Vapor Barrier

A vapour barrier is a critical component in the construction of a building structure. Its purpose is to aid in the prevention of water vapour from reaching building walls, ceilings, attics, crawlspaces, or roofs, where it can condense and cause rot or mould growth in the materials used in the construction of a building structure.

Is it possible for me to enclose my crawl space in my own basement?

Additionally, a humid crawl space has a negative impact on the efficiency of your HVAC system; however, all of these issues can be resolved with the installation of a simple encapsulation. The process of DIY crawl space encapsulation is complicated, but it is doable by anyone with the right tools and supplies. A handy person may even be able to complete tasks without the assistance of professionals.

Is the installation of a vapor barrier in a crawl space a requirement?

Yes. A vapor barrier must be installed in your crawl space if you want to keep moisture out of the space. Moreover, installing a moisture barrier in your crawl space is the bare minimum level of protection that you should consider installing to keep mold from growing in your crawl space. A vapor barrier can help you save money by preventing the need for future costly repairs.

It's hard to imagine why anyone would not want to enclose a crawl space.

Crawl spaces that have not been properly encapsulated can harbor mold, mildew, and other contaminants that can cause health problems in your home. Aside from making it uncomfortable to be in your home, contaminated air has the potential to be harmful to your health as well as make it difficult to concentrate. The problem will be effectively stopped in its tracks once the crawl space has been sealed off and secured.

When it comes to vapor barriers in my home, is it permissible to use plastic sheeting?

According to industry standards, the plastic should be secured approximately six inches up the wall from the bottom of the container. Landscape fabric stakes should be used to hold the fabric in place and protect it from any potential future disturbances or weed invasions. Eventually, someone will have to slide around in the crawlspace to fix a pipe or run a new cable, and it's likely that this will be the case.

Is crawl space encapsulation the same thing as a vapor barrier in terms of application and functionality?

Unlike vapor barriers, encapsulation is distinguished by the fact that it both completely seals out water vapor while also interfering with the process of water vapor rising from the ground level. It is almost impossible for moisture problems to develop in the crawl space as a result of water vapor entering through the walls because the entire crawl space, including the walls, is encapsulated.