Job Stories

A homeowner in Oxford, Maine, reached out to TC Hafford Basement Systems after noticing uncomfortable temperature swings in their home, especially during the winter months. The homeowner wanted to improve the overall insulation of their attic, which was causing the cold to seep into the living areas.   Our team came out to assess the situation and discovered that the attic’s insulation was not only outdated but also insufficient to keep the home energy efficient. After evaluating the homeowner's needs, we recommended a solution that involved installing Dr. Energy Saver spray foam and Zip Foam for maximum insulation coverage. We also added TrueSoft cellulose to the attic floor to provide even more thermal protection and prevent air leakage. The combination of these products would help create a well-insulated barrier, ensuring that the homeowner could enjoy a more comfortable home all year round.  

This Oxford, ME, homeowner has lived in their home for 20 years, and within the last five years, they have noticed moisture in their crawl space getting worse and worse. They only go into their crawl space a few times a year, but they are worried about mold—and rightfully so. Looking to solve their problems and turn their crawl space into a usable storage area for more than a few lawn chairs, they reached out to TC Hafford Basement Systems for a free estimate. System Design Specialist Sam Crowley met the homeowner and went into their crawl space to survey and measure the area and check for humidity and any other issues that could be causing the homeowner trouble. Together, Sam and the homeowner designed an encapsulation system that would seal up their crawl space and protect the health of the home from any outside elements.   To start the encapsulation process, CleanSpace with Drainage Matting was laid down. Drainage Matting creates a gap for groundwater to move under and be channeled to a sump pump. CleanSpace and Drainage Matting both create an inorganic barrier that keeps the elements outside without degrading over time. CleanSpace is then attached to the rim joist with SprayFoam to create a tougher seal, ensuring that CleanSpace will hold tight for the lifetime of the home. In case the homeowner decides to install a sump pump later on, a Sump Liner is installed; that way, in the future, the CleanSpace system will not have to be disturbed. CleanSpace Vent Covers were installed to enclose the crawl space, ensuring outside air would not penetrate its way into the crawl space, hindering the system. Finally, a SaniDry Sedona Dehumidifier was installed to keep humidity at a safe level, and to make sure the homeowner never has to empty a bucket of water, a Condensate Pump is attached to the SaniDry Sedona to pump the water out of the home.   After working together, Sam Crowley and the homeowner were able to design an encapsulation system that is now protecting their crawl space. The homeowner also has the benefit of using the crawl space as a storage area where their belongings will be safe and protected from humidity and any critters that used to find their way into the crawl space.

Oxford, Maine homeowners contacted TC Hafford Basement Systems for help with their damp, moldy crawl space. The owner was worried about the structure of the home, as well as the air quality as some family members have asthma. After the mold was remediated, we encapsulated the crawl space with our two-step process. First we lay down a layer of drainage matting to control the groundwater, and then we install CleanSpace vapor barrier on top. CleanSpace is an inorganic material so it cannot grow mold. A TripleSafe sump pump was installed to remove water away from the home through an exterior buried discharge line. Spray Foam insulation was installed on the walls, providing immediate energy efficiency improvement, as well as sealing out air and moisture. To wrap up the project we installed a SaniDry Sedona high efficiency air system that both filters out allergens, as well as controls the humidity in the crawl space.

Tom from Raymond was in the market for a vapor barrier for his crawlspace. He had been experiencing flooding in the space, and needed it to stop before any permanent damage happened. Tom soon saw TC Hafford Basement Systems on his television, and gave us a call. We had a representative at his home in no time to inspect the crawlspace and give Tom a free estimate. He selected the solution he wanted and we sent in our crew. In order to form a proper vapor barrier in the crawlspace, we needed to line the walls with sheets that wouldn’t allow for the passage of water. We began by laying a Drainage Matting around the perimeter of the crawlspace, at the wall/floor joint. This will hold back a good amount of water, giving it time to drain back into the soil before reaching the center of the space. We then encapsulated the crawlspace with a CleanSpace Liner. This is a plastic sheet that will lock out any moisture attempting to find its way into the crawlspace. These two layers working together will keep out moisture and maintain a dry crawlspace for Tom.

Bruce from South Paris was having trouble with water coming into their basement through the walls and floor. This happened due to something called Hydrostatic Pressure. This is when the water content in the surrounding soil is high enough where it has nowhere else to go but to be forced in through the concrete. This homeowner had a sump pump, but needed a reliable system that would remove the water no matter which part of the basement the water entered through. Thee homeowner took to the internet to find professional help, and came across TC Hafford Basement Systems. They called us right away to arrange their meeting with a representative and receive their free estimate. They chose what work they wanted done and we got to work! We needed to start by excavating the inside perimeter of the basement floor. This gave us room to emplace our WaterGuard pipe system. This piping was then covered over with loose rocks and cement to conceal it within the floor without hurting functionality. The WaterGuard rests just beneath the surface of the floor, able to capture all the water trying to enter through hydrostatic pressure before it reaches the surface. The water is then guided to the sump, where we replaced the old pump with a new SuperSump. The water is then pumped out of the home through a PVC discharge line. One the exterior of the home, we attached an IceGuard filter to this discharge line. This filter will allow for the water to continue to flow freely from the pipe, even if the lower end is blocked by ice or other debris. With these new systems in place, this homeowner won’t suffer from a wet basement any more. The moisture will be captured and removed before ever reaching the interior of the basement.

