Sofia Martinez
Crawl spaces are often vented, allowing air to pass freely between the crawl space and the outside. However, moisture in the ground soil and humid climates can cause water droplets to form on pipes and walls, promoting mould, fungus, and bacteria. To prevent this, a crawl space encapsulation system is used, which involves covering the entire crawl space floor with plastic sheeting and sealing it to the foundation wall. The thickness of the plastic sheeting, or mil thickness, is an important consideration, as it determines its effectiveness as a vapour barrier. The minimum recommended thickness is 6 mil, but thicker barriers, such as 10-20 mil, offer better moisture control and durability.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Minimum thickness for crawl space vapor barriers | 6 mil |
| Thickness for temporary moisture management or as a flooring underlayment | 6 mil |
| Thickness for walls of crawl space | 6-8 mil |
| Thickness for floors of crawl space | 10-20 mil |
| Thickness for superior crawl space moisture protection | 20 mil |
| Thickness for encapsulation vapor barrier | 10-20 mil |
| Thickness for maximum benefits of a crawl space vapor barrier | 20 mil |
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What You'll Learn
The minimum thickness for crawl space walls is 6 mil
While 6 mil is the minimum thickness for crawl space walls, thicker barriers offer better moisture control. This is because thicker barriers have a lower perm rating, which means less water vapour can pass through. As a result, your crawl space will be drier and healthier.
The minimum thickness for crawl space walls is inadequate if the floor of the crawl space has rocks, roots, or concrete chunks. In this case, a thicker poly starting at 12 mil is recommended. Additionally, if the crawl space will be entered regularly or used for storage, a thicker option is preferable.
The thickness of the plastic sheeting you choose for your crawl space walls should also depend on the planned usage of the crawl space and your project budget. While 6 mil plastic sheeting is the most affordable option, it might not be the best choice for long-term moisture management.
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12 mil plastic is a good option for crawl space walls
Crawl spaces beneath houses are usually vented, meaning they have small openings to let air pass freely between the crawl space and the outside. However, moisture is present in the ground soil beneath the house, and these vents don't adequately circulate the air. In humid climates, vented crawl spaces are especially damaging. Moisture-laden air enters the crawl space and condenses into water droplets on cool pipes and concrete walls, promoting mold, fungus, mildew, and bacteria.
To avoid this, a crawl space vapor barrier is essential. In most cases, these should be at least 12 mils thick. A thicker vapor barrier will offer greater long-term value and durability. While a thinner poly, such as a 6 or 8 mil, can be used on the walls of the crawl space, a thicker poly should be used on the floor. If the crawl space is regularly entered for maintenance or used for storage, it is recommended to get a thicker poly of 12 mils or more.
A 12-mil plastic crawl space vapor barrier is a good option for crawl space walls as it is durable and offers excellent moisture protection. It is also seamless and smooth, ideal for standard installs. This thickness is also reliable for puncture resistance and reinforcement, making it a go-to solution for crawl spaces.
The 12-mil vapor barrier is also odor-free. Some reinforced products use moisture-reactive glues or fibers that cause unpleasant odors, but this product is engineered as a single, seamless layer of high-quality polyethylene. It is a trusted choice for crawl space encapsulation, basement waterproofing, and DIY projects that demand lasting durability.
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20 mil plastic offers superior crawl space moisture protection
Crawl spaces are often vented, meaning they have small openings to let air pass between the crawl space and the outside. However, this is not the primary source of moisture problems. Moisture is present in the ground soil beneath the house, and