Neglect is the silent killer of home mechanical systems. Michael Church and Stephen Malpass dive deep into a shocking discovery at a beach house where a never-maintained dehumidifier had developed what professionals call "zooglea" - a foul-smelling bacterial growth that resembles "the jelly from a Costco chicken bag, but four times nastier."

Order Bacazap enzyme cleaner - https://amzn.to/3GrYlkZ

Crawl Space Ninja of Wilmington, NC

Video mentioned - https://youtu.be/MOpv3NKwFW0

This conversation reveals the critical distinction many homeowners miss: the difference between warranty coverage and maintenance requirements. As Stephen explains, "They get the warranty and the maintenance programs kind of mixed up. They kind of just think because there's a warranty I'm supposed to come out and constantly do this for them." This misunderstanding leads to premature equipment failure that warranty won't cover - just as car manufacturers won't replace an engine that never received oil changes.

What makes this particularly dangerous is how these systems often fail. When condensate pumps clog or stop working, dehumidifiers continue running while water overflows, potentially causing significant damage. In crawl spaces where homeowners rarely venture, these problems can persist undetected for months. The experts recommend twice-yearly professional maintenance not just to service equipment but to comprehensively inspect the entire crawl space environment for developing issues.

The most compelling reason to maintain these systems? Longevity and reliability. Well-maintained equipment can last twice as long as neglected systems - potentially extending from 5 years to 10+ years. Many companies, including Crawl Space Ninja, offer maintenance programs that include extended warranty coverage beyond the manufacturer's warranty, providing both professional care and financial protection.

Don't fall into the "set it and forget it" trap. Whether you're comfortable doing maintenance yourself or prefer professional service, regular attention to your home's mechanical systems is an investment that pays dividends through extended equipment life and prevention of costly water damage. Reach out to learn more about protecting your home's foundation and mechanical systems.

Support the show

Check out Michael's book, "Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted" now available on Amazon!

Schedule a consultation: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Need help: https://crawlspaceninja.com or https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com

Tired of misleading information about crawl space encapsulation costs? In this frank, no-nonsense episode, I cut through the confusion to reveal what you'll actually pay for quality crawl space work and why those $1,500-$4,000 estimates you see online are dangerously inaccurate.

Drawing from years of industry experience, I break down the real factors that determine crawl space encapsulation pricing. We explore the crucial difference between DIY and professional work, including the often-overlooked value of your time. Would you rather spend 3-4 weeks crawling under your house, or have professionals complete the job in 3-4 days? I share candid insights about labor costs, insurance coverage, and the significant difference between hiring experienced professionals versus day laborers.

The discussion gets particularly eye-opening when I analyze common cost components that online estimates conveniently omit. Most homeowners don't realize that electrical work alone for a dehumidifier and sump pump can add $1,000-$1,500 to your project. Speaking of dehumidifiers—an absolute necessity for proper encapsulation—they'll cost another $1,100-$1,500 by themselves. Add in variables like crawl space size (from tiny 500 sq ft spaces to massive 4,500 sq ft areas), height challenges (some as low as 12 inches, others as tall as 22 feet!), and existing moisture or mold issues, and you quickly understand why the national average for quality encapsulation hovers around $15,000.

I share a sobering real-world example of a homeowner who paid $25,000 for improper work that had to be completely redone for $40,000. This illustrates why focusing solely on price rather than quality creates expensive problems down the road. Whether you're considering DIY options or hiring professionals, this episode provides the honest cost breakdown you need to make informed decisions about your crawl space project. Subscribe to our channel for more straight-talking crawl space advice that could save you thousands!

Support the show

Check out Michael's book, "Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted" now available on Amazon!

Schedule a consultation: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Need help: https://crawlspaceninja.com or https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com

That fuzzy growth on your crawl space soil isn't just "dirt being dirt" – it's a potential health hazard silently affecting your home and family. Most homeowners don't realize that the perfect mold habitat exists right beneath their feet, with all five essential growth factors readily available.

Clay soil in your crawl space acts like a nutrient-rich refrigerator for mold, storing organic matter and vital minerals while holding moisture like a sponge – up to 55% by volume according to Cornell University research. Combined with adequate oxygen and the comfortable 60-80°F temperature your home maintains year-round, it's no wonder mold flourishes in this hidden environment. Within just 24-48 hours, mold begins its growth cycle, becoming visible within three weeks and continuously releasing spores and mycotoxins that can infiltrate your living space.

