WHY IS A VAPOR BARRIER REQUIRED FOR YOUR CRAWL SPACE?

Jan 13

A vapor barrier may appear insignificant at first look. Because you don't spend much time in your crawl space, it doesn't matter if it's damp or stinky. Isn't it enough that you have a layer of flooring and insulation between you and the crawl space? Unfortunately, the answer is a resounding, resounding, resounding NO. A vapor barrier, also known as a moisture barrier, is essentially the bare minimum of protection you should have in your crawl space.

Carolina Crawlspace Pros has been fixing foundations and waterproofing crawl spaces for many years. The fact that we're pressuring you to install a vapor barrier appears to be exceedingly convenient, if not downright suspicious. But what about in reality? We're attempting to assist you in avoiding costly home repairs. Your foundation can be severely damaged if it is not adequately cared for and maintained (such as a vapor barrier). Are you still not convinced? That's fine; continue reading.

SO, WHAT EXACTLY IS A VAPOR BARRIER, AND WHY DO I REQUIRE ONE?

A vapor barrier is a plastic liner that covers your crawl space's dirt "floor." Its goal is to keep vapors and moisture from the soil out of your crawl area. This is significant for two reasons:

Air from your crawl space will enter your home. Porous materials make up your home: wood, concrete, and fiberglass insulation. Furthermore, a portion of the air circulated by your HVAC unit comes from the crawl space. Air quality is a big concern whether you or someone in your household has a respiratory ailment.
Porous materials not only allow air to circulate, but they can also allow moisture to enter. On the other hand, moisture is the rival of a healthy home. Mold can form in damp air, making your HVAC system work harder, contributing to the destruction of your wooden flooring structure, and attracting pests. (termites love wood that has been weakened by dampness.)

WHERE DO I GET A VAPOR BARRIER?

Installing a vapor barrier is a chore that most homeowners can do themselves, assuming they aren't claustrophobic. To buy the right amount of liner, you'll need to calculate the square footage of your crawl space. At home improvement stores, you may choose from various colors, materials, and thicknesses. A material’s thickness of 6 millimeters is recommended; it will endure longer than thinner liners.

Before you begin, make sure the "floor" of the crawl space is clear of waste; any trash or deteriorated insulation should be removed. You'll need to unroll the plastic sheeting and spread it out evenly on the "floor" once you've cleared your work area. The barrier should be thick enough to prevent it from rolling upon itself, but you may wish to anchor it with a rock in the corners.

I would want to point out that this is not a one-and-done endeavor. The normal vapor barrier lasts only 5-10 years before breaking down and deteriorating. If you don't want to crawl around beneath your house, you may quickly pay a contractor to do it for you. Acculevel is made of a 6-millimeter thick plastic that costs about $1 per square foot.

You may not want to install your vapor barrier if you are one of the 16 million Americans with claustrophobia. In that situation, you should look for a reputable local provider and obtain a price. Most contractors and waterproofing businesses offer free estimates; make sure the quote is written and that the pricing is good for a specific period.

Contact Carolina Crawlspace Pros if you live in Charlotte, NC, or the nearby areas. We offer free written quotes and specialize in waterproofing and foundation repair. Our quotations are suitable for a year from the date of issue, and we provide the best guarantees in the industry. We'll set up an appointment for you with one of our skilled project managers, who will assess your home and advise you on the best course of action for keeping it strong and healthy for years to come. Call us now!

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