Sofia Martinez
Crawl spaces are often prone to moisture problems, which can lead to mould and mildew. To prevent this, it is recommended to install a vapour barrier by laying plastic sheeting across the crawl space floor. This creates a barrier against moisture and vapor, preventing water damage and other moisture-related issues. The process of installing a vapour barrier involves measuring the crawl space, purchasing plastic sheeting, and using tools such as a straightedge, tape measure, and duct tape to secure the sheeting. While it is possible to do this yourself, it is important to ensure that the vapour barrier is properly installed and maintained to prevent mould and odour issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Creating a barrier against moisture or vapor to minimize the risk of mold or mildew intrusion into the home |
| Installation tools | Straightedge, tape measure, landscape fabric stakes, hammer, utility knife, duct tape |
| Installation process | Measure the crawl space, cut and lay down strips of plastic sheeting, overlap seams and tape them down, use landscape fabric stakes to secure the sheeting to the soil |
| Cost | A couple of thousand dollars at most |
| Color | Black is the most durable, but use whatever color is least expensive |
| Thickness | 6-mil or thicker to minimize the probability of damage |
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What You'll Learn
The purpose of plastic in a crawl space
Plastic sheeting in a crawl space can serve multiple purposes. Firstly, it acts as a moisture barrier, preventing water vapour from rising from the ground and becoming trapped in the enclosed space. This helps to maintain the structural integrity of the home by reducing the risk of mould, mildew, and fungus growth, which can occur due to excessive moisture.
Additionally, plastic sheeting in a crawl space can aid in pest control. By creating a physical barrier between the soil and the structure, it can help prevent insects and other pests from entering the home. Plastic sheeting can also provide a temporary solution to minor flooding issues that may occur during heavy rainfall, protecting the home from water damage.
The process of installing plastic sheeting in a crawl space is relatively straightforward. It involves measuring the length and width of the crawl space, purchasing the appropriate quantity of plastic sheeting, and then cutting and laying the sheets over the open soil area. Seams between the sheets should overlap and be taped down securely.
It is important to note that while plastic sheeting can be an effective solution for managing moisture, it is not a cure-all. In cases of severe moisture or flooding issues, additional measures such as a sump pump or an encapsulated vapour barrier may be necessary. Regular maintenance and inspections of the plastic sheeting are also crucial to ensure its effectiveness over time.
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Preparing the crawl space
Measure the Crawl Space
Before purchasing plastic sheeting, it's essential to measure the length and width of your crawl space to ensure you buy enough material. The plastic sheeting typically comes in widths ranging from 6 to 30 feet and rolls up to 200 feet long.
Dry Out the Crawl Space
Before installing any plastic sheeting or vapour barriers, ensure that your crawl space is as dry as possible. You can use dehumidifiers, fans, and pumps to remove any standing water or moisture. It may take several days to thoroughly dry out the area.
Remove Debris
Clear away any debris, especially sharp objects or items that could puncture the plastic sheeting. This step is crucial to ensuring the effectiveness of the vapour barrier and preventing mould growth.
Install Plastic Sheeting
With your crawl space prepared, it's time to install the plastic sheeting. Cut and lay down strips of plastic sheeting across the entire crawl space floor. Overlap the seams between the sheets and secure them with duct tape.
Secure the Plastic Sheeting
Use landscape fabric stakes and a hammer to secure the plastic sheeting to the soil. Hammer the stakes into the soil around the edges of the crawl space, leaving several inches of sheeting allowance where the soil meets the walls.
Maintain and Inspect Regularly
Regularly check your crawl space for any signs of moisture, mould, or damage to the plastic sheeting. It is recommended to check after heavy rainfall and in the spring to ensure that your vapour barrier is functioning correctly.
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Installing the plastic sheeting
Installing plastic sheeting in your crawl space can serve a number of useful purposes, primarily creating a barrier against moisture or vapour. This approach helps minimise the risk of mould or mildew intrusion into your home.
To install plastic sheeting in a crawl space, you will need a straightedge, tape measure, landscape fabric stakes, a hammer, a utility knife, duct tape, and construction adhesive.
Before purchasing your plastic sheeting, measure your crawl space's length and width to ensure you are buying a sufficient quantity. The plastic sheeting you'll need can range from 6' to 30' in width and come in rolls up to 200' long.
