Omar Khalid
Plastic sheeting in crawl spaces is a common method of creating a barrier against moisture or vapour. This helps to prevent mould or mildew from intruding into the home. Before installing plastic sheeting, it is important to clear the crawl space of any debris, especially sharp objects that may puncture the plastic. The thickness of the plastic sheeting is an important consideration, with thicker grades of material being preferable to provide enhanced durability and moisture resistance. Overlapping seams should be taped down, and the plastic should be extended several inches up the walls and secured with tape or adhesive. While plastic sheeting can help control moisture, it is not a solution for standing water, and additional solutions may be needed to address water issues.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | Control moisture and create a barrier against vapour |
| Installation tools | Straightedge, tape measure, landscape fabric stakes, hammer, utility knife, duct tape, and poly PVC tape |
| Plastic type | Polyethylene |
| Plastic thickness | 6-mil or thicker |
| Overlap between sheets | 6 inches or more |
| Sealing method | Double-sided butyl tape, duct tape, or construction adhesive |
| Ventilation | Cross ventilation is important to prevent residual moisture from being trapped |
| Plastic replacement | Every 5-10 years |
| Plastic installation over old plastic | Not recommended due to potential issues with mold growth, odour retention, debris entrapment, and condensation |
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What You'll Learn
Clearing debris and preparing the crawlspace
Firstly, measure the length and width of your crawl space to purchase the appropriate amount of plastic sheeting. The plastic sheeting typically ranges from 6' to 30' in width and comes in rolls up to 200' long. It is essential to buy a sufficient quantity to cover the entire space.
Before laying the plastic, ensure that your crawl space is dry. Give it several days to dry out if necessary. Check for any sources of water pooling, such as rainwater runoff or a high water table. If there is significant water pooling, consider hiring a water remediation company to install a drainage system. Also, inspect for any leaky plumbing and ensure that all pipes are in good condition before proceeding.
The next step is to clear out all debris from the crawl space. Crawl spaces often collect discarded building materials and other unwanted items. Remove everything, especially sharp objects that could puncture the plastic sheeting. Use a garden rake to level out the ground as much as possible.
Once the space is cleared and levelled, address any ventilation issues. Crawl spaces often suffer from inadequate ventilation, which can lead to trapped moisture. Improve cross-ventilation by bringing the vents up to code, or consider installing an electric vent fan system for more serious moisture problems.
Finally, inspect the existing vapor barrier, if there is one already in place. Assess its condition and decide whether it needs to be removed. Old vapor barriers can trap unpleasant odors and lead to mold growth and condensation issues. If you choose to remove it, clean the area thoroughly before installing the new plastic sheeting.
By following these steps, you will effectively clear and prepare your crawl space for the plastic spread, ensuring a successful installation and maximizing the benefits of your vapor barrier.
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Choosing the right plastic sheeting
When choosing the right plastic sheeting for your crawl space, there are several factors to consider. The primary purpose of installing plastic sheeting in a crawl space is to create a barrier against moisture and vapour to prevent mould or mildew issues. Therefore, it is essential to select a plastic sheeting that effectively serves this purpose.
Firstly, measure your crawl space's length and width to determine the required quantity of plastic sheeting. The standard sheeting can range from 6' to 30' in width and come in rolls up to 200' long.
Secondly, consider the thickness of the plastic sheeting. The thickness is typically measured in mils, and the recommended thickness for crawl spaces is at least 10-mil or 20-mil for enhanced durability and moisture resistance. While 6-mil plastic sheeting is commonly used and may meet local codes, it is more susceptible to damage and may not provide sufficient protection against moisture. Thicker grades of plastic, such as 10-mil or 20-mil, offer better durability and moisture resistance, ensuring long-term protection for your crawl space.
Additionally, pay attention to the material composition of the plastic sheeting. Recycled polyethylene sheeting, often found in hardware stores, may be more affordable, but it can become brittle and weaken over time, compromising its effectiveness as a vapour barrier. Instead, opt for plastic sheeting made from virgin materials or specifically designed for vapour barrier applications, as these will provide more long-lasting protection.
Finally, consider the climate and soil conditions in your region. Different climates and soil types may require variations in materials and installation approaches. For example, if your crawl space has a concrete floor or is prone to water pooling, you may need to take additional measures or choose a more specialised plastic sheeting.
