Sofia Martinez
Plastic sheeting is often installed in the crawl spaces of residential buildings to create a barrier against moisture or vapor. This barrier helps to minimize the risk of mold or mildew and can also create more usable storage space. The type of plastic sheeting and the method of installation are important considerations, as improper installation can lead to larger holes in the plastic that allow moisture to seep through. Additionally, vapor barriers have a limited lifespan and need to be replaced every 5-10 years.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Creating a barrier against moisture or vapor, creating more usable storage space, controlling moisture, preventing mold or mildew intrusion into the home, keeping stored items dry and free from soil and insect intrusion, improving air quality |
| Materials | Plastic sheeting, straightedge, tape measure, landscape fabric stakes, hammer, utility knife, duct tape, rock, felt or dimple underlayment, seam tape, humidity control |
| Installation | Cut and lay down strips of plastic sheeting over the open soil area in the crawl space, ensuring seams overlap and are taped down, cover edges of crawl space where the soil meets the walls, clear debris, measure square footage, level out the ground |
| Thickness | 6-mil is the minimum recommended thickness, but thicker grades are preferable for durability and moisture resistance, with 10-mil or 20-mil recommended by experts |
| Replacement | Vapor barriers need to be replaced every 5-10 years as they deteriorate |
| Cost | $2-$4 per square foot, $0.15-$1.50 per square foot depending on thickness |
| Other Considerations | Regional climate and soil differences may impact materials and approaches, concrete can wick moisture so plastic should not be used as a vapor barrier in below-grade basements, vapor barriers do not seal off 100% of moisture, additional solutions like spray foam insulation, dehumidifiers, or mold remediation may be needed |
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What You'll Learn
Plastic under the house can prevent water damage
Vapor barriers are important because moisture can cause mold and mildew to grow, which can negatively impact the indoor air quality of a home. Damp air also forces an HVAC system to work harder, contributes to the decay of wooden flooring structures, and attracts pests such as insects, termites, rodents, snakes, raccoons, and rats. These pests can damage the foundation, insulation, wires, and air ducts.
To install a vapor barrier, the crawl space floor should first be cleared of any debris. Then, the plastic sheeting should be unrolled and laid out evenly across the floor. The seams between the plastic sheets should overlap and be taped down. The plastic should also be secured to the soil using landscape fabric stakes. It is important to choose the right kind of plastic sheeting and to install it correctly. For example, thinner sheeting may not be sufficient as a barrier against vapor or moisture and can easily be damaged. Experts recommend using polyethylene plastic sheeting that is either 10-mil or 20-mil thick for enhanced durability and moisture resistance.
Vapor barriers are not a permanent solution and will need to be replaced every 5-10 years as they deteriorate over time. They also will not fix major water issues, and additional solutions may be needed. However, they are an effective way to prevent water damage and create a healthier living environment.
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It can also prevent mould and mildew
Installing plastic under your house in the crawl space can serve several useful purposes. One of the primary reasons for doing this is to create a barrier against moisture or vapour, which in turn helps to prevent mould and mildew.
Mould and mildew thrive in damp environments, and the air in your crawl space can infiltrate your home through porous materials such as wood, concrete, and even fibreglass insulation. By installing plastic sheeting, you can block vapours and moisture in the soil from getting into your crawl space, reducing the risk of mould and mildew intrusion.
It is important to note that plastic sheeting alone may not be sufficient to address major water issues or standing water, and additional solutions such as waterproofing, spray foam insulation, dehumidifiers, or mould remediation may be necessary. The plastic sheeting should be thick enough to create an effective barrier, with experts recommending a thickness of at least 10-mil or 20-mil for enhanced durability and moisture resistance.
To install plastic sheeting in your crawl space, you will need to clear any debris, measure the square footage, and cut the plastic sheeting to size. Overlap the seams between the plastic sheets and tape them down securely. It is also recommended to leave several inches of sheeting allowance at the edges of the crawl space where the soil meets the walls.
By taking these steps and choosing the right type of plastic sheeting, you can effectively prevent mould and mildew in your home, improving the air quality and protecting your family's health.
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Radon gas can be prevented by plastic sheeting
Plastic sheeting is often installed in crawl spaces to create a barrier against moisture or vapour, as well as to create more usable storage space. This approach helps to minimise the risk of mould or mildew in the home.