With your materials assembled, begin to cut and lay down strips of your plastic sheeting over the open soil area in your crawl space. If you need to use more than one piece of plastic, make sure the seams overlap by at least 12 inches and seal them with duct tape. Extend the outside edge of the plastic sheeting up the foundation wall at least 6 inches above the grade and seal it with construction adhesive.
Finally, secure the sheeting to the soil by hammering landscape fabric stakes into the soil around the edges. At the edges of your crawl space where the soil meets the walls, leave several inches of sheeting allowance.
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The cost of installing plastic sheeting
Installing plastic sheeting in a crawl space can be a DIY project, but it will take several days of work. The cost of materials for a DIY project will depend on the size of your crawl space and the type of plastic sheeting you use. The plastic sheeting you'll need can range from 6' to 30' in width and come in rolls up to 200' long. The thicker the plastic sheeting, the more it will cost. For example, a 6-mil sheet is considered a Class 1 vapour retarder and is the minimum recommended thickness when installing a reinforced poly vapour barrier. A 6-mil sheet costs around $0.15 per square foot, while a 23-mil sheet can cost up to $1.50 per square foot. You will also need duct tape, landscape fabric stakes, construction adhesive, and a utility knife.
If you hire a professional to install the plastic sheeting, it can cost between $2,000 and $4,000, depending on the space size and sheet used.
If you are installing a concrete floor, you will need to factor in the cost of the concrete. The concrete method involves installing a visqueen plastic vapour barrier seal (6 mil in thickness) and then pumping concrete into the area to cover it. The resulting floor is usually 2-3 inches thick.
If you are using the encapsulation plastic method, you will need heavier-duty plastic (10 mil in thickness). This method does not require concrete and is a good option for rental homes or small areas where concrete seems excessive.
To save money on installation costs, you can perform some of the preparation work yourself, such as drying out the crawl space, removing debris, and levelling out the ground.
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Maintenance and replacement
Maintenance
- Regular inspections: It is important to regularly inspect the crawl space for any signs of moisture, mould, or damage to the plastic sheeting. Check for standing water, wet materials, or signs of water damage after heavy rainfall or during the spring season when moisture levels are typically higher.
- Keep it clean and clear: Ensure that the crawl space is free of debris, especially sharp objects that could puncture the plastic sheeting. Items such as beer bottles, soda cans, drywall pieces, scrap wood, and metal should be removed as they can damage the plastic or promote mould growth.
- Address moisture sources: If there are known sources of moisture, such as leaking pipes or flooding during heavy rain, these issues should be addressed and rectified before installing or replacing the plastic sheeting.
- Control humidity: High humidity levels can contribute to mould and mildew growth. Consider using a dehumidifier, setting up fans, or investing in a sump pump to reduce and control humidity levels in the crawl space.
- Seal seams: Over time, the seams between plastic sheets can separate, creating gaps for moisture and vapour to escape. Regularly inspect the seams and use duct tape to reseal any areas that have come apart.
Replacement
- When to replace: Plastic sheeting in crawl spaces should be replaced when it becomes damaged, torn, or punctured. If there are signs of severe odours or mould growth, it is recommended to remove and replace both the old and new plastic to prevent the odours from permeating the home.
- Preparing the crawl space: Before installing new plastic sheeting, ensure the crawl space is dry and free of debris. Use a dehumidifier, fans, and a pump to remove any standing water. Allow several days for the crawl space to dry completely.
- Installation process: Measure the length and width of the crawl space to determine the required amount of plastic sheeting. Cut and lay the plastic sheets, ensuring they overlap at the seams. Secure the seams with duct tape and use landscape fabric stakes to pin the sheeting to the soil around the edges.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic sheeting in your crawl space can serve as a barrier against moisture or vapor. This helps minimize the risk of mold, mildew, or fungus from affecting your home's structure.
First, measure your crawl space's length and width, then purchase plastic sheeting to fit. You will also need a straightedge, tape measure, landscape fabric stakes, hammer, utility knife, duct tape, and a powerful flashlight. Cut and lay strips of the plastic sheeting over the open soil area, ensuring the seams overlap, and tape them down. Hammer the landscape fabric stakes into the soil around the edges to secure the sheeting.
The color of the plastic is irrelevant, but you should ensure it is 6-mil or thicker to minimize the probability of damage. Black plastic tends to hold up the best.
