TerraFirma in Drain, OR

    For a home built in 2004, (relatively young in house years) you wouldn't expect there to be any foundation, basement or crawl space issues. Contrary to popular belief, the age of the house does not necessarily make it healthier or less healthy. It all comes down to the proper construction of the home and the soils that it's built upon. Recognizing a problem, home owner Rebecca and Kaplan Y. found TerraFirma online and called for a free inspection. 

    After controlling the ground water seepage problem with drain tile and removing the water via a sump pump, we were able to control the moisture levels under the home. Rebecca and Kaplan didn't want to encapsulate their crawl space at the time, so a 6 Mil vapor barrier was installed for extra protection again moisture.

    For now, their home is better protected. eventually, for full moisture protection, energy efficiency and air cleanliness, they will want to encapsulate the area. But for now they are safe.

    Not all solutions are created equal, and some installers are more qualified than others. TerraFirma Foundation System Employees are Professional Installers. Tom D. of Gresham, OR has an existing sump pump and vapor barrier that continue to fail year after year. He was fed up with it and began searching the internet for a professional installer. He found called TerraFirma for a free inspection to solve his crawl space crisis.

    Upon inspection, it was impossible to step foot in the crawl space due to four inches of standing water. How could this be with a vapor barrier and sump pump already installed? It makes you think about who installed it. One thing was for sure, a new drainage system was needed and a more powerful sump pump. After pumping out the four inches of standing water, drain tile was installed around the perimeter of the basement to aid in collecting water and draining to a sump pump. The sump pump installed is called Triple Safe. With three separate pumps all-in-one, at it's highest level, Triplesafe will pump 11,500 gallons of water of a fully charged battery.

    A moisture free crawl space or basement means NO MOLD. Mold is every home owners biggest fear. Just because you have a system in place doesn't mean it will work when you need it to most. Make sure you find a qualified installer for all crawl space and basement projects. 

    Some solutions are better than others. We have been in countless basement and crawl spaces where an existing waterproofing or encapsulation system has already present. The problem is who installed it. Some installers are better than others. Glide, OR home owner John B. had his crawl space conditioned a few years back but was still experiencing moisture issues. He could tell by the return of the musky odors. Overly cautious and overly concerned with air quality circulating his home, he called TerraFirma after being recommended by a friend.

    Upon inspection by System Design Specialist Ryan Thomas, the current waterproofing system just wasn't getting the job done. So, by installing a new sump pump and drain tile, John was able to control all ground water seepage reducing moisture levels. Also, by isolating the earth from the house, closing off the vents and installing a dehumidifier, we were able to ensure improved air quality and eliminate all chance of mold growth

    Insulation along the ceiling of the crawl space was a great idea. It kept your floors warm and heating bills down creating a more comfortable environment in your home. What happens when moisture gets into the crawl space and absorbed by the insulation? Now your home is being insulated by damp, moldy, smelly insulation that spreads throughout the rest of the home. After smelling these odors around the home, Battle Ground, WA home owners David and Judith they scheduled a free inspection with TerraFirma at the Portland Better Living Home and Garden Show.

    The solution was first to stop all groundwater seepage. This was accomplished by 200 lineal feet of drain tile, dimpled drain matting and a sump pump. By removing all the existing, non-usable insulation and isolating the earth from the house with Cleanspace, we now have much better control over the moisture and air quality in the crawl space. Close off the vents and install a dehumidifier, and we now have 100% control over the air in the crawl space. Eliminating mold growth, reducing energy consumption and adding comfort back to him living.

    Waterproofing any space is boiled down to two main tasks: Collect and remove the water. In some conditions we have seen throughout the years, water collection is performing just fine. Water removal is another story. If moisture is not properly relocated, it tends to collect around the foundation seeping back into your home. Gresham, OR home owner Mary C. noticed water building up around her foundation during heavy rain and was concerned about what negative effects it might have on her foundation. After hearing a waterproofing ad on the radio for TerraFirma, she called to schedule her free inspection.

    By installing drain tile and a sump pump in her crawl space we were sure that all excess water was being collected and removed. The question now was where to relocate the water. By hooking up the discharge line from the sump pump and gutter downspouts to a lawn drainage line 40 feet away from the foundation, water had no chance to recollect near the foundation and re-enter the home.