Radon is a colourless, odourless, and radioactive gas that can increase the risk of lung cancer. It is the leading cause of lung cancer in non-smokers and is detected in one out of 15 American homes. Radon is naturally occurring in igneous rock, soil, and some wells, and it can enter homes through crawl spaces.
Plastic sheeting can be used to create a radon vapour barrier, which inhibits radon and other soil gases from entering the home. The radon vapour barrier should be thick enough to prevent radon gas molecules from migrating through it. While ordinary 6-mil polyethylene plastic can stop radon, thicker plastic, such as 10-mil or 20-mil, is more durable and less likely to be damaged during installation or other crawl space work. It is important to choose a plastic sheeting that has been specifically tested and designed to block out radon gas, as not all plastic sheeting or crawl space vapour barriers are equal in this regard.
In addition to plastic sheeting, other solutions to prevent radon from entering the home include vent pipes, sealing and caulking, and electrical junction boxes.
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Plastic under the house can create more storage space
Plastic sheeting in your crawl space can serve multiple purposes. One of the primary reasons homeowners install plastic in crawl spaces is to create a barrier against moisture or vapour. This helps to minimise the risk of mould or mildew in the home.
However, plastic under the house can also create more storage space. Plastic sheeting can help turn a crawl space into usable storage. It will help keep stored items dry and protect them from soil and insect intrusion.
To install plastic in a crawl space, you will need a straightedge, tape measure, landscape fabric stakes, a hammer, utility knife, and duct tape. It is important to choose the right kind of plastic sheeting and to install it correctly. For most homeowners, sheeting made of polyethylene plastic is the best choice for moisture abatement and storage protection. Experts recommend sheeting that is either 10-mil or 20-mil thick for enhanced durability and moisture resistance.
It is also important to consider regional climate and soil differences, which may call for variations in materials and approaches. For example, thicker-grade plastic is preferable in certain climates, as thinner sheeting may not be sufficient as a barrier against vapour or moisture and can be easily damaged during other crawl space work. Additionally, at the edges of your crawl space where the soil meets the walls, leave several inches of sheeting allowance.
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Plastic sheeting can improve air quality
Installing plastic sheeting in the crawl space of your home can improve air quality by acting as a vapour barrier. A vapour barrier blocks moisture and vapours from getting into your crawl space and subsequently your home. The air in your crawl space gets into your home and vapours can infiltrate your home's walls and insulation, creating a substantial risk of mould and mildew.
Plastic sheeting can also be used to cover storm damage to a roof or exterior wall. This can limit the damage to your home by preventing rainwater from getting in. Plastic sheeting can also be used to cover windows and doors to prevent cold air from entering your home.
In construction and renovation projects, plastic sheeting curtains are used as temporary dust partitions to control dust. These partitions act as physical barriers, effectively segregating dusty work zones from clean areas. They significantly reduce airborne dust particles, creating a healthier work environment for construction workers and occupants in adjoining spaces.
It is important to choose the right kind of plastic sheeting for your purposes and to install it correctly. For example, thinner sheeting may be more pliable but is generally not sufficient as a barrier against vapour or moisture. Experts recommend polyethylene sheeting that is either 10-mil or 20-mil for enhanced durability and moisture resistance.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic under your house, specifically in the crawl space, creates a barrier against moisture or vapor. This helps minimize the risk of mold or mildew and improves the air quality of your home.
A vapor barrier is a plastic liner that covers the dirt "floor" of your crawl space. It blocks vapors and moisture in the soil from getting into your crawl space and then your home.
The best choice for moisture abatement and storage protection is polyethylene plastic. While some sources recommend a thickness of 6-mil, a thicker grade of 10-mil or 20-mil material is preferable for enhanced durability and moisture resistance.
First, ensure the crawl space is free of debris, especially sharp objects that could puncture the plastic. Then, unroll and lay out the plastic sheeting evenly, allowing for several inches of sheeting allowance along the walls. Overlap the seams and secure them with duct tape. Finally, use landscape fabric stakes and hammer them into the soil around the edges to secure the sheeting.
Vapor barriers typically last 5-10 years before they start to deteriorate and need to be replaced.
