Maya Ellison
Installing plastic under your house, also known as a vapour barrier, is a great way to keep your home healthy and prevent moisture damage. Vapour barriers are thick plastic sheets that can be installed to keep moisture and potentially dangerous chemicals out of your home by blocking them from entering through crawl spaces, roofs, walls, ceilings, and foundations. Installing a vapour barrier can help prevent mould, mildew, and rot or water damage to the floor joists and subfloor above the crawl space. It is a relatively simple DIY project that can be completed in less than a day in most cases, although it can be strenuous since you will likely spend a lot of time crawling in cramped spaces.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Prevent moisture from seeping through the soil and creating dampness, mould, and structural issues |
| Materials | Plastic sheeting, double-sided tape, dehumidifier, vents, foam board, spray foam |
| Preparation | Clean the ground, remove debris, level the ground, ensure proper ventilation, inspect and determine the cause of any crawl space problems |
| Installation Process | Roll out plastic sheeting, cut to fit internal supports, seal with tape, extend and fasten to walls, overlap and tape seams |
| Benefits | Prevent mould, increase energy efficiency, lower health risks, maintain healthy air quality, protect foundation from moisture damage |
| Challenges | Strenuous work in cramped spaces, potential tears in plastic, high costs for professional installation |
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What You'll Learn
Prepare the crawl space
Before installing a vapour barrier, it is important to prepare the crawl space thoroughly. First, ensure that the crawl space is as clean as possible. Use a garbage bag to pick up any debris, such as chunks of concrete or mortar. The goal is to have a clean floor without debris that could puncture the vapour barrier. If there is standing water, remove it with a pump or buckets, and run a dehumidifier for at least a day to ensure the space is as dry as possible. If the ground is uneven, use a rake to level it out and make the surface as smooth as possible.
Next, close any outside vents to prevent moisture from entering the crawl space. If necessary, add a dehumidifier or open HVAC ducts to improve air circulation. You may also need to insulate the side walls with foam board and seal any gaps with spray foam. It is important to address any mould or water leakage issues before installing the vapour barrier. If there is significant mould, consider hiring a professional to remove it.
Additionally, measure the crawl space to determine the amount of vapour barrier plastic needed. When purchasing the plastic sheeting, ensure it is at least 6-mil thick to effectively block moisture. It is also recommended to have a good work light, as crawl spaces can be tight, low, and cramped, making it difficult to see. Having an extra pair of hands to assist with rolling out the plastic and taping the seams can also make the installation process easier.
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Cut and roll out the plastic sheeting
Installing a vapour barrier is a great way to keep your home healthy by preventing moisture damage, increasing energy efficiency, and lowering the risk of mould and bacteria-related health problems. Before installing a vapour barrier, ensure that the crawl space is clean and dry.
Now, let's get into the step-by-step process for cutting and rolling out the plastic sheeting:
Before you begin cutting, it is important to have a clear understanding of the space you are working with. Measure the crawl space and ensure you have enough plastic sheeting ready. Mark out the areas where you will need to cut the plastic to fit around internal supports, walls, and any other obstructions.
When cutting plastic sheeting, it is essential to use the right tools and techniques to achieve accurate and clean cuts. Here are some tips for cutting the plastic sheeting:
- Use the appropriate cutting blade: Different blades work better with different types of plastic. Choose a blade specifically designed for the type of plastic sheeting you are using.
- Smooth out the plastic sheeting: Remove any creases or folds to ensure a straight cut. You can do this by pulling the plastic sheeting taut and securing it in place before cutting.
- Start with a small nick: Begin by making a small nick or cut in the reverse direction of your main cut. This will help guide your blade and prevent the plastic from catching or tearing.
- Use a straight edge: For long, straight cuts, consider using a straight edge or guide to ensure a straight and consistent cut.
- Support large pieces: If you are working with large pieces of plastic sheeting, ensure you have adequate support to prevent the material from sagging or moving during the cutting process.
- Be mindful of heat: If you are using heat guns or welders, maintain the appropriate temperature to avoid damaging the plastic.
Once you have cut the plastic sheeting to size, it's time to roll it out:
- Start from the opposite side of the crawlspace and work your way out. This will minimise the amount of crawling you need to do on the installed plastic.
- Roll out the plastic sheeting from wall to wall, leaving about 6 to 8 inches of extra plastic along the walls.
- Overlap each run of plastic by at least 12 inches and tape the seams.
- Seal the plastic to the base of the walls using double-sided tape designed for vapour barriers.
By following these steps, you will effectively cut and roll out the plastic sheeting, creating a vital vapour barrier to protect your home from moisture damage and other issues.
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Tape the seams
Taping the seams is an important step in installing plastic under your house to create a vapour barrier. Vapour barriers are thick plastic sheets that can be installed to keep moisture and potentially dangerous chemicals out of your home by blocking them from entering through crawl spaces, roofs, walls, ceilings, and foundations.