The health implications shouldn't be ignored. These microscopic invaders can trigger allergic reactions, exacerbate respiratory conditions, and gradually weaken your immune system through prolonged exposure. But before you grab a shovel to remove that moldy soil, stop! Disturbing contaminated soil triggers mold's defense mechanisms, sending spores airborne to colonize new areas of your home. Instead, professional remediation through proper waterproofing, encapsulation, and dehumidification creates an environment where mold simply cannot thrive. Your crawl space deserves professional attention – not just for your home's structural integrity, but for your family's long-term health and wellbeing. Ready to address that moldy soil properly? Check out my comprehensive guide to crawl space repair and protect what matters most.

Playlist mentioned in video: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLxsYiAum9ovwBw3L_-MD37h2rGoh4ho3p

Support the show

Check out Michael's book, "Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted" now available on Amazon!

Schedule a consultation: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Need help: https://crawlspaceninja.com or https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com

Ever wondered why your floors are cold despite having insulation in your crawl space? The secret lies in understanding exactly where and how to insulate properly. Most builders miss critical spots, leaving your home vulnerable to energy loss, moisture problems, and pest infiltration.

Crawl space insulation isn't just about stuffing fiberglass between floor joists. As Michael explains in this eye-opening episode, there are six specific areas that require attention in a ventilated crawl space: rim joists, sill plates, subfloor penetrations, the subfloor itself, ductwork, and water pipes. Each area demands different techniques and materials to create an effective thermal and moisture barrier.

The rim joist—that wooden frame around the perimeter of your floor system—represents what building scientists call a "critical seal." Yet most homes have this area either completely uninsulated or poorly insulated with compressed fiberglass. Michael walks through the superior foam board and spray foam method that creates a true thermal break. Similarly, the often-overlooked subfloor penetrations from electrical, plumbing, and HVAC installations create significant pathways for air leakage that must be properly sealed before insulation is installed.

Perhaps most surprising is Michael's breakdown of common insulation mistakes, like compressing R19 insulation into smaller cavities (reducing its performance to R13) or creating moisture traps by installing vapor barriers in the wrong locations. These practical insights come from decades of crawl space experience and will help you make informed decisions about your home's insulation strategy.

Whether you're a DIY homeowner looking to improve energy efficiency or simply trying to understand your options before hiring a professional, this episode provides clear, actionable guidance for properly insulating a vented crawl space. Subscribe to our channel for more expert advice on creating healthier, more efficient homes from the ground up.

Support the show

Check out Michael's book, "Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted" now available on Amazon!

Schedule a consultation: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Need help: https://crawlspaceninja.com or https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com

Struggling with persistent mold despite treatment? You're not alone. Today's episode tackles a common frustration homeowners face when mold remediation efforts fall short of expectations.

We dive into a question from Rod in Maryland, who discovered mold still present in his crawl space after professional Concrobium treatment. The answer lies in understanding two critical distinctions in the world of mold control: the difference between viable and non-viable mold testing, and the specific conditions required for treatments to work effectively.

Many homeowners don't realize that mold tests can show "positive" results even when treatments have successfully killed the mold. Non-viable tests detect mold spores whether dead or alive, while viable tests specifically look for living, reproducing mold colonies. This distinction explains why you might still see concerning test results despite effective treatment.

The effectiveness of products like Concrobium hinges on proper application conditions. These treatments require dry environments with humidity below 60% to work properly. When applied to damp surfaces or in high-humidity conditions, they become diluted and ineffective. Concrobium specifically works by crushing mold as it dries, but this mechanism leaves dead spores physically present – which explains why follow-up testing might still detect mold.

For complete remediation, physical removal through soda blasting or manual cleaning is crucial, particularly before using antimicrobial treatments. While Concrobium works well in living spaces, it may not be ideal for consistently damp environments like crawl spaces.

Whether you're tackling mold yourself or hiring professionals, ensure proper drying of the affected area first, then consider physical removal methods before applying treatments. Visit our DIY store for specialized products and subscribe to our channel for more expert guidance on creating healthy home environments.

Support the show

Check out Michael's book, "Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted" now available on Amazon!

Schedule a consultation: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Need help: https://crawlspaceninja.com or https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com

Tired of worrying about humidity levels in your crawl space while you're away from home? The technology landscape for home moisture control is evolving rapidly, and we're excited to share a game-changing solution with you.

