Omar Khalid
Crawl spaces are often overlooked, but they are an essential area of a home that needs protection. Moisture in crawl spaces is common, and if left unchecked, it can lead to issues such as mould, mildew, pest infestations, and structural damage. Installing a vapour barrier is a great way to control moisture and prevent these problems. The most commonly used materials for vapour barriers are polyethylene plastic sheeting and reinforced polyethylene plastic sheeting. The thickness of the plastic sheeting is typically measured in mils, with common choices being 6 mil, 10 mil, and 20 mil. The right thickness depends on factors such as the floor type, usage, and budget. Concrete is another traditional method used to seal off crawl spaces, but modern alternatives like crawl space encapsulation systems provide a concrete-free solution.
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What You'll Learn
Concrete vs. encapsulation methods
Crawl spaces are often messy and dirty, and they can be a source of many issues, such as moisture problems, pests, and poor air quality. Waterproofing crawl spaces is essential to prevent mould growth, wood rot, structural damage, and decreased energy efficiency.
The two common options for waterproofing crawl spaces are installing a concrete floor or opting for crawl space encapsulation. Both methods aim to keep the crawl space dry, but they have distinct advantages and disadvantages.
The concrete method involves first installing a visqueen plastic vapour barrier seal (6 mil in thickness), followed by pumping concrete into the area to cover it. The resulting floor is usually 2 to 3 inches thick with a rough finish. The main benefit of a concrete surface is that it provides a rigid and durable floor, which is especially useful if heavy objects are stored in the crawl space. However, pouring a concrete floor in a confined crawl space can be complicated and messy, and it is also a costly and time-consuming process.
Crawl space encapsulation, on the other hand, is a modern solution that involves sealing the entire space with a heavy-duty vapour barrier, typically made from polyethylene, to block moisture. The vapour barrier is laid directly on top of the entire dirt or gravel floor surface and can also be extended to the crawl space walls. Encapsulation offers several advantages over concrete floors, including being a faster, less messy, and more cost-effective solution. The vapour barrier is impervious to water, ensuring that rainwater, soil moisture, and condensation do not enter the crawl space. It also improves energy efficiency by reducing drafts and humidity, resulting in lower energy bills.
The choice between concrete and encapsulation methods depends on the specific needs of the homeowner, the level of moisture control required, and the desired level of durability. Concrete floors offer a rigid and long-lasting solution, while encapsulation provides a faster, cleaner, and more flexible option. It is important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each method before making a decision.
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Polyethylene plastic sheeting
Vapour barriers are highly recommended for crawl spaces, as they are prone to moisture. Wood rot, pests, insects, and structural damage can all result from prolonged exposure to moisture. A vapour barrier is an inexpensive and effective remedy to this issue.
When installing polyethylene plastic sheeting, it is important to ensure that the crawl space is as dry as possible. You should also remove any debris, especially sharp objects that could puncture the plastic. The sheets should be cut to size, allowing at least 6 inches along the walls. Overlap the seams by at least 12 inches and secure them with duct tape or poly PVC tape. You can also use construction adhesive or pressure-treated nailing strips to seal the plastic to the foundation wall.
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Thickness and strength
The thickness and strength of the plastic sheeting for your crawl space depend on several factors, including the complexity of your application, the planned usage of the crawl space, the floor type, and your budget.
The minimum thickness for a crawl space vapor barrier is 6 mils, but thicker options such as 10 mil to 20 mil are also available and may be more suitable for certain applications. For example, if the crawl space will be used for storage or frequent foot traffic, a thicker plastic sheeting option is recommended to resist puncturing and tearing.
The type of floor in the crawl space should also be considered when choosing the thickness of the plastic sheeting. A 6 mil vapor barrier may be inadequate if the floor of the crawl space has rocks, roots, or concrete chunks. In this case, a thicker option such as 8 mil or 10 mil plastic sheeting would be more appropriate.
The cost of the plastic sheeting also varies with thickness, with prices ranging from 15 cents to $1.50 per square foot. Thicker plastic sheeting options will generally be more expensive.
In addition to thickness, the strength of the plastic sheeting is also an important consideration. Most regulations require Class A plastic sheeting to be used as vapor barriers, which have a minimum tensile strength of 45 lbs per inch and 2200 grams of puncture resistance.
To increase the puncture resistance of the vapor barrier, a felt or dimple underlayment can be used to keep rocks and other debris from creating small punctures. This will also help to keep humidity lower when using a crawl space dehumidifier.