To begin taping the seams, you should first roll out the plastic, cutting each piece to leave about 6 to 8 inches of extra plastic along the walls. Overlap each run of plastic by at least 12 inches. Then, tape each seam until you've covered the entire floor. The tape you use should be durable and able to withstand moisture. Recommended tapes include Polyken Shadowlastic 627-20 tape, Scapa 136 Polyethylene Film Tape, and Tyvek tape.
When taping the seams, it's important to follow the manufacturer's instructions. Most house wrap manufacturers recommend minimum horizontal overlaps of 4-6 inches and minimum vertical overlaps of 6-12 inches. You can use double-sided tape to seal the plastic to the base of the walls along the perimeter. Make sure to seal any gaps or openings to create a complete barrier.
Additionally, consider using tape that is specifically designed for vapour barriers or construction purposes, such as ECHOtape's PE-M4535 All Weather Construction Seaming Tape, which adheres to a wide range of building materials and surfaces.
By properly taping the seams, you can ensure that your vapour barrier is effective in preventing moisture and other issues under your house.
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Seal the plastic to the walls
Installing a vapor barrier is a great way to keep your home healthy by preventing moisture damage, increasing energy efficiency, and lowering the risk of mould and bacteria-related health problems.
To seal the plastic to the walls, you will need to use tape or an adhesive sealant. First, cut the plastic sheeting to fit the internal supports and leave about 6 to 8 inches of extra plastic along the walls. You can use double-sided butyl tape to seal the plastic against the walls and any support piers. Ensure that you extend the plastic sheeting at least 6 inches up the walls and fasten it securely with the tape. This will create a fully resistant barrier to moisture.
If you prefer to use an adhesive, you can try silicone caulk, acoustic sealant, rubber cement, or a plastic adhesive such as 3M Scotch-Weld Plastic Adhesive. These options will provide a stronger hold than tape, but they may be more difficult to work with and may not be suitable for certain surfaces.
It is important to note that some sealants may not stick to certain types of plastic or surfaces. For example, silicone caulk does not adhere well to poly, and rubber cement may not provide a uniform seal. Always test a small area first to ensure the sealant is compatible with your materials and will provide the desired level of adhesion.
Additionally, if you are working with concrete block foundation walls, you may want to consider using Tyvek tape, which is specifically designed for this purpose.
By following these steps and choosing the appropriate sealing method, you can effectively seal the plastic to the walls and create a protective barrier for your home.
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Improve crawl space ventilation
Improving crawl space ventilation is crucial for maintaining a healthy and comfortable living environment. Here are some ways to achieve that:
Install Crawl Space Ventilation Fans
Crawl space ventilation fans are an effective way to improve air circulation, enhance energy efficiency, and control moisture levels in your crawl space. These fans draw in fresh air from outside and expel stale air from inside the crawl space. By reducing moisture levels, ventilation fans can help prevent mould growth, wood decay, and potential structural damage caused by excess humidity. They also help eliminate foul odours and improve the overall air quality in your home. It is recommended to have a professional assess your crawl space and determine the optimal fan size and placement for the best results.
Seal Crawl Space with Vapor Barrier
A vapor barrier is a plastic liner laid on the crawl space floor to block ground moisture from seeping into the living areas of your home. While this method doesn't involve direct ventilation, it helps control moisture levels by preventing it from entering your crawl space in the first place. This solution is especially useful in humid climates or areas prone to moisture problems.
Elevate Your Home
If your home is built too close to the ground, elevating the entire structure can provide proper clearance and improve ventilation. This solution can be costly, but it can be done simultaneously with crawl space foundation repair, making it a more economical option.
Install Vents in Crawl Space Walls
If your crawl space is not properly ventilated, consider installing vents in the walls to increase airflow. This method can help regulate moisture levels and prevent mould and structural issues associated with excess moisture.
Utilize Exhaust Fans
Exhaust fans are another solution to improve crawl space ventilation. These fans help remove stale air and reduce humidity, preventing mould growth and enhancing air quality.
Remember, it is important to maintain your crawl space ventilation system through regular inspections and cleaning to ensure optimal performance and longevity.
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Frequently asked questions
A vapor barrier is a thick plastic sheet that can be installed to keep moisture and potentially dangerous chemicals out of your home by blocking them from entering through crawl spaces, roofs, walls, ceilings, and foundations.
Moisture in crawl spaces can cause structural issues, rot, and decay in wood framing and other materials, mould, and mildew. Installing a vapor barrier can help prevent these issues and increase energy efficiency.
First, ensure the crawl space is as clean as possible by removing any debris and standing water. Then, run a dehumidifier for one or two days to ensure the space is as dry as possible. Finally, take a rake and level out the ground, making the surface as smooth and flat as possible for the plastic.
Start by rolling out lengths of plastic (6-mil or thicker) from wall to wall, cutting each piece of plastic, leaving about 6 to 8 inches of extra material along the walls. Overlap each run of plastic by at least 12 inches and tape each seam. Use double-sided tape to seal the plastic to the base of the walls and around any support piers.
Working in a restricted space beneath the house requires a good work light and knee pads. It is beneficial to have at least one other person assisting with rolling out the plastic and taping the seams.
