Vapor barriers protect your home from condensation exposure to moisture. Through stopping moisture from rising from the soil and accumulating underneath your house, you are mitigating problems caused by excess moisture, such as wood rot, buckling floors, mold, musty smells and other issues that could affect the value of your home and your safety.
Benefits of steam barriers Energy Efficiency If you have a dirt crawl field, the humidity levels in your home are higher and the damp air is more difficult to heat and cool. This can trigger the HVAC system to run more often as it tries to keep the temperature comfortable. Properly installing a vapor barrier decreases rising humidity by raising the pressure on your HVAC. There’s a big savings opportunity when you close your crawl space. Through sealing and insulating your crawl space, you’re eliminating cold floors and can drafts from below, making your home warm.
Limits Dampness Rain and moisture will soak through the walls and under the dirt floor of your home. Dark and damp environments encourage mold and mildew production. Installing a vapor barrier prevents moisture from entering your home and prevents costly damage to the structure caused by rotting wood, rusted metal and damaged insulation. A dry and sealed crawl space prevents moisture from reaching the wood floor joists, helps keep the rodents from entering and keeps harmful mold spores away from the lungs of your family.
Could I mount a vapor barrier on my own?
Absolutly! Installing a vapor barrier is not a difficult or costly process. And, depending on the amount of walking you will need to do, it can be challenging physically. In addition, you may want to enlist the help of another person to help the project get faster and easier. You’re going to want to prepare all your supplies in advance. Suggestions for what you want on hand include hammer, caulking adhesive, caulk gun, Bora-Foam termite resistant insulation, seam tape, utility knife, cloth or sod spikes, vapor barrier(8 mil–20 mil is most commonly used). Once you start installation, be sure the area is clean and dry. Also feel free to watch our installation videos for full instructions.
Moisture loss from condensation is no less troubling than moisture damage from leakage. A vapor barrier can provide you with the protection you need. Contact the Crawlspace Depot for the supplies and guidance you need. We are specialists in the control of humidity.