    Pooling water can have many negative effects. increased humidity in the crawl space, mold development, and in extreme cases, aid in foundation failure. With a simple waterproofing system and drain line from TerraFirma, all these problems can be avoided. 

    Not having any form of waterproofing or moisture protection in your basement or crawl space can be problematic, especially in the Northwest. to make matters worse, these Beaverton, OR homeowners had bad exterior drain lines and gutter system, so water would accumulate around the foundation and leak into the crawl space. After seeing a commercial on TV for TerraFirma, Keith and Ann knew exactly who to call with their moisture issues.

    The solution was quite simple, and would serve great dividends long term. First things first, fix the flooding down spouts and poor drain lines. This will make a huge difference in redirecting water away from the foundation rather than having it pool up beside. By installing a perimeter waterproofing system in the crawl space along with a sump pump for water removal, Keith and Ann can be confident that their basement will stay dry all the time, eliminating potential moisture mayhem and foundation fouls. 

    "During heavy rain, water migrates into my basement, as there is no concrete separation between my porch crawl space and the basement. Water the gets into the crawl space can only drain in the basement instead of the outside wall." Does this sound familiar? Maybe you or one of your neighbors have said it before. It's not uncommon, especially in the northwest. efficient waterproofing is something every home in the northwest needs. Surprisingly, most homes don't and suffer from excess water problems, mold and sometimes complete foundation failure. With these concerns in mind, Scott S. of Portland, Oregon searched the internet for a professional company to properly waterproof under his home. He found TerraFirma Foundation Systems.

    Scott wanted a proper waterproofing and insulation system to keep his basement and crawl space dry all the time, support home energy efficiency and air quality. By installing Waterguard along the interior footing of the basement wall, Scott is able to capture all water entering the home through the porch crawl space. This water is removed by a sump pump. SilverGlo wall insulation keeps the internal air warm aiding in energy efficiency. All these units working together keeps moisture and humidity levels controlled keeping the air clean and mold free.

    We were actually the second company to come and help Scott with his waterproofing efforts. Although there are many ways to fix a problem, only few are installed by the right people with the right technology, ensuring a durable, long-lasting solution. Some solutions are better than others.

    Keeping your basement dry some of the time isn't that hard. But, what home owner or building owner's goal is to keep their basement dry SOME of the time? Home owners want their basement dry ALL of the time to avoid potential moisture and mold problems. Just as important as collecting intrusive water is removal and relocation away from the foundation.

    This commercial building in Brookings, OR already had an efficient drainage system. Water was being collected properly; However, it was the successful removal of this water that was the problem. By installing a Super Sump and 195 feet of drainage line, We were able to successfully remove the water and drain away from the foundation. This way, there will be no chance of this water reentering the building. 

    Interested in breathing cleaner air inside your home? Saving money on energy bills? Consuming less energy and resources? Or adding warmth and comfort to you and your family? As a home owner, you'd be crazy to say no to any of these. Although for home owner Brian R. of Hood River, OR his crawl space project was more reactive due to recent flooding, he still enjoyed all these benefits. 

    There are four steps in encapsulating your crawl space to achieve all the benefits above and more. First, control groundwater seepage. By using dimpled drain matting, smart pipe, drain tile, and a sump pump, Brian completed the first step of encapsulation. Second, isolate the ground from the house via a thick, durable and long lasting liner. Cleanspace is the best option on the market today. Third, condition the air. We used a special dehumidifier called SaniDry CX, a unit specific to crawl spaces. And lastly block off all vents with Everlast Vent Covers. This ensures we have 100% control over the air under the house.

    Four simple steps and two days later, Brian can rest at ease knowing he and his family are enjoying the benefits above and much more.

    Salem home owner Richard S. was concerned with the amount of water beginning to accumulate in his crawl space. His main concern was that the water vapor would be soaked up by the wood load beans weakening his foundation. Also he wanted to cease any possibility of mold development. Richard saw our booth at the Albany home and remodel show and scheduled a free inspection.

