Ethan Clarke
Installing plastic under your house in the crawl space can serve multiple purposes. It acts as a barrier against moisture or vapour, preventing water damage and mould or mildew intrusion. It can also help create more usable storage space. To install plastic sheeting, you will need a straight edge, tape measure, landscape fabric stakes, a hammer, utility knife, and duct tape. It is important to choose the right type of plastic sheeting, with polyethylene plastic being a popular choice for moisture abatement and storage protection. The thickness of the plastic sheeting is also crucial, with thicker grades of material being preferable to provide enhanced durability and moisture resistance.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Create a barrier against moisture or vapor, minimize the risk of mold or mildew, and create more usable storage space |
| Materials | Straightedge, tape measure, landscape fabric stakes, hammer, utility knife, duct tape, polyethylene plastic sheeting, and poly PVC tape |
| Thickness | Typically 6-mil, but thicker grades (10-mil or 20-mil) are recommended for enhanced durability and moisture resistance |
| Installation Process | Cut sheets to size, allowing 6 inches or more along walls, overlap seams by at least 12 inches, and secure with tape. Extend the plastic sheeting up the walls and secure it with double-sided tape |
| Maintenance | Ensure the vapor barrier remains sealed and in good shape to prevent mold spores from infiltrating the crawl space |
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What You'll Learn
Choose the right plastic sheeting
Plastic sheeting is a durable, versatile, and affordable construction material with a wide range of applications. It is important to choose the right type of plastic sheeting for your specific needs.
Clear poly sheeting is the most basic option, offering simple protection from dust and debris. It is also waterproof and resistant to tears and punctures, making it ideal for use in construction and other projects where protection from wind, rain, and snow is important. Reinforced poly sheeting is stronger and less prone to tearing or puncturing, while fire retardant poly sheeting is a must-have for projects where fire safety is a concern.
For residential buildings, plastic sheeting is primarily installed in crawl spaces to create a barrier against moisture or vapour, which can minimise the risk of mould or mildew intrusion into the home. It can also help create a more suitable storage space. When choosing plastic sheeting for this purpose, it is important to consider the thickness of the sheeting. While some sources recommend a thickness of six-mil, a thicker grade of material is generally preferable as it provides enhanced durability and moisture resistance. Experts recommend sheeting that's either 10-mil or 20-mil. It is also important to measure your crawl space before purchasing to ensure you buy a sufficient quantity.
In addition to thickness, the regional climate should be considered when choosing plastic sheeting. In a southern, humid climate with an air-conditioned building, for example, the vapour barrier should be on the outside of the building rather than the inside.
Finally, it is important to ensure that the plastic sheeting is installed correctly. Overlap the seams between sheets by at least 12 inches and secure them with poly PVC tape. At the edges of the crawl space, leave several inches of sheeting allowance and secure the sheeting to the soil with landscape fabric stakes.
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Prepare the crawl space
Plastic sheeting is commonly installed in crawl spaces to create a barrier against moisture or vapour. This barrier helps to minimise the risk of mould or mildew and can also create more usable storage space. Before installing plastic sheeting in your crawl space, there are several steps you should take to prepare the area.
Firstly, ensure that any water leaking from damaged pipes above is fixed. Water leaking from damaged pipes can pool up in the crawl space, and if not addressed before installing the plastic barrier, water will accumulate on top of the plastic sheeting. Check the exterior of your house to ensure that your gutters are clean and that the downspouts are extended. This is an important part of moisture management, as you want to limit the amount of moisture that reaches the soil underneath the crawl space.
Next, gather the necessary tools and materials. You will need a straight edge, tape measure, landscape fabric stakes, hammer, utility knife, duct tape, and plastic sheeting. While some sources recommend a thickness of six-mil, a thicker grade of material is generally preferable for enhanced durability and moisture resistance. Experts recommend using sheeting that is either 10-mil or 20-mil. Polyethylene plastic is a good choice for moisture abatement and storage protection.
Finally, prepare the crawl space by clearing any obstacles and ensuring that the area is clean and dry. It is important to wear a face mask when working in the crawl space to avoid inhaling debris or damp moisture that may contain bacteria and mould. Having a helper to pass items through the crawl space door and assist with rolling out the plastic and taping the seams is also beneficial.
