Homes in Napoleon, Ohio often face moisture challenges, especially older properties and farmhouses that have been standing for decades. With seasonal rain, clay-heavy soil, and fluctuating groundwater levels, basements and crawl spaces in the area can easily develop water intrusion and humidity problems.
Recently, the team at Toledo Basement Repair helped a homeowner in Napoleon address a serious moisture issue affecting their long-time family farmhouse. Water intrusion, mold growth, and poorly managed crawl spaces were creating unhealthy conditions beneath the home. Our team stepped in with a complete solution designed to eliminate moisture, protect the structure, and restore peace of mind.
Identifying the Problem
When the homeowner contacted Toledo Basement Repair, they explained that their farmhouse basement had been leaking for quite some time. Because the home had been in the family for generations, preserving the structure was extremely important to them.
During our inspection, several issues were immediately identified:
The basement had active moisture intrusion, contributing to damp conditions.
Both the front and rear crawl spaces lacked a vapor barrier, allowing ground moisture to rise into the home.
The rear crawl space contained excess debris, which can trap moisture and encourage mold growth.
Mold was present along wooden structural members, caused by elevated humidity levels.
The property had two sump pits, but they were not configured properly. One sump was tied directly into the septic system, which is not recommended, while the other discharged outside the home but lacked proper management.
These combined issues created a perfect environment for mold growth, humidity buildup, and long-term structural risk. To fully protect the home, the project required mold mitigation, crawl space encapsulation, and an upgraded water management system.
Crafting the Right Solution
To address the moisture and air quality concerns, our team designed a comprehensive waterproofing and crawl space protection plan.
Mold Mitigation and Air Cleaning
The first step involved safely removing mold contamination throughout the basement and crawl spaces. Our mold mitigation process included:
Establishing containment barriers to prevent mold spores from spreading into the living areas.
Running professional air scrubbing equipment for 24 hours to filter airborne contaminants.
Performing a detailed HEPA vacuum cleaning to remove mold and mildew spores from surfaces.
Treating visible stains with MMR mold stain remover.
Applying Concrobium Mold Control, a trusted antimicrobial solution that cleans and disinfects surfaces.
This process treated approximately 2,540 square feet of basement space and two crawl spaces, ensuring a clean and healthy environment before encapsulation began.
Crawl Space Encapsulation System
Next, our team installed the CrawlShield Encapsulation System, a premium vapor barrier system designed to stop moisture and soil gases from entering the crawl space.
The encapsulation included:
Installing DimpleShield™ as a base layer for puncture resistance and added groundwater protection.
Covering the crawl space floors and walls with CrawlShield™, a 16-mil woven polyethylene barrier that is fire-rated and extremely durable.
Sealing all seams with FinishTape™ and FinishSeal™ to create a continuous moisture barrier.
Permanently sealing crawl space vents with polystyrene insulation.
Once completed, the encapsulated crawl space became a clean, bright, and protected environment that can even be used for storage.
Interior Drainage and Sump Pump System
To properly control groundwater, our team installed a closed sump system and interior drainage system designed to redirect water safely away from the home.
The installation included:
Two GrateSump liners
A 1/3 HP Fast Sump Pump capable of pumping 2,400 gallons per hour
A Rapid Floor Drain integrated into the sump lid
A high water alarm system to alert the homeowner if water levels rise
A primary discharge line with silent check valve and ice relief system
We also corrected the sump discharge by installing an IceCop Bubbler Pot discharge system, directing water safely away from the foundation.
Additionally, a 116-foot GrateDrain Tile System was installed along the perimeter. This interior drainage channel collects groundwater beneath the basement floor and redirects it into the sump system for removal.
Full Wall Protection System
To further protect the basement walls, we installed ThermalShield vapor barrier protection along 116 feet of foundation wall.
This 90-mil fire-rated barrier:
Prevents moisture from entering the basement
Reflects heat back into the living space for improved energy efficiency
Helps control humidity and condensation
Protects against minor wall leaks and mold growth
The barrier was carefully fastened and sealed to create a continuous protective layer from the drainage system to the sill plate.
Delivering Lasting Results
With the project complete, this Napoleon farmhouse now has a fully protected basement and crawl space system. The combination of mold mitigation, crawl space encapsulation, interior drainage, and sump pump installation ensures the home stays dry and healthy year-round.
The improvements provide several long-term benefits:
Reduced humidity and improved indoor air quality
Prevention of mold growth
Reliable groundwater control
Increased energy efficiency
Protection of the home’s structural components
Most importantly, the homeowner can now feel confident that their family farmhouse is protected for future generations.
Conclusion
Moisture problems in basements and crawl spaces are common in Napoleon, OH, especially in older homes. Left untreated, they can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and poor indoor air quality.
If you notice water leaks, musty odors, mold growth, or damp crawl spaces in your home, the team at Toledo Basement Repair is ready to help. Our experienced professionals provide customized waterproofing and crawl space solutions designed to protect homes throughout Napoleon and the surrounding communities.
Contact Toledo Basement Repair today to schedule an inspection and keep your basement dry, safe, and healthy.
Kevin Oberhouse was raised in Toledo with 7 siblings. Dawn and Kevin have four kids.
The Oberhouse family lives in the house Kevin built when with his first crew. Kevin’s parents invited more than 100 foster children into their home throughout his life. Kevin believes this part of his life really helped to build empathy for others.
Kevin has a degree in civil engineering and went on to get an MBA as well as multiple other certifications in structural systems, egress systems, air quality, and commercial and residential roofing, among many others.
Toledo Basement Repairs promises to treat you and your project with respect and our best professional judgment. There is plenty of work out there and Toledo Basement Repair will not push you into a system that you do not fully understand or feel comfortable with.