    Richard's single goal was to control the water issue. He wanted to keep his crawl space dry all the time. By installing drain tile and smart pipe, all water entering the crawl space is collected and drained towards a Smart Pump sump pump for mechanical removal.

    This is the first step in total crawl space encapsulation, which is Richards ultimate goal. He has step 1 of 4 complete by controlling all groundwater seepage.

    Crawl space moisture and air conditioning issues are a huge concern for Oregon and Washington home owners. The heavy rain fall and poor initial foundation construction lead to moisture issues and eventually air quality problems. West Linn, OR home owners are all too familiar with this including Chris and Jackque M. After noticing an increase in heating bills and a damp smell throughout the first story of their home, they decided to find someone with the right skills and technology to permanently resolve their problem. TerraFirma is the "leader in the industry".

    System Design Specialist Josh Anderson of TerraFirma found two issues in their crawl space. the first was a moisture problem. Improper waterproofing had caused pools of water to build up. The moisture from the pools softened the load beams causing the floors to sag. To fix the water issue (which was the root of the problem), smart drain and drain tile was installed around the perimeter of the crawl space draining to a sump pump located at the lowest point in the crawl space. From there, water was safely discharged away from the foundation. Secondly, soft load beams and sagging floors needed to be addressed. 10 Smart Jack Post Replacements were installed to apply force and re-support the sagging interior home.

    Pauline and Tim can enjoy the freshness of air in their home once again. The sagging hallways are fixed and stable, and they couldn't be happier with the outcome.

    Pauline and Tim R. of Portland, Oregon have been experiencing water issues in their crawl space. Crawl spaces were originally build instead of basements because they were cheaper, and home builders wanted to cut costs. Leaving the house exposed to the bare earth caused problems. As water seeped up from the ground, the space under the home became cold and damp. A perfect environment for mold growth. The solution was to install vents. This would help vent bad air out, and allow good air in. The problem home builders ran in to was having no control over conditioning the air. The cycle continued and more problems occurred. Pauline and Tim searched the internet for a company that could help them with their groundwater seepage issue and found TerraFirma.

    As inspected by Kevin Miller of TerraFirma, solving the groundwater seepage problem was going to be easier than anticipated. Through the use of a perimeter drain tile and smart drain system connected to a mechanical sump pump, we were able to collect and remove all the water in Pauline and Tim's crawl space. It did help that the crawl space was four feet tall for easy access.

    Pauline and Tim look forward to enjoying their healthier more efficient home and we couldn't be happier to have helped them achieve some of their home goals.

    Converting a crawl space from a wet, cold and moldy environment to a completely encapsulated, insulated, dry and conditioned environment is an improvement any home owner show make. Crawl spaces were constructed instead of basements because they were cheaper to build. By leaving the home exposed to the earth below, two major problems arose. Moisture problems and unconditioned air.

    Darlene B. of Oregon City, Or had both of these issues, and Darlene was looking to address them immediately. The excess water in her crawl space caused cracking in the foundation wall as well. To repair the cracking, Carbon Armor was applied directly to the wall crack to provide and restore support. To cure the moisture and unconditioned air problem a variety of systems were installed. A trench waterproofing drain around the perimeter and through the middle to collect water and redirect to a sump pump for removal. Cleanspace liner to isolate the earth from the house. A dehumidifier to condition and control the air quality and Everlast Vent Covers to completely encapsulate the area. to go the extra mile SilverGlo wall insulation along the walls to keep air warmer and lower heating bills.

    Darlene can now be happy and excited about her new living space. It is warmer, healthier, and more comfortable year round.

    There's no place like home. An old fashioned saying, but it's true. Working on projects like these where a relative wants to take over ownership of the house they grew up in from their parents makes these jobs that much more special. Home owner Mary has owned the house for 40 years. Over this 40 year time span, ground water seepage, unconditioned air, high humidity levels and mold have plagued this home. Mary's daughter wants to buy the home, fix it up and keep this piece of their family, in the family.

