Before & After Photos

Before our intervention in Iowa City, the subterranean crawl space exhibited critical failures in atmospheric and moisture management, characterized by high relative humidity, hydrostatic vapor intrusion, and subsequent microbial off-gassing that compromised the home’s indoor air quality. System Design Specialist Jeff Kelchen engineered a comprehensive remediation strategy to transform this unconditioned, compromised footprint into a stabilized, usable environment. Under the direction of Production Foreman Jacob Oetzman and his crew, Antonio and Devin B., the team executed a full encapsulation utilizing the CleanSpace® system, a heavy-duty, 20-mil antimicrobial vapor barrier mechanically fastened and sealed to isolate the structure from earth-born moisture and capillary action.

To permanently regulate the microclimate, the team enhanced the thermal envelope by installing SilverGlo™ graphite-infused insulation panels along the foundation perimeter to drastically reduce thermal transfer. Active water mitigation was achieved by integrating a TripleSafe™ sump pump system, featuring a multi-stage pump configuration and battery backup to ensure continuous dewatering during peak hydrostatic events. Finally, a high-efficiency SaniDry Sedona dehumidification system was commissioned to maintain ambient relative humidity below the 50% threshold required to inhibit wood rot and microbial growth. This technical execution successfully eliminated sub-floor odor transfer, stabilized structural humidity, and optimized the home’s overall energy efficiency and air quality.

This damp crawlspace in Iowa City, IA needed some help, so the homeowner called MidAmerica Basement Systems. The crawl space was encapsulated with CleanSpace, placed over drainage matting.

Fran of Iowa City was having issues with moisture entering her crawlspace. She called MidAmerica Basement Systems to have her basement encapsulated. It was proposed that she had CleanSpace, SilverGlo , and SaniDry CX installed in her crawlspace to address the moisture issue. CleanSpace acts as a moisture barrier against the exposed ground, and seals off the moisture from entering the area. SilverGlo was installed to help insulate the crawlspace, while a SaniDry CX dehumidifier retracts any extra moisture in the air.

In the "before" photo, you can see the damp areas that were actively compromising the foundation.

Service technician Scottie Mohr assessed the space and designed a comprehensive waterproofing plan. Foreman Jacob Oetzmann and his crew then stepped in to install a complete moisture-defense system, including:

• CleanSpace Vapor Barrier to seal the walls.
• A SuperSump Sump Pump System for reliable water evacuation.
• TerraBlock Basement Insulation and Drainage Matting to protect and cushion the floors.

As shown in the "after" photo, these high-quality products work together seamlessly to keep the basement permanently dry. Unlike the thinner liners and insufficient systems used by other companies, this heavy-duty combination protects the foundation's long-term integrity.

At MidAmerica Basement Systems, we are dedicated to resolving even the toughest basement and foundation challenges.

In Iowa City, Iowa, a homeowner struggled with elevated humidity and potential mold growth throughout their crawl space, threatening both the home's indoor air quality and structural integrity. Uncontrolled ground moisture and ambient humidity created a damp environment susceptible to musty odors, wood rot, and airborne mold spores.

To eliminate the moisture threat at its source without temporary workarounds, System Design Specialist Tim Rollet evaluated the site and designed a full encapsulation and environmental control solution using the CleanSpace® Vapor Barrier, CleanSpace® Drainage Matting, and the SaniDry™ Sedona Dehumidifier through MidAmerica Basement Systems.

Foreman Justin Maddox and crew member Devin S. arrived on-site to execute the restoration. The team began by laying CleanSpace Drainage Matting across the uneven crawl space floor, creating a raised channel layer that allows trapped groundwater to flow freely beneath the liner without pooling. Over this base, the crew installed the 20-mil thick, poly-reinforced CleanSpace liner across the floor and walls, mechanically fastening and sealing every seam to form an airtight barrier against ground moisture, soil gas, and ambient humidity.

To maintain healthy air quality long-term, Justin and Devin S. installed a high-capacity SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier. Designed specifically for below-grade spaces, the unit automatically senses relative humidity, filters out airborne particles down to 3 microns, and continuously pulls excess moisture out of the air to keep the relative humidity well below the threshold for mold growth. The crew completed the installation and thoroughly cleaned the area, leaving the homeowner with a bright, dry, and fully protected crawl space.