Meet AJ, our DIY specialist who's been helping Crawl Space Ninja customers tackle their moisture control projects for three years. In this conversation, AJ breaks down everything you need to know about the new Aprilaire dehumidifier Wi-Fi controller – a retrofit device that brings smart technology to your existing Aprilaire dehumidifier. Unlike newer models that come with built-in connectivity, this controller lets you upgrade your current unit (compatible with models 1830, 1850, 1870, E080, E100, and E130) without replacing the entire system.

The controller pairs with Aprilaire's Healthy Air app, giving you the power to monitor humidity levels, adjust settings, and receive alerts directly on your smartphone. This feature proves invaluable for vacation homeowners, rental property investors, and even primary residents during travel. Imagine being able to check on your Smoky Mountain cabin's crawl space humidity while relaxing on a Florida beach, or monitoring multiple rental properties without physical visits.

Beyond the product spotlight, we also discuss how AJ helps DIYers through personalized consultations. Using specialized inspection sheets and proprietary calculations, he creates accurate materials lists tailored to your specific project needs. Whether you're a dedicated DIY enthusiast or a contractor looking for expert guidance, this service ensures you'll have exactly what you need for a successful crawl space project.

Support the show

Check out Michael's book, "Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted" now available on Amazon!

Schedule a consultation: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Need help: https://crawlspaceninja.com or https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com

Ever wonder why some yards bounce back from heavy rain while others stay muddy for days? The secret lies in drainage technology, and as our conversation with Joe Zellerman of Hydraway reveals, not all drainage systems are created equal.

Did you know the iconic Field of Dreams baseball field—site of MLB's most-watched game ever—relies on Hydraway drainage? When a deluge of three to four inches of rain fell the night before this historic game, groundskeepers were still able to mow the next morning. The system worked so efficiently they needed to add a second pump station just to keep up with the water removal.

Traditional drainage systems use pipes with small slit holes that only offer about 5% open area, easily becoming clogged with sediment while actually holding water rather than moving it. Hydraway's revolutionary cavity design changes the game completely by allowing water to drain through all sides simultaneously. With percolation rates of 18-28 inches per hour per square foot, it's no wonder professional sports venues trust this system for their multimillion-dollar fields.

For homeowners tired of soggy yards and mud puddles that tear up under the lawnmower, Hydraway offers the same professional-grade solution used at the highest levels of sports. Whether you're a passionate lawn enthusiast who puts lines in your grass every weekend or simply want a yard that drains properly after rain, this conversation reveals why moving water—not holding it—is the key to landscape drainage success. Check out our full 30-minute interview to learn even more about how Hydraway transforms golf courses and other challenging drainage environments.

Support the show

Check out Michael's book, "Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted" now available on Amazon!

Schedule a consultation: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Need help: https://crawlspaceninja.com or https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com

What sounds like fiction torn from a horror screenplay unfolded as disturbing reality in Clackamas County, Oregon. Deputies responded to a neighbor's late-night call and discovered something truly unsettling – a man had transformed the crawlspace beneath a quiet condo into a fully-functioning miniature apartment, complete with string lights, a flat-screen TV, and even gaming equipment.

The culprit, 40-year-old Benjamin Bucur, had a lengthy criminal history spanning multiple states. He had not only broken into the crawlspace but had changed the locks, installed himself comfortably, and was stealing electricity from the condo above. Most disturbing of all, evidence suggested he'd been living there for an extended period, completely undetected by the homeowners just feet above him.

This phenomenon has a name: "Phrogging" – when someone secretly lives inside another person's home without their knowledge. While it sounds like urban legend material, documented cases emerge regularly worldwide. From Hawaii to Japan, people have discovered strangers living in their attics, storage spaces, and crawlspaces for months or even years. These violations of personal space raise profound questions about home security and the vulnerable areas we rarely think to check.

As a homeowner, protecting these hidden spaces requires vigilance. Regular inspections of crawlspaces, attics, and basements should be part of your maintenance routine. Watch for signs of tampering, unusual sounds, or unexplained utility usage. Smart home security systems with motion detection can provide an extra layer of protection. Most importantly, trust your instincts – that strange feeling something's amiss might be your subconscious picking up on subtle clues an intruder has entered your personal space.

Support the show

Check out Michael's book, "Crawl Space Repair Myths-Busted" now available on Amazon!

Schedule a consultation: https://buymeacoffee.com/csninja/extras

Need help: https://crawlspaceninja.com or https://supply.crawlspaceninja.com