    One system solves all of these issues. Complete crawl space encapsulation. By controlling ground water seepage with Drain Tile and Drain Matting, Isolation the dirt crawl space floor from the house with Cleanspace Liner, as well as conditioning the air with a dehumidifier and Everlast Vent Covers, not only do we control moisture, temperature and humidity levels, but we clean the air in the process. Without moisture or elevated humidity, the air is cleaner and mold cannot grow.

    Franz S. of Beaverton, OR has been noticing symptoms throughout the house that would lead him to needing some form of crawl space repair. Energy bills were higher than usual through the winter months; However, the floors and carpet were still cold. Also, a faint moldy smell was circulating through the first level of the home. Through an online search for answers, he discovered there were issues in his crawl space. After calling TerraFirma for a free estimate, we sent someone out asap to assess his condition and solve his problems.

    System Design Specialist, Ryan Lahley, took a closer look in to the crawl space and found 2 major problems: There were no systems or products in place for solving groundwater seepage, (the reason for the moldy smell) and the ceiling insulation was sagging in combination to no wall insulation. Ryan's system was simple, install drain tile and a sump pump to efficiently collect and remove water, as well as SilverGlo wall and rim joist insulation to help keep the home warmer, helping drive energy bills down. 

    Franz now enjoys the cleanliness of air for him and his family, and the added comfort, all of which is a product of crawl space conditioning.

    In Cannon Beach, Or, home owner Craig D. has been experience a variety of issues underneath his home. In addition to there being an excess amount of water and debris, the insulation had weathered away over the years due to, in fact, a family of nutria that had made a home under Craig's. 

    The nutria had broken down the vents and have been living under his home for years. A few years back he tried having the insulation and vent covers replaced but with no luck. The nutria found their way back in. Searching for crawl space repair companies in Portland and the surrounding area online, Craig found TerraFirma Foundation Systems.

    Through inspection by System Design Specialist Jason Klein and agreement by Craig, TerraFirma completely encapsulated his crawl space. This included a variety of products. A full perimeter drain tile was installed to collect any excess water, which drained into a Smart Sump sump pump for proper removal. Next, SilverGlo wall insulation was placed around the perimeter walls and rim joists. This insulation is what will help provide comfortable living conditions throughout the livable part of the home. This obviously meant covering up all the vents with Everlast Vent Covers. Air was still circulated and conditioned by a dehumidifier. Most importantly, though, Cleanspace liner and wall system provided both thermal and moisture protection from the earth below eliminating dangerous humidity, temperature and moisture problems.

    Craig can now be confident that he has the most green and efficient working crawl space in town. Not to mention that he won't be surprised by any unwanted guests.

Settling soils don't care if your home was built in 2000 or 1900. In fact many new houses are experiencing settlement issues, both interior and exterior, because all the good, stable soil has already been built upon. This 1997 home in Dallas, Oregon was experiencing interior settlement causing wall cracks in the dry wall and the front end of the home to slip.

As diagnosed by Ryan Lahley, there were two reasons for this interior settlement. The first was obvious, in that simply, the soil was settling in the middle of the house causing the floors to sag, the cracks to form and the front end of the home to slip. The second reason was due to improper water drainage in the crawl space creating pools which ate away at the wood supports.

The solution, to permanently fix both of these issues, was to install a series of Smart Jacks and a new waterproofing system. By securing Smart Jacks under the main wood supports, we were able to restore strength and stability to the inner sagging floors. Next, by installing a crawl space perimeter drain tile and smart drain to collect water and a sump pump to remove the water, we were able to manage the water levels.

We have done work for these homeowners in the past and they continue to be pleased with our services. Their foundation is now permanently stabilized around the perimeter, throughout the interior and waterproofed under the home. A comprehensive solution to restore piece of mind and value.

We waterproof basements and crawlspaces daily, and there is really no waterproofing obstacle out there that we haven't seen and overcome. In more severe waterproofing issues, especially when water is coming through the basement walls and floors at multiple locations, it is not uncommon to prescribe the installation of two sump pumps for efficient and total water removal.

Sean R.'s basement, not only had water coming in through his basement walls, but water was seeping up through the flooring due to a created false water table. By digging out a trench, and installing Drain Tile and Smart Pipe through the middle of his basement floor and Waterguard around the perimeter, we were able to capture all water entering the home. By placing a sump pump in opposite corners of the basement, water was effectively collected and removed from the area. Sean can now enjoy his basement as a home office, storage or added living space, or however he pleases.