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Cut and lay the plastic
To cut and lay the plastic, start by measuring the dimensions of your crawl space. You will need a tape measure for this. Cut the polyethylene plastic sheeting to size, allowing for 6 inches or more along the walls. This will ensure that the plastic fits snugly around the entire crawl space. Remember to choose the right thickness of plastic sheeting—6-mil is commonly used for residential applications, but thicker sheeting (e.g. 10-mil or 20-mil) is recommended for enhanced durability and moisture resistance.
Once you have cut the plastic to size, lay it down across the crawl space floor. Begin at one side and work your way across the entire space. Make sure to overlap the seams by at least 12 inches and secure them with poly PVC tape or duct tape. Work around any obstacles, such as outer support walls, columns, and inner support piers and posts. For inner supports, cut the plastic to fit snugly around them and seal it using double-sided butyl tape.
Around the perimeter of the crawl space, extend the plastic sheeting at least 6 inches up the walls and secure it in place with tape or landscape fabric stakes. This will create an effective barrier against ground moisture and vapour, helping to keep your home dry and free from mould or mildew.
It is important to note that the plastic sheeting should be firmly taped or pegged down to ensure it stays in place. Additionally, check for any leaks or water damage before installing the plastic, as this can cause water to pool up on top of the plastic sheeting.
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Overlap seams and seal
When laying plastic under a house, it is important to overlap seams and seal them to create an effective barrier against moisture and vapour. This process can also help create more usable storage space in crawl spaces.
To begin the process of overlapping seams and sealing, first, ensure that the plastic sheeting is laid out flat and smooth, with no wrinkles or creases. The plastic sheets should overlap by a good amount, typically a foot or two, to ensure a proper seal. Once the sheets are properly overlapped, you can start sealing the seams.
There are several methods to seal the overlapped seams of plastic sheeting. One common method is to use duct tape or a similar adhesive tape. Make sure the tape is wide enough to cover the overlapped area and press it down firmly to ensure a strong bond. Another method is to use a liquid sealant, such as silicone caulk or a silicone blend. Apply a thick bead of the sealant along the length of the seam and then press the seam together to ensure good contact between the plastic sheets and the sealant.
It is important to note that regional climate and soil differences can impact the effectiveness of the seal. For example, in areas with high humidity or frequent moisture, a thicker grade of plastic sheeting and a stronger sealant may be required. Additionally, regular maintenance and inspections are necessary to ensure that the seal remains intact and effective over time.
By following these steps and considering the specific conditions of your crawl space, you can effectively overlap seams and seal them when laying plastic under a house, creating a protective barrier against moisture and vapour intrusion.
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Extend the plastic up the walls
When laying plastic under a house, extending the plastic up the walls can create an effective vapour barrier to prevent moisture issues and mould growth. This is particularly important in areas with high humidity or significant rainfall.
To extend the plastic up the walls, start by measuring the height of the wall and adding a few extra inches to ensure full coverage. Cut the plastic sheeting to size, using a utility knife or scissors. It is important to use a thick enough plastic sheeting, such as polyethylene plastic, to create an effective barrier. Thinner plastic sheeting may not be sufficient and can easily be damaged.
Attach the plastic to the walls using appropriate fasteners such as landscape fabric stakes, staples, or duct tape. Ensure that the plastic is smooth and taut against the wall, with no gaps or wrinkles. Overlap the seams of the plastic by a foot or two to ensure a continuous barrier.
In addition to the plastic sheeting, you may also consider using a house wrap, such as Tyvek, on the exterior of the walls before installing the plastic. This will further enhance the moisture barrier and protect against water intrusion.
Finally, it is crucial to address any exterior moisture sources, such as gutters and downspouts, to ensure that they are directing water away from the house. This will help reduce the overall moisture reaching the crawl space and walls, working in tandem with the plastic vapour barrier.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic sheeting under your house can serve as a barrier against moisture or vapour, which can help minimise the risk of mould or mildew. It can also help create a more suitable storage space.
Polyethylene plastic is the best choice for moisture abatement and storage protection. While 6-mil sheeting is commonly used, thicker grades of 10-mil or 20-mil are recommended for enhanced durability and moisture resistance.
Begin by laying down the plastic sheeting across the entire crawl space, allowing 6 inches or more along walls. Overlap the seams by at least 12 inches and secure them with poly PVC tape. Cut the plastic around any inner supports and seal against the supports using double-sided butyl tape. Ensure the plastic is firmly taped or pegged down.
