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Transformed Crawl Space in McGrath, MN with SaniDry® Sedona, DoubleSafe™ System, and CleanSpace® Encapsulation

Before & After

CRAWL SPACE ENCAPSULATION AND WATERPROOFING IN MCGRATH, MN

A homeowner in McGrath, MN, preparing to make their property a full-time residence needed a permanent solution for moisture problems in the crawl space. DBS installed CleanSpace®, SaniDry® Sedona, and a DoubleSafe™ sump system to create a dry, healthy, and protected environment beneath the home.

When moisture concerns began to threaten the comfort and safety of a homeowner in McGrath, MN, they turned to us for a lasting solution. As the homeowner was preparing to make the property their full-time residence, they knew it was crucial to address the moisture issues in their crawl space to ensure their home remained dry, healthy, and structurally sound. With rising humidity levels and damp conditions, the situation was more than just an inconvenience—it posed risks to both the home’s foundation and indoor air quality.

Understanding the urgency, our team quickly got to work with a comprehensive approach designed to tackle the root of the problem. We began by installing CleanSpace®—a high-performance vapor barrier that seals the crawl space from the ground up, effectively preventing moisture from seeping in and causing potential damage. This durable, thick plastic liner also creates a barrier against mold, mildew, and pests, ensuring that the crawl space stays clean and dry year-round.

To further enhance moisture control, we incorporated the high-efficiency SaniDry® Sedona system, a powerful dehumidifier engineered specifically for spaces like crawl spaces and basements. The SaniDry® Sedona not only helps remove excess moisture from the air but also maintains ideal humidity levels, which is crucial for protecting the home’s structure and the health of its inhabitants. The SaniDry® system is compact yet highly effective, ensuring that even the hardest-to-reach corners of the crawl space stay dry.

Additionally, we installed our DoubleSafe™ sump pump system for added protection. This dual-pump system is designed to handle any excess water that may accumulate, ensuring that even in the event of one pump failure, the second pump will continue to keep water levels under control. The DoubleSafe™ system is built to handle heavy rainfall and prevent flooding, providing the homeowner with peace of mind that their crawl space—and their entire home—are safeguarded against water intrusion.

The transformation was nothing short of remarkable. What once was a damp, musty crawl space became a dry, clean, and healthy part of the home—one that now adds to the overall comfort and value of the property. As showcased in these stunning before-and-after photos, the homeowner can now rest easy knowing their crawl space is protected by cutting-edge moisture control solutions that will stand the test of time. From the anxiety of moisture problems to the confidence of a dry, safe home, we provided a solution that not only met but exceeded the homeowner’s expectations.

Crawl Spaces: you won’t believe what we find under homes!

Thumbs Up forIntegrity

Moisture & Mold in Minnesota Crawl Spaces Can Damage Your Home Fast

Across Duluth, St. Louis County, St. Cloud, Stearns County, Sherburne County, Benton County, Brainerd, Baxter, Crow Wing County, and Cass County, vented crawl spaces are built to struggle with snowmelt, damp soil, summer humidity, and freeze-thaw cycles. When warm, humid air meets cooler surfaces underground, condensation forms, and mold follows. That mold doesn’t stay put.

Open vents pull in humid outside air, causing condensation on joists, beams, and insulation
Exposed dirt floors release ground moisture 24/7, keeping humidity levels dangerously high
Mold and mildew spread rapidly across wood surfaces, accelerating rot and decay
The “stack effect” carries mold spores and musty odors directly into your living spaces
Poor crawl space air quality can trigger allergies, asthma, and respiratory issues in your family

Damp Minnesota Crawl Spaces Attract Pests, Rodents, and Wood-Damaging Insects

Moisture-damaged wood doesn’t just rot, it attracts pests that cause their own wave of destruction. From lake-area cabins in Cass and Crow Wing County to year-round homes in Duluth, St. Cloud, Elk River, and Sauk Rapids, dark and damp crawl spaces can become ideal conditions for rodents, carpenter ants, and wood-damaging insects.

Termites and carpenter ants target soft, moisture-weakened wood, and can live undetected for years
Wood-eating beetles and crickets are common in crawl spaces with exposed organic material
Deteriorating vent covers and wooden crawl space doors give rodents easy access to your home
Mice and rats use the crawl space to nest, chew wiring, and spread contamination
Pest damage compounds existing structural issues, making repairs more expensive the longer you wait

Your Minnesota Crawl Space Could Be Costing You 25–40% More on Energy Bills

An unencapsulated crawl space is one of the biggest sources of energy loss in a Minnesota home. Whether it’s subzero winter air in Duluth and Brainerd or summer humidity in St. Cloud and Sherburne County, your HVAC system pays the price, and so do you.