Crawl space health and condition is continuing to gain traction with being an important part in the value assessment for homes being put back on the market. To follow code, there are specific levels of humidity, temperature and moisture that need to be achieved, along with proper drainage to pass code.

Shannon J. In Portland, Or had plans to put her house back on the market and wanted to make sure that not only was her home up to code, but that she was going to get the highest value possible. to properly bring her house up to code, we first cleaned out all debris and relayed a new vapor barrier along the floor. Underneath, drain tile was installed along the foundation wall and tied into an existing drain tile and gravity drain. A few water stain touch ups were made throughout the area and she was good to go.

Shannon has now put her house on the market as it has passed inspection and code, and Shannon is confident that she will get the highest value out of her home possible. 

Every time we approach a basement or crawl space waterproofing project, our goal, and the home owners goal as well, is to keep the basement or crawl space dry ALL of the time, not just some of the time. Shirley from Eugene, Or had the same goals. She wanted "all of the water out of her crawl space for good". We can help with that.

For crawl spaces like Shirley's, where the humidity levels were not a concern, just the excess amount of water, a proper drainage and sump pump system is the most important thing. Drain tile and smart pipe was installed around the perimeter of the area and diagonally through the middle. This drainage track filtered into a sump pump located at the low point in the crawl space and removed through a strategic discharge line to successfully remove water away from the home and foundation permanently. 

Shirley is now much happier with the health under her home and doesn't worry about wood rot or excess moisture affecting the rest of her home.

This homeowner is getting water in her crawlspace. It has been a problem they have been dealing with for a long time. After trying a variety of waterproofing units and numerous french drain systems none have provided a lasting solution. the crawl space is about three feet tall and will be in need of a newer more powerful sump pump along with added drainage line to remove water permanently and dispose of away from the home and out of danger.

In this particular case there was no indication of high humidity levels, just high water levels, which worried the home owner about possible settlement issues. Upon inspection by Chris Kelly, a simple change was made. The current sump pump was not strong enough, so we upgraded the unit to a Triple Safe, the strongest most effective sump pump on the market today, and the discharge lines were not effective placed to completely remove the water away from the home foundation. So the fix was simple, and all it took was some critical thinking, a great understanding of drainage systems and good analysis.

    Bruce P owns a company in Merlin, OR that was starting to have water leak into the basement. He knew that this would eventually cause a big problem if they did not get it fixed shortly. While at a local home show he saw a booth set up for TerraFirma Foundation Systems. He signed up to have them call him and set an appointment.

    The office contacted him a short while later and set up a time for Patrick Dunn to go to his home. Patrick looked around the whole basement to determine the best products to use. He recommended that a TripleSafe Sump Pump be installed, which is equipped with two sump pumps and a battery back up sump pump to drain water out of the basement during even the heaviest rains. Also he recommended that the WaterGuard system be installed. This system is a channel that is installed along the perimeter of the basement and catches water and drains it to the sump pump, preventing water from entering the basement through the foundation. The last product he recommended was the CleanSpace vapor barrier for the crawlspace. This vapor barrier would prevent moisture from coming through the walls and would also direct it to the WaterGuard system.

    Bruce can now run his business with peace of mind that there is no water leaking into the basement.

    Darrin S owns a commercial building in Myrtle Creek, OR. While he was in the basement, he noticed there was a spot of water on the wall. He started to speak to friend about the problem and one of them recommended calling TerraFirma Foundation Systems.

    Just a few days after contacting the office they sent out their sales representative Ryan Thomas. He did a full evaluation of the building and decided a few products would be best. The firs he recommended was a SuperSump pump which is equipped with a Zoeller 1/3 horsepower cast-iron sump pump and is capable of pumping 2,500 gallons of water per hour out of the basement. Also he recommended DryTrak, which is a system installed above the floor and along the inside of the perimeter of the basement that would drain water that enters the wall and drain it to the sump pump. Because there is an outside entrance to the basement, Ryan’s last suggestion was a Trench Drain. This drain is installed in front of the door and resembles half of a piping system with a grate fitted snugly on top. The grate is flush with the floor and will catch water that enters from the outside.