Tired of living with a reagularly flooding basement, this South Paris, ME homeowner was looking for a way to fix their problem. Without a system in place for removing water, this homeowner needed to remove any water build-up almost entirely by hand. To find an answer to this problem, they looked online. Once they found TC Hafford Basement Systems, they called us right away to get their free estimate. They liked what we could do for them and hired us to get the job done! When our installation crew arrived at the home, they were able to start waterproofing this basement immediately. A sump was dug in the floor, where a SuperSump sump pump was placed. This device will take in any water gathering on the basement floor in the future and force it up and out of the home through a PVC discharge line. The SuperSump can handle up to 2,650 gallons of water every hour. More than enough power to keep this basement completely water-free. An UltraSump backup battery was attached to the SuperSump to protect against power-outages. The UltraSump will keep the pump active for up to 11,000 gallons worth of water-removal before requiring a charge. Outside the home, two additions were made to the discharge line to finish this project. The first addition was an IceGuard pipe segment attached just beyond where the line exits the home. This special piece of pipe has holes built-in at such angles that only blocked water backing up the pipe can escape. This will stop any ice or other debris from causing the water to backup into the home. Finally, a LawnScape piece was used to cap the end of the line. Blending the piping in with the lawn and allowing the water to drain. Now that they have a proper sump system beneath their home, this homeowner will no longer need to manually remove gallons of water from their basement during heavy rainfall. The SuperSump pump will keep this baseemnt floor clear of any flooding.

This homeowner living in South Paris, ME had recently noticed the supports above their basement were beginning to dip in some parts. This instability worried the homeowner, and they sought a solution to their problem online. They soon discovered us at TC Hafford Basement Systems and called us right away to find out what we could do to help them. After sitting down and talking with one of our sales representatives during their free estimate, the homeowner decided right away they wanted us to take care of the problem for them. When our installation crew arrived at the home, their objective was to realign the bending segments of the supports back with their original positions. To achieve this, SmartJack piers were used. The installation of these began with small pockets being excavated into the floor beneath each location the joists in the ceiling needed support. Within these pockets is where the footing of the SmartJack piers were each laid down, being covered over by a layer of concrete once the piers were placed on top of each plate and secured to the joists above. Once solidly in place, each of these SmartJack piers can be adjusted on their top end so that they can force the supports back into position over time. Now this homeowner can rest assured, the misaligned supports beneath their home will no longer be a problem. The SmartJack piers will properly support the joists above this basement for years down the road.

A home in Kennebunkport had quite a nasty crawlspace, as well as an occasionally wet basement, and the homeowner thought it was time to do something about it. Having heard about TC Hafford Basement Systems from another satisfied customer, they quickly contacted us, and Peter Folsom went out to check out the property. Once the homeowner decided on what they wanted done, our team got to work. Working in the crawlspace, the team covered the floors and walls with CleanSpace Crawl Space Encapsulation System, which will keep any moisture from the ground locked out, as well as bacteria that might have tried to migrate into the crawlspace. The homeowner also had our team install a SaniDry XP, to keep the air humidity within reasonable levels; making the basement and crawlspace uninhabitable for mold. Over in the basement, the team installed a WaterGuard system to capture all the water coming into the basement through the ground and walls. This system was then connected to the SuperSump sump pump, which was put in to pump the water outside of the home.

A homeowner in Kennebunkport, Maine, recently underwent an energy audit that revealed significant insulation deficiencies throughout their home. Concerned about their energy efficiency and wanting a permanent fix, they contacted TC Hafford Basement Systems for a solution. Our team performed a thorough assessment, inspecting not only the attic but also the basement, where much of the heat loss was occurring.   We recommended Dr. Energy Saver spray foam for both the attic and basement. Spray foam creates a continuous air-seal that prevents drafts and eliminates cold air from penetrating these key areas. By insulating the basement, we were able to address the heat loss at the foundation level, which is a critical area often overlooked. Along with this, we suggested insulating the attic floor with TrueSoft cellulose to increase the home's ability to retain heat, and we used Zip Foam to air-seal the attic floor, ensuring no warm air would escape through gaps.     The homeowner was impressed by the comprehensive approach we provided, as it addressed the insulation issues from the top of the home all the way down to the basement. These solutions would not only make the house more comfortable year-round but also deliver lasting energy savings. The homeowner expressed great satisfaction with how much better insulated and energy-efficient their home had become for the long term.

A homeowner in Kennebunkport, Maine, recently reached out to TC Hafford Basement Systems to address ongoing issues with rainwater pooling near their foundation. Recognizing the importance of a dependable gutter system to protect their home, they requested our expertise in finding the best solution. After an on-site assessment, we determined that the Gutter Shutter system would be ideal for their needs, providing a sturdy and maintenance-free approach to effective water management. Our team quickly installed the Gutter Shutter system, known for its heavy-duty construction and clog-resistant features. With this system, rainwater is directed safely away from the foundation, significantly reducing the risk of soil erosion and water damage. The unique design of the Gutter Shutter also prevents leaves and debris from entering, ensuring an efficient flow year-round with minimal upkeep.     Upon completion, the homeowner expressed their satisfaction with the installation. They noted the system’s seamless appearance and appreciated the reassurance it brought, knowing their home was now well-protected against future rainfall.