Omar Khalid
Installing plastic in a crawl space is a vital step in preventing moisture, mould, and mildew from affecting your home's structure. Crawl spaces are often built with dirt floors and minimal headroom, making moisture management essential to avoid issues like rust and wood deterioration. Plastic sheeting, or a vapour barrier, is a cost-effective solution to control moisture levels and protect your home. While installing plastic in a crawl space is a challenging task due to the confined and cramped working conditions, it can be accomplished through careful preparation and execution, potentially saving you money on professional installation.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Control moisture in your crawl space and prevent issues such as mould and mildew |
| Tools | Plastic sheeting, dehumidifier, fans, pump, garden rake, tape measure, carpet knife, rubber mallet, landscape stakes, work light, face mask |
| Preparation | Remove old plastic and debris, dry out crawl space, level the ground |
| Installation | Measure crawl space, cut plastic to size, overlap seams, secure with tape, stake plastic down |
| Cost | $0.15 to $0.50 per square foot for plastic, $2 to $4 per square foot for installation |
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What You'll Learn
How to prepare a crawl space for plastic installation
Preparing a crawl space for plastic installation can be a labor-intensive process. Here are the steps you can follow to prepare your crawl space for plastic installation:
Clean the Crawl Space
Before installing the plastic vapour barrier, it is essential to clean the crawl space thoroughly. Crawl spaces are notoriously messy, as construction workers often toss discarded building materials in this space. Remove all debris, especially anything sharp that might puncture the plastic. Old plastics can hide old debris, and old debris can grow mould. Beer bottles, soda cans, drywall pieces, scrap wood, and metal are some examples of debris that can be found under the crawl space vapour barrier.
Dry the Crawl Space
Use a dehumidifier, fans, and a pump to discharge any standing water to dry out the crawl space. You may need several days to dry out the crawl space before installing the plastic.
Level the Ground
Use a garden rake to level out the ground to the degree possible.
Cover the Foundation Walls
Cover the exposed foundation walls with 1-1/2 inches of rigid, moisture-proof insulation.
Install a Vapor Barrier
Once the crawl space is clean, dry, and level, you can begin installing the vapour barrier. Start by laying down 6-mil or thicker polyethylene plastic over the entire crawl space. Cut the sheets to size, allowing 6 inches or more along the walls. Overlap the seams by no less than 12 inches and secure them together with poly PVC tape.
It is important to note that a dehumidifier alone is not enough to control moisture levels in a crawl space. A vapor barrier, typically made of plastic sheeting, is a crucial part of any moisture management system.
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Choosing the right plastic sheeting
Plastic sheeting is used in crawl spaces to control moisture and prevent mould or mildew from circulating into the living space. This is achieved by installing a plastic vapour barrier. When choosing the right plastic sheeting, there are a few things to consider. Firstly, the thickness of the plastic sheeting is important. Vapour barriers are typically 10 to 20 millimetres thick, and a common recommendation is to use 6-mil or thicker polyethylene plastic. This thickness provides durability and extra tear resistance, which is important to withstand tough conditions and potential punctures.
Another consideration is the type of plastic used. Polyethylene plastic is a popular choice for vapour barriers, but it's important to ensure it is of high quality. Recycled polyethylene sheeting, for example, can become brittle and weaken over time, leading to microscopic deterioration that allows unsafe levels of vapour to escape into the crawl space. This can compromise the long-term health of your home, so it's worth investing in a good-quality liner to avoid future issues.
Additionally, look for plastic sheeting that is specifically designed for crawl spaces and vapour barriers. Some products, like BOEN's woven reinforced string plastic sheeting, are advertised for this purpose and offer features like extra tear resistance. It's also important to follow local building codes and industry standards when selecting a vapour barrier. For example, a Class 1 vapour barrier is the most impermeable and offers the best moisture protection.
Finally, consider the size of the plastic sheeting. Measure your crawl space to determine the required length and width of the plastic sheeting. It's important to allow for overlap at the seams, typically by no less than 12 inches, to ensure proper installation and protection. Keep in mind that you may need to cut the sheets to size, so choose a size that is slightly larger than your crawl space dimensions.
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Installing the plastic sheeting
Installing plastic sheeting in a crawl space is a great way to prevent moisture, mould, and mildew from seeping into your home. It is a vital but labour-intensive process. Before installing the plastic sheeting, it is important to ensure that the crawl space is as dry as possible. This can be done by using a dehumidifier, setting up fans, removing wet materials, and using a pump to discharge any standing water.
The next step is to measure the crawl space and cut the plastic sheeting to size. It is recommended to buy a large roll of plastic sheeting, such as 40ftx100ft, and cut it into sections that will fit the crawl space with a good amount of overlap. For example, for a 24ftx40ft crawl space, you can cut four 6.5ftx40ft sections, allowing for a 6-inch overlap on each piece.