    Now that the basement is protected thanks to TerraFirma Foundation Systems, Darin can run his business as usual.

    Longview, WA native Tony B was having a problem with water leaking into his basement. He was worried that it would create major problems in the future so he started looking for a company that could help him. While looking through the internet he came across an ad for TerraFirma Foundation Systems and decided this was the company he needed to call.

    A few days after speaking to the office they sent out Deryl George to inspect the basement. He recommended a few products. The first was the CleanSpace wall system which is a vapor barrier that is attached to the walls of the basement and will prevent water and moisture from coming through into the basement. This wall system would also drain that water into the WaterGuard interior drainage channel which is installed along the perimeter of the basement to catch incoming water seepage and direct it towards a sump pump.

    With the basement now completely protected, Tony can use his basement as he needs without any water damage.

    Local Klamath Falls, OR resident Rob W started to see water collecting in his crawlspace. He took to the internet to search for a company to help him with the problem. While searching he came across an ad for TerraFirma Foundation Systems and decided to call them for an estimate.

    That same week Rob met with Daniel Holborow at his home. He recommended the CleanSpace system which is a vapor barrier attached to the floors and walls that would prevent any moisture from going through. Also he recommended a SmartSump which, along with a SaniDry CSB dehumidifier, would drain any water that enters the crawlspace out and away form the foundation. Also covers for the vents would prevent any humid air from entering the space.  

    With the CleanSpace system installed, there is no longer an issue with water in the crawlspace.

    Mike K, local Jacksonville, OR resident, has used TerraFirma Foundation Systems in the past for moisture in his crawlspace. When he noticed that his basement started to have water leaking into it he knew exactly who to call.

    They sent Patrick Dunn back out to his home to see what could be done. He recommended the TripleSafe Sump Pump that is equipped with three sump pumps to give the basement the ultimate protection. Also he suggested the WaterGuard interior drainage system, which is installed along the perimeter of the basement and would collect any water that enters the foundation and drain it straight to the sump pump.

    Mike can now use his basement without worry that water will enter it thanks to the work that TerraFirma Foundation Systems did on it.

    Grants Pass, OR native Jason B was starting to see water leaking into his finished basement. Worried that the water would cause significant damage he went in search of a company that could take care of the issue. While looking on the internet he came across TerraFirma Foundation Systems and decided to contact them.

    That same week he met with their sales representative Ryan Thomas.  Ryan took a look around the basement to determine which products would best suit the problem. He recommended that they install a SuperSump sump pump system. This sump pump is top of the line on the market, with the ability to pump 2220 gallons out an hour, comes with an eight-foot discharge line, and will keep any home water free for years. Along with a WaterGuard system, which is a drainage channel installed along the perimeter of the basement to catch incoming water seepage and direct it towards the sump pump, that basement will be protected from water. Also Ryan suggested the CleanSpace Wall System. This is a vapor barrier attached top the walls that would prevent any moisture from coming through and it will direct any moisture into the WaterGuard drain.

    Now that TerraFirma Foundation Systems installed the waterproofing products on his basement, Jason no loner has to worry about his finished basement getting ruined.

    When Ashland, OR native Barbara H, started noticing water leaking into her finished basement she started asking around to her friends about who can help. A local engineer recommended that she call Terrafirma Foundation Systems.

    Barbara contacted the office to find out what they could do to help her. They sent out sales rep Casey Moore to her home. After a full inspection of her basement, Casey recommended a few of their products. The first product he recommended was a Super Sump Pump. This sump pump is a 1/3 horsepower cast iron pump that is capable of pumping out 2,500 gallons of water per hour out of your basement. Along with the sump pump, it was recommended that the CleanSpace Wall System and a WaterGuard drainage system. The CleanSace Wall System would prevent moisture from coming through the walls and would drain it to the WaterGuard System. The WaterGuard is a channel that would direct the water into the pit where the sump pumps are located.

    Now, with these products installed, Barbara can go on knowing that he basement is prevented from any water or moisture from coming in.