Cold air infiltration forces your furnace, water heater, and HVAC to work 25–40% harder in winter
Exposed pipes in an uninsulated crawl space are at serious risk of freezing and bursting
Traditional fiberglass batt insulation absorbs moisture, loses its R-value, and falls to the floor
In summer, humid crawl space air increases cooling loads, driving up air conditioning costs
Encapsulation and proper insulation can deliver measurable, year-round energy savings

Sagging Floors or Foundation Issues in Minnesota? Your Crawl Space Structure May Be Failing

Structural problems in a crawl space rarely announce themselves, until they do. In Minnesota homes across Duluth, St. Louis County, St. Cloud, Brainerd, Baxter, Elk River, and Sauk Rapids, sagging floors, cracked drywall, and sticking doors can all be warning signs that the support system beneath your home is compromised.

Support columns spaced too far apart or sinking into soft soil allow floors above to dip and flex
Wood rot from prolonged moisture exposure weakens floor joists and girders at the core
As the central support system settles, floors become uneven and noticeably soft underfoot
Interior drywall cracks and jammed doors or windows are common signs of crawl space movement
Structural crawl space repairs are significantly more affordable when caught early

Schedule your free
Crawl Space Inspection

Schedule your free
Crawl Space Inspection

Minnesota Crawl Space Repair
Homeowner Reviews

your Minnesota neighbors are talking about us…

DBS Repair has been waterproofing and repairing
crawl spaces across Minnesota, including Duluth, St. Louis County, St. Cloud, Stearns County, Elk River, Sherburne County, Sauk Rapids, Benton County, Brainerd, Baxter, Crow Wing County, and Cass County, for nearly 15 years!

See what your Minnesota neighbors have
been saying about DBS Repair’s
crawl space services in their homes.

DW Laukka
1 day ago
June 24, 2026 Trevor, with DBS foundation, base and insulation, just completed work on my Madeline Island Cottage on Lake Superior. The work, included Excavation, shoring and replacement supports in the Crawl Space of this 1940 Lake home. I was pleased with the technology at DBS uses, and the knowledge and technical proficiency that Trevor had in doing the work. He was thorough, and listen ed carefully to my concerns. I was absolutely 100% satisfied with his work and that of his assistant Corbin. If you are in need of foundation repair in Minnesota and Wisconsin, I highly recommend DBS. Donald W Laukka, architect.
Maggie's Dad
4 weeks ago
Nick and Rob from DBS stopped out to do some warranty repairs last week, specifically to spray some foam insulation in just a few areas that were missed in the original crawlspace encapsulation. They did a great job; quick and clean work. I'm quite pleased.
Photo from customer reviewPhoto from customer reviewPhoto from customer reviewPhoto from customer review
Elliot Kim
2 months ago
DBS encapsulated and insulated my crawl space. They did great work, looks good, done fast. Feels warmer and dryer in the basement right away. Thank you DBS, Nick, and Heidi!
Photo from customer review
Justin DeGroot
2 months ago
Glen and Dane did a gret job with the crawl space encapsulation at our cabin.
Timothy Lane
2 months ago
Crawl space improvement was done on time and as described. There was one glitch I noted later that was quickly redone
Bob Cipolle
7 months ago
The entire process of getting an estimate, scheduling the work, and documenting the work was terrific. They provided pictures of each step of the work and we felt fully informed throughout the entire process. I highly recommend DBS for your crawl space work.
Jim Kohl
7 months ago
The DBS crew did a very professional job installing support components to strengthen and return structural integrity to our crawlspace. We are pleased with results! The guys did a great job.!
James Wolf
8 months ago
Showed up on the day and time they scheduled us for. Went to work right away. Finished the job in about three hours just like the quote said (not their first rodeo). Our crawl space encapsulation looks great.
Photo from customer reviewPhoto from customer reviewPhoto from customer review
Hide39
10 months ago
Andy did a great job of showing and explaining their products and services for our crawl space encapsulation and partial basement finish. So far, we just did the crawl space encapsulation and it turned out great. Lawson and team did a great job, even did the added foam insulation around the entire basement which we had asked for so they wouldn't have to do that when doing the 2nd part of the basement. Only reason removing one star was some issues with communication around when they were scheduled to come do the work, which we got resolved pretty quickly. But, they did a great job! Thanks!

Complete Crawl Space Solutions for Minnesota Homes

Encapsulation, Drainage, Insulation & Structural Repair for Duluth, St. Cloud, Brainerd & Surrounding Counties

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