Crawl Space Vapor Barrier
One of the main reasons mold grows in a crawl space is because of the moisture emitted from the ground under the home. A crawl space vapor barrier reduces the moisture that rises into the crawl space.
The NC Building code requires that any “vented” crawl space has at least a 6-mil plastic covering the ground, and it must overlap at the seams at least 12 inches.
Dry Otter installs vapor barriers but recommends a complete encapsulation for optimal effectiveness.
What is a crawl space vapor barrier?
A crawl space vapor barrier is a layer of plastic installed on the ground of a crawl space to prevent moisture from entering the crawl space from moisture that rises out of the soil under the home. It is also called Visqueen.
How thick is Dry Otter’s vapor barrier?
Dry Otter installs black plastic that is 10mil thick. Plastic sheeting is measured in mils.
A mil is a measurement that equals one-thousandth of an inch, or 0.001 inch.
One mil also equals 0.0254 mm (millimeter). A mil is not the same thickness as a millimeter. “mil” is not an abbreviation but a unit of measure.
What are the steps to install a vapor barrier?
- Clean the crawl space and prepare the materials.
- Lay down the plastic, ensuring it overlaps at the seams.
- Secure the vapor barrier to the edges of the crawl space.
- Stake down the vapor barrier.
What are the benefits of a vapor barrier?
A plain vapor barrier on the crawl space floor alone is less beneficial than complete encapsulation. Still, a crawl space vapor barrier can reduce the moisture from the soil into the wooden parts of the foundation.
What are the drawbacks of a vapor barrier?
Vapor plastic barriers tacked down to the crawl space floor do not prevent water intrusion, and they are not as securely in place as encapsulation.
This means over time, the water will shift the plastic around, and it will no longer serve its purpose of limiting evaporation from the soil.
What is the warranty on a Dry Otter vapor barrier?
A vapor barrier is not a complete solution, so we offer a one-year workmanship warranty only.
If you have issues with your crawl space or need a vapor barrier to pass a real estate inspection, schedule your free Dry Otter inspection today.
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Our process includes the following inspections:
Crawl Space Inspection:
- Moisture and Water Damage
- Mold and Fungus
- Insulation Condition
- Vapor Barrier
- Structural Issues
- High Humidity
- Condensation on Ducts
Basement Inspection:
- Water Intrusion
- Cracks and Wall Leaks
- Foundation Integrity
- Sump Pump Operation
- Mold and Mildew
- Basement Floor Cracks
- Hydrostatic Pressure
Our expert will personally visit your home and examine the issues you are having with your basement or crawl space foundation.
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