Before & After Photos

The before pictures in this Interlochen, MI crawl space all just looked like fiberglass insulation. Everywhere you looked, insulation was falling from between the joists and were doing nothing to help insulate the floors above, if they were doing much to begin with. Fiberglass insulation in an open space generally won't do much. The floors were covered with a clear light plastic vapor barrier but these barriers often don't attach well to walls and rip easily so they're not all that effective. We were able to help the homeowner with our durable CleanSpace Encapsulation system, SilverGlo insulation on the walls to help reflect heat back into the home, and TerraBlock insulation over the ground to create a thermal break and added vapor barrier. A SmartSump system was installed to help remove any incoming water and spray foam sealed all the rim joists and other gaps and cracks where vapors may enter. This crawl space got nearly the full treatment and the homeowner should notice a dramatic difference.

Rory realized his basement windows didn't open wide enough for an escape from the inside. This was a serious safety hazard, so he researched his options and called Ayers for help. Our crew of experts stopped by his house and evaluated the space. They recommended installing an egress window for easy escapes during emergencies. Egress windows are built to hold back heavy soil and water and include a polycarbonate safety cover designed to be stepped on without breaking. Having an emergency exit is a big weight off Rory's shoulders!

A leak with no drainage system leads to standing water, which leads to mold and a host of other problems.

Our customer called because her basement's water problems had led to ruined walls and carpet, as well as mold. We got rid of the carpet and walls, applied a product to eliminate the mold, and installed a TripleSafe sump pump and WaterGuard drain system around the perimeter of the basement. 

After initiating the sale of this Hastings, MI home to a new owner, the mortgaging bank recommended the new owner do something about the cracks in the basement. There were three major cracks, all showing signs of water leakage in the past. As one of their first decision as new homeowners, these customers called Ayers for a solution.

For smaller wall cracks like these, the crew prefers to use FlexiSpan, a 2-layer sealant. The first layer fills the crack with a durable polymer and the best part is, you guessed it, it’s flexible. The polymer won’t crack or give in to wall movement over time. Most – if not all – of leaking water will be stopped by the sealant, but if a small amount does make it through, the second layer of FlexiSpan will take care of it. Water that seeps through will flow behind the second drainage layer of sealant and into a drainage well that was installed underground at the foot of the wall. You can see in the after photo where the fresh concrete was poured to cover up the well.

We hope that the new owners enjoy their new home and waterproof basement!

When this customer decided to transform his basement den into a bedroom, he was informed by city codes that he had to convert one of the windows. Egress windows are much larger than the basic rectangular basement windows and offer a second point of escape in the event of a fire. The metal well and ladder in the after photo can be accessed in the same way as usual windows, plus the openness of the well will provide the room with much more light the typical window.

To replace the old window, the crew first excavated the soil surrounding the window and made room for the well. Once the wall and previous window were cut away, the 30 X 48 window was inserted. Next, the metal well - which will protect the window from water and erosion - was placed into the ground. After the soil was backfilled to secure the well in place, the crew began the clean process. This new window will not only bring the bedroom up to code, it will also make it much more livable. If you’re interested in a replacement window, give us a call for a free estimate. We also offer plastic waterproof lids for added protection from the elements