What I'm Installing in My Own Crawl Space (And Why)
Introduction
Why I'm Doing My Crawl Space This Way
I'M TREATING IT JUST LIKE I WOULD TREAT YOUR CRAWL SPACE
Here's something you don't see every day - a crawl space contractor working on his own house.
Yep, that's me under my crawl space, and that's my dog Pita helping out (well, supervising might be a better word).
I'm spending my weekends giving my own home the same treatment we give our customers' homes.
Why am I sharing this?
Because I want you to see that I truly believe in the solutions we offer.
When it came time to fix my own crawl space, I didn't cut corners or try something different.
I'm using exactly what we recommend to our customers, because I know it works.
The Materials I Chose
Let me walk you through what I'm putting in my crawl space and why:
120 Mil Encapsulation
This is the heavy-duty stuff. Think of it like a really tough rubber liner for your crawl space. I chose this thickness because I've seen how well it holds up over time. Sure, I could have gone with something thinner and cheaper, but I want this to last.
Full Drain Mat System
This goes under the encapsulation to help water flow where it needs to go. It's like creating a mini drainage system under your vapor barrier. In Middle Tennessee's wet seasons, this is a game-changer for keeping moisture controlled.
20-Light System
Most companies don't even offer lighting in crawl spaces. I'm putting in 20 lights because I know how important it is to be able to see what's happening under your house. Whether it's me doing an inspection or a plumber fixing a pipe, good lighting makes everything easier.
The Installation Process
You might wonder why I'm doing this on weekends instead of having my crew handle it.
Truth is, I like getting my hands dirty.
Just like every job we do for customers, I'm taking my time and doing things right.
That means pulling out all the old insulation first, laying down the poly carefully, and making sure every piece of drain mat is staked down properly.
There's no rushing when it comes to crawl space work.
Each step needs attention - kind of like building a house.
If your foundation isn't right, nothing else matters.
That's why I'm being just as meticulous with my own crawl space as we are with our customers' homes.
Why I Chose This System
After 12 years in this business, I've seen what works and what doesn't.
The system I'm putting in my crawl space isn't just the best option - it's the only option I'd trust under my own home.
This isn't about showing off; it's about using what I know works.
Here in Middle Tennessee, we deal with serious humidity and changing weather patterns.
I've seen cheaper systems fail time and time again.
That's why I'm going with the full setup - proper encapsulation, drain mat, plenty of lights, and soon, a quality dehumidifier.
It's what I know will handle our climate.
What This Means for Customers
When I recommend a system to customers, I'm not just selling something - I'm sharing what I know works.
Everything I'm putting in my crawl space is exactly what we offer to our customers.
Same materials, same attention to detail, same quality standards.
Think about it - would you trust a contractor who uses cheaper materials in their own home than what they sell to customers?
Me neither.
That's why I'm showing you exactly what I'm doing under my house.
No secrets, no shortcuts, just honest work with proven materials.
The Crawl Logic Difference
Here's what sets us apart - I'm not just a business owner who sells crawl space solutions.
I'm down here on my weekends, installing the exact same systems I recommend to you.
When I tell you about the benefits of 120 mil encapsulation or why you need good lighting, it's not from reading a manual.
It's from real experience, including under my own house.
And my dog Pita?
She's not just here for moral support.
She's actually helping me prove a point.
If I'm willing to spend my weekends down here with my four-legged quality control supervisor, making sure every detail is perfect, imagine how much care we put into our customers' homes.
Final Thoughts
I'll be wrapping up this project in the next couple of weeks, and I'm excited to show you the final results.
But more than that, I'm excited to keep sharing what I know about crawl spaces with our Middle Tennessee community.
Because at the end of the day, this isn't just about installing vapor barriers and drain mats - it's about protecting homes and helping homeowners make good decisions.
Ready to See What Your Crawl Space Needs?
If you're thinking about your own crawl space, I'd love to take a look.
The inspection is free, and you'll get the same honest advice I'd give to my own family.
After all, I just went through this whole process myself!
Give me a call or text - unless it's a major holiday, I'll get back to you quickly.
Let's figure out what your crawl space needs to keep your home protected for years to come.
