Robinson Cottage Case Study

The historic 1795 Robinson Cottage is one of the oldest post-revolutionary buildings in Fairfield County, CT, and is owned by the Sasquanaug Association for Southport Improvement, Inc., a non-profit neighborhood organization dedicated to preserving historic properties. The home is maintained as a residential rental.

In 1998, the association dedicated resources to extensive renovations to the cottage due to severe degradation of the structural integrity of the building. During preliminary needs assessments, the association realized the negative impact the dirt crawl space played in the damage to the home. It became clear to the association that fixing the structural damage without addressing the source of the problem would be wasteful and would lead to similar degradation in the future. After extensive due diligence, the association chose Neutocrete Systems, Inc. to fix the crawl space.

Before NEUTOCRETE® Dirt Crawl Space Problems: Water & Humid Air in Crawl Space Moisture and humid air from the dirt crawl space was wicking into the floor joists and house framing. Mold Growth & Health Issues Close up of mold growing in the insulation Mold growth was prolific in the crawl space, especially on the undersides of first level floor boards. Extensive mold growth and dampness in the insulation in the ceiling of the crawl space exasperated the growth and spread of dry rot and mold throughout the whole cottage. Vermin & Insect Infestations Termites flourished and were found nesting in the moist wooden floor joists. Dead rodents and droppings were uncovered in the crawl space during site preparation. Dead rodent in the crawl space Rodent droppings in crawlspace Musty Odors & Dry Rot A musty odor permeated the house from the extensive spread of dry rot beneath the floors and within the walls. The house had widespread structural damage due to the moisture emanating from the crawl space. Energy Leaks & High Costs Heating systems for the residential property were housed in the crawl space and the ductwork was a source of energy loss in the colder months.

After NEUTOCRETE® Protection Plus+ Solution Site Preparation The Neutocrete® crew removed debris, dead vermin, old insulation, and applied a base layer of gravel. Workers don masks to avoid breathing in dangerous mold spores NeutoShock™ and NeutoBlock™ NeutoShock™ was applied to eradicate the mold and NeutoBlock™ to prevent future mold growth. Insulation & Venting Upgrade Neutocrete® installed insulation around only the beam ends to prevent energy loss and left the floor joists and subfloors exposed. The crawl space venting was sealed to prevent the intrusion of humid air, airborne mold spores, and vermin from the outside. Neutocrete® Installation Preparing the Neutocrete mixture A three inch layer of Neutocrete was applied over the gravel base which, after it cured over a 90-day time period, dried out the crawl space and now acts as a barrier to vapor, water intrusion, vermin, radon, mold, and dry rot and has the added benefit of acting as an insulator which greatly improves the energy efficiency of the household heating system.

NEUTOCRETE® is the only patented and permanent solution available today.

Once installed, it dries out and seals your basement or crawlspace creating an environment that is now inhospitable to molds, mildew, odors, dry rot, rodents, insects, and even radon.

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