By considering these factors and selecting the right plastic sheeting, you can effectively control moisture and vapour in your crawl space, creating a healthier and more suitable environment for storage or other purposes.
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Cutting and laying the plastic
To begin cutting and laying the plastic, you must first measure your crawl space's length and width to ensure you have enough plastic sheeting. The plastic sheeting typically ranges from 6' to 30' in width and comes in rolls up to 200' long.
Next, you will need to cut and lay down strips of plastic sheeting over the open soil area in your crawl space. Ensure that the seams overlap by at least 12 inches and secure them with duct tape or poly PVC tape.
After that, use landscape fabric stakes and hammer them into the soil around the edges to secure the sheeting. At the edges of your crawl space, where the soil meets the walls, leave a minimum of 6 inches of sheeting allowance. You can then seal the plastic against the walls using double-sided butyl tape or construction adhesive.
For inner support piers and posts, cut the plastic sheeting to fit snugly around them and seal the plastic against the supports using double-sided butyl tape.
Finally, if desired, you can cap the plastic with 2 inches of concrete to protect it from damage and allow access to the area without fear of puncturing the plastic.
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Sealing the seams and edges
Firstly, you should cut the plastic sheeting to size, allowing for a minimum of 6 inches or more along the walls. This will ensure that the plastic extends at least 6 inches up the walls, creating an effective barrier.
When laying the plastic sheeting, ensure that the seams overlap by at least 12 inches. This will create a strong seal and help to prevent any moisture from seeping through. Secure the seams together using duct tape or poly PVC tape.
For inner support piers and posts, cut the plastic sheeting to fit snugly around them. Seal the plastic against the supports using double-sided butyl tape or construction adhesive. This will ensure that all gaps are filled and sealed, creating a continuous barrier.
Finally, consider using 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 plastic to hold it in place. This will help to ensure that the plastic remains taut and secure, reducing the risk of tears or gaps forming over time.
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Mitigating radon and other issues
Radon is a colourless, odourless, radioactive gas that enters homes through cracks and openings in the foundation. It moves up through the soil and into the crawl space air, and from there it can migrate into the floorboards of your home. Crawl space encapsulation can reduce radon levels and prevent moisture damage.
To mitigate radon, you can install a plastic vapour barrier, also known as a "vapour diffusion retarder". This will protect your home and its occupants from radon infiltration. It is recommended that you seek a professional for this purpose, as the potential risk is significant. A well-designed Active Soil Depressurization (ASD) system can also be used to mitigate radon. This system uses soil gas collectors, fans, and piping in partnership with a vapour barrier to create a low-pressure environment that collects radon underneath the house.
Plastic sheeting in crawl spaces can also help to control moisture and create a barrier against vapour. This will help to minimize the risk of mould or mildew intrusion into the home. To install plastic sheeting, you will need to first measure your crawl space to ensure you are buying a sufficient quantity. Then, cut and lay down strips of plastic sheeting, ensuring that the seams overlap and are taped down. You can use landscape fabric stakes and a hammer to secure the sheeting to the soil. It is important to choose the right kind of plastic sheeting and to install it correctly.
Additionally, it is important to note that you should not layer new plastic over an old vapour barrier, as this can lead to trapped moisture and mould growth. Instead, remove the old barrier, clean the area, and then install a new one.
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Frequently asked questions
Plastic sheeting in a crawl space acts as a barrier against moisture or vapour, reducing the risk of mould or mildew in your home. It can also help create a more suitable storage space.
First, measure your crawl space's length and width and purchase the required amount of plastic sheeting. Then, cut and lay down strips of plastic sheeting over the open soil area, ensuring that the seams overlap. Tape down the seams and use landscape fabric stakes to secure the sheeting to the soil.
Polyethylene plastic sheeting is a common choice for moisture abatement and storage protection. While 6-mil thickness is often recommended, thicker grades of 10-mil or 20-mil provide enhanced durability and moisture resistance.
Crawl spaces are prone to moisture problems from water vapour rising from the ground. If you notice dampness, odours, or signs of mould or mildew, installing plastic sheeting can help mitigate these issues. Additionally, plastic sheeting can also be used to protect against radon infiltration.
