both the attic and basement. We installed Dr. Energy Saver spray foam in both areas, TrueSoft cellulose to insulate the attic floor, and Zip Foam for air sealing. The improvements resulted in a much more comfortable and energy-efficient home.
In Sumner, Maine, a homeowner was dealing with constant water problems in their crawl space and basement. Concerned about rising moisture levels and potential damage, they contacted TC Hafford Basement Systems for help. After assessing the situation, our team recommended installing CleanSpace, a reliable water barrier, to protect against moisture entering the crawl space. We also applied Dr. Energy Saver spray foam insulation to seal air gaps and enhance energy efficiency. The transformation was remarkable. Once plagued by water damage and high humidity, the crawl space is now dry and energy-efficient. The homeowner was thrilled with the outcome, knowing their home is better protected for the future.
This Westbrook, ME, homeowner had a unique problem on their hands. Not only did they have a basement with water coming in, but they also had an attached crawl space that wasn’t sealed, and a Blower Door Test proved that they had air leaking. Their basement was wet, and their energy bills were higher than they should be to keep the home warm during the winter months. The homeowner needed help and booked a free estimate with TC Hafford Basement Systems, which offers Dr. Energy Saver and can take care of all of the issues in the basement and crawl space at one time.
Before making the basement more energy efficient, the area needed to be waterproofed. A WaterGuard perimeter drain was installed to capture groundwater and channel it to the new TripleSafe Sump Pump. The TripleSafe includes two Zoeller sumps with the addition of a battery-powered backup to protect the homeowner in the case of a power outage. The TripleSafe was connected to a Buried Discharge line that takes the water far away from the home and is protected against ice buildup with IceGuard.
The crawl space had a dirt floor and needed to be encapsulated to seal off the area from the outside elements. Drainage Matting was laid down and CleanSpace was installed on top and attached to the walls. CleanSpace is a durable vapor barrier that keeps moisture out of the area along with small critters that could cause issues. Once CleanSpace with Drainage Matting is installed, the homeowner is able to use the area for storage, and their belongings will be protected against the elements.
Making the Space More Energy-Efficient
To create a more energy-efficient area, the space needed to be insulated better than it was before. Two-inch-thick Foamax Board was installed along the basement walls to trap in heat and work to keep the cold out. Next, SprayFoam was installed along the rim joists and on the walls of the crawl space to insulate the area. Closed Cell SprayFoam insulates better than open cell and doesn’t absorb water, meaning it acts as a vapor barrier as well.
After waterproofing the basement, encapsulating the crawl space, and making the area more energy-efficient, the homeowner is happy knowing their home is protected.