Once the plastic sheeting is cut to size, it can be rolled up and taken into the crawl space. Start at one end and roll out the plastic, staking the edges as you go. Use long landscape stakes and a rubber mallet to secure the plastic in place. Overlap the seams by at least 12 inches and secure them together with poly PVC tape. If there are any pillars or obstructions in the crawl space, cut the plastic to fit around them, ensuring a snug fit.
It is important to remove any debris, especially sharp objects, that could puncture the plastic and compromise its effectiveness. Old plastics should also be removed to prevent mould and debris from building up underneath. Finally, seal any gaps or holes with adhesive seam tape or caulk to ensure an airtight barrier.
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Common mistakes to avoid
Installing plastic in a crawl space is a vital yet labor-intensive process. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when installing plastic in a crawl space:
Not Removing Old Plastic and Debris: It may be tempting to leave the old plastic in place to save time and money, but this can lead to trapped mould and debris underneath, compromising the effectiveness of the new barrier and causing potential health hazards. It is essential to remove the old plastic, clean out any mould and trapped debris, and then install the new plastic.
Not Sealing Vents and Gaps: Failing to seal vents and gaps properly is a common mistake. Even a tiny gap can allow moisture to enter the crawl space, causing issues such as mould and corrosion. Ensure all seams, gaps, and vents are properly sealed with good quality tape or sealant to create a completely sealed environment.
Inadequate Ventilation: Proper ventilation is crucial in crawl spaces, whether encapsulated or not. One of the most common mistakes is not providing adequate ventilation, leading to moisture buildup and mould or mildew growth. Dehumidifiers can help control moisture levels, but natural ventilation and fans are also important to keep the space dry.
Improper Drainage System: A proper drainage system is essential to prevent water pooling in the crawl space. Sump pump basins are often overlooked or installed incorrectly, such as being placed too shallowly or directly on the soil, which can lead to pump damage and reduced effectiveness. Ensure the basin is deep enough to allow water to enter from above and below, and consider using a product like the Dranjer Drain to direct water to the sump pump for discharge.
Not Addressing Moisture Issues: Before installing plastic, it is crucial to address any existing moisture problems in the crawl space. Failing to do so will only trap the moisture inside, potentially leading to mould growth and other issues. Use dehumidifiers, fans, and pumps to remove excess moisture and ensure the crawl space is as dry as possible before installing the plastic.
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Benefits of installing plastic in a crawl space
Installing plastic in a crawl space can be a vital step in protecting your home from moisture, mould, and mildew. Here are some benefits of installing plastic in a crawl space:
Control Moisture
Plastic sheeting in a crawl space is primarily used to control moisture and create a barrier against vapour. Moisture in a crawl space is common, but it needs to be managed to prevent issues such as rust on mechanical parts or deterioration of wood. Plastic sheeting helps to repel moisture infiltration from the ground into the crawl space, slowing it down so that a dehumidifier can effectively remove moisture from the air.
Prevent Mould and Mildew
By controlling moisture, the plastic barrier also helps prevent mould and mildew from developing and circulating into the living space air. This is important as mould and mildew can affect your home's structure and create substantial risks to the health of occupants.
Create Additional Storage Space
Plastic sheeting can also help create usable storage space in a crawl space. It keeps stored items dry, free from soil, and protected from insect intrusion. This is especially beneficial for homeowners who want to utilise the crawl space for storage.
Protect Against Radon Infiltration
Properly installed plastic sheeting can also protect your home and occupants from radon infiltration. Radon is a naturally occurring, radioactive gas that can increase the risk of lung cancer. It is often present in the underlying soil of a crawl space, and plastic sheeting can act as a barrier to mitigate the risk of radon poisoning.
Overall, installing plastic in a crawl space is a great option for homeowners as it offers multiple benefits, including moisture control, mould and mildew prevention, additional storage space, and protection against radon infiltration.
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Frequently asked questions
Installing plastic in your crawl space is a great way to control moisture and prevent mould and mildew from affecting your home's structure.
The thickness of the plastic in your crawl space should be between 6 to 20 millimetres. If you will be entering the crawl space regularly, it is recommended to use a thicker poly, such as 12 mils.
You will need a roll of plastic sheeting, long landscape stakes, a rubber mallet, a tape measure, a carpet knife, and poly PVC tape.
It is important to ensure that your crawl space is as dry and clean as possible before installing plastic. Use a dehumidifier, fans, and a pump to remove any standing water or moisture. Remove all debris, especially sharp objects that could puncture the plastic.
While it may be tempting to leave the old plastic in place to save time and money, it is not recommended. Old plastic can trap mould and debris underneath, leading to potential health hazards and compromising the effectiveness of the new barrier. It is best to remove the old plastic and clean the area before installing new plastic.