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Installation process
The type of plastic used for a crawl space is known as a vapor barrier. Vapor barriers are crucial in maintaining a healthy and moisture-free home by preventing moisture-related issues like mould, mildew, and structural damage.
Vapor barriers are typically made of reinforced polyethylene plastic sheeting (poly) in various thicknesses and strengths, usually from 6 mils to 23 mils, depending on your budget and needs. A mil is equal to 0.001 inches in thickness, so a 6-mil sheet is 0.006 inches thick.
- Prepare the crawl space: Ensure the crawl space is as dry as possible before beginning the installation. Use a dehumidifier, fans, or a pump to remove any standing water or excess moisture from the crawl space. Clear any debris, insulation, or existing vapor barriers, and level the ground using a garden rake.
- Measure and cut the vapor barrier: Measure the dimensions of your crawl space, accounting for any obstacles like pipes or vents. Cut the vapor barrier sheeting to size, allowing for overlap at the seams and additional material to extend up the walls.
- Lay the vapor barrier: Lay the cut vapor barrier flat on the crawl space floor, ensuring it covers the entire area. If using multiple pieces of plastic, overlap the seams by at least 12 inches and secure them with adhesive or tape.
- Secure the vapor barrier: Use a staple gun or adhesive to secure the vapor barrier to the walls, piers, and any other vertical surfaces. Ensure a tight seal by properly sealing the edges and penetrations. Use adhesive or tape to seal gaps around pipes, vents, and any other openings in the crawl space.
- Inspect and test: Once the installation is complete, carefully inspect the vapor barrier for any loose or unsecured sections. Test the effectiveness of the barrier by monitoring the crawl space for signs of moisture over the next few weeks.
It is important to note that installing a vapor barrier in a crawl space is a relatively inexpensive and straightforward project, but it can be hard work due to the confined and cramped space. Having a helper to pass tools and materials can be beneficial. Additionally, ensure proper ventilation during and after the installation process to prevent residual moisture from being trapped in the space.
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Cost and effectiveness
The cost of installing a plastic vapour barrier in a crawl space varies depending on the thickness of the sheet and the size of the space. Sheets can cost between 15 cents to $1.50 per square foot, with thicker sheets costing more. For an expert to install, it can cost between $2,000 to $4,000, depending on the size of the space and the thickness of the sheet.
Installing a vapour barrier is a relatively inexpensive way to prevent moisture from seeping up through the flooring into your home, with the added benefits of reducing pests, insects, and potential structural damage caused by too much moisture.
If you are installing the barrier yourself, it is beneficial to have at least one helper to pass items through the crawl space door and help with rolling out the plastic and taping the seams. It is also important to ensure that the crawl space is as dry as possible before beginning installation, and to wear a face mask to avoid inhaling any debris or damp moisture that may contain bacteria and mould.
The thickness of the plastic sheeting is typically between 6 and 23 mils, with 6 mils being the minimum recommended thickness for a reinforced poly vapour barrier. The thickness you choose will depend on your budget and specific needs.
In addition to the plastic sheeting, you will also need construction adhesive and duct tape to seal the seams. Some people also choose to cap the plastic with concrete to protect it from damage and allow access to the area without fear of puncturing the plastic. This adds to the overall cost of the project.
Overall, installing a plastic vapour barrier in a crawl space is a cost-effective way to protect your home from moisture damage, with the added benefit of reducing pests and insects. The exact cost will depend on the size of the space and the thickness of the plastic sheeting you choose.
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Frequently asked questions
A crawl space vapor barrier is a layer of plastic sheeting that helps to control moisture levels in a crawl space. Vapor barriers are crucial in moisture management in crawl spaces and are not difficult to install.
The most commonly used materials are polyethylene plastic sheeting and reinforced polyethylene plastic sheeting. Polyethylene plastic sheeting is durable, waterproof, and resistant to mold and mildew. Reinforced polyethylene is an upgraded version with added strength to prevent tears or punctures.
The recommended thickness varies depending on the specific needs, budget, and conditions of the crawl space. The minimum recommended thickness is 6 mil, which is considered a Class 1 vapor retarder. However, thicker options such as 10 mil or 20 mil provide increased protection and are more suitable for high-traffic areas or crawl spaces with uneven surfaces.
To install a crawl space vapor barrier, start by ensuring the crawl space is as dry as possible, using methods such as dehumidifiers, fans, and removing any wet materials. Cut the plastic sheeting to size, allowing for overlap at the seams, and secure them with duct tape or construction adhesive. Extend the plastic sheeting up the foundation wall and seal it with tape or adhesive.
