What Is a Vapor Barrier?
A vapor barrier slows down ground moisture from affecting a house sitting above it.
A mil is equal to 0.001 inches of thickness, so a 6-mil sheet is (0.006-inch thick).
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Moisture determines if a home, room addition, or below-grade flooring is even possible.
Mold can blacken floor cavity insulation and structural elements.
Wood will rot when it comes into contact with water for prolonged periods.
Rodents and Other Vermin
Many types of animals are drawn to water and can invade your home.
These pests include carpenter ants, termites, rats, mice, snakeseven skunks andarmadillos.
Do You Need a Vapor Barrier for Your Crawl Space?
A good work light is essential to working safely and efficiently in the cramped space below the house.
The entry hatch to a crawl space is not always obvious.
Sometimes it is located outdoors, along the perimeter wall of the crawl space.
If the crawl space is beneath an addition, the entry may be in the basement wall.
Dry out the Crawl Space
Begin with a crawl space that is as dry as possible.
Clean the Crawl Space
Remove all debris, especially anything sharp that might puncture the plastic.
Crawl spaces are notoriously messy, as construction workers often toss discarded building materials in this space.
To the degree possible, level out the ground using a garden rake.
Cut the sheets to size, allowing 6 inches or more along walls.
Overlap the seams by no less than 12 inches and secure them together with the poly PVC tape.
Attach Sheeting to Walls and Piers
Work around obstacles.
With every house, you will encounter both outer support walls or columns and inner support piers and posts.
The goal is to provide a solid barrier against the ground.
Improve Ventilation
Ensure good ventilation.
Most crawl spaces have inadequate ventilation, andbringing the vents up to codecan greatly help moisture issues.
In more serious cases, an electric vent fan system can help keep a crawl space dry.
Vapor Barriers vs.
The entire area is contained and clean; professional installers do encapsulation.
Included in the encapsulation is a dehumidifier and sump pump to drain away any water.
Once encapsulated, the space is sealed from water and safe to use as additional storage.
They do notoffer a remedy when water pools in the crawl space.
Yes,mold,mildew, and fungus can grow under the vapor barrier.
Encapsulation is a wonderful prospect, especially if you want additional storage space.
However, it can be very costly.
The encapsulation system will also need a yearly inspection to ensure it remains sealed properly.
A Brief Guide to Mold, Moisture and Your Home.U.S.
Mold.Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
This Summer Prevent Pests by Reducing Moisture Outside Your Home.U.S.
