Are you looking for information about vapor barrier installation to keep your home’s crawl space dry? If so, don’t hit that back button because you’ve landed on the right page.
Your home’s crawl space may be out of sight, but it shouldn’t be out of mind. A neglected crawl space can become a breeding ground for moisture, eventually leading to serious damage in other parts of the home. In this article, we’ll discuss what vapor barriers are, why you need one in your home’s crawl space, vapor barrier installation, and more.
What is a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier?
A crawl space vapor barrier is a thick piece of plastic placed over the crawl space floor and walls. It’s designed to prevent moisture from seeping into your crawl space by acting as a physical barrier. The vapor barrier is typically made from a durable and impermeable material such as polyethylene.
By effectively blocking moisture, a vapor barrier helps to protect your home against a myriad of problems like mold, mildew, wood rot, and even pests that thrive in damp environments. A crawl space vapor barrier can also decrease energy costs because it lowers the humidity level inside your home’s living area. Therefore, installing a vapor barrier not only protects your home’s structural health but also enhances your family’s safety and well-being.
Benefits of Installing a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier
A crawl space vapor barrier provides a multitude of benefits, including the following:
- It protects against moisture seeping into the crawl space and causing damage to the wooden structures, beams, joists, etc.
- A properly installed vapor barrier helps to prevent mold growth and pest infestations by lowering the humidity level in the crawl space.
- Lowers the humidity level inside your home, and that means greater comfort for the home’s residents.
- It could possibly lower heating and air conditioning costs since the air inside your home will be drier.
- Installing a vapor barrier is also cost-effective in the long run because it eliminates potential repair bills associated with damage caused by excess moisture in the crawl space.
Because vapor barriers create a dry, clean environment within the crawl space, homeowners can protect their home’s value. A clean, dry crawl space can even be used to store things like tools and holiday decorations.
Crawl Space Vapor Barrier Installation
The general vapor barrier installation process, when done by a professional foundation waterproofing contractor, is as follows:
- First, a thorough assessment of the crawl space is performed. The goal is to identify the source of humidity and choose the right type of vapor barrier to suit your needs.
- After selecting the materials, the crawl space is cleared of debris, and the vents are sealed.
- The vapor barrier is placed over the crawl space floor and then secured to the walls, overlapping each successive layer to ensure a tight seal without gaps or openings.
- All seams are taped to create a continuous, impenetrable barrier that will safeguard your crawl space from the detrimental effects of moisture.
- Most homeowners also choose to install a dehumidifier in the crawl space to ensure the humidity level remains low.
This process of covering the crawl space floor and walls with a vapor barrier is called crawl space encapsulation.
Crawl Space Vapor Barrier Installation Cost
Without inspecting your home’s crawl space, it’s impossible to say how much vapor barrier installation will cost. However, we can say that the vapor barrier installation cost will depend on the following:
- Your geographical location – Vapor barrier installation will cost you more in San Francisco than Kansas City.
- The size of the crawl space – This determines the amount of material necessary to cover the crawl space’s floor and walls.
- How easy it is to access the crawl space
The only way to know how much it will cost to install a crawl space vapor barrier is to contact a foundation repair contractor in your area and ask for an inspection and repair estimate.
What About DIY Vapor Barrier Installation?
While some homeowners might be tempted to opt for a DIY approach to save money, partnering with an experienced foundation repair professional will guarantee the job is done correctly and includes a warranty. Also, crawling around underneath your home can be dangerous. Never enter your home’s crawl space without protective gear, including a respirator.
Other Ways to Keep Your Crawl Space Clean and Dry
You can help keep your home’s crawl space dry by controlling groundwater around the foundation. You don’t want the ground around the crawl space to be saturated with water. Here are some ways to make sure that doesn’t happen:
- Clean your gutters regularly – Gutters full of debris, such as leaves, twigs, and dirt, can cause water to spill over the side of your home and soak into the ground around the foundation.
- Regrade the yard around your home, so it slopes away from the foundation – This will ensure that water doesn’t drain toward the foundation.
- Install downspout extensions to carry runoff at least 4 feet from your home before release.
- Consider removing and replanting any water-hungry vegetation planted next to the house. Learn more – Why Landscaping Next To A House’s Foundation Is A Bad Idea
- Install a drain tile system – A drain tile system is the ultimate foundation waterproofing system because it doesn’t just create a barrier to keep water out. It prevents excess moisture from building up in the ground around the foundation. For more information on how drain tile systems work, see, How Does A Drain Tile System Work?
Crawl space vapor barrier installation is essential to maintaining a healthy, structurally sound, and energy-efficient home. By preventing moisture from infiltrating your crawl space, the vapor barrier protects your home’s foundation and your family’s health.
Contact us today to schedule a crawl space evaluation and receive a vapor barrier installation estimate. Since 1994, we’ve helped clients in Lincoln, Omaha, Kearney, Nebraska, Missouri, and parts of Northeastern Kansas with foundation repair, basement waterproofing, crawl space encapsulation, and concrete leveling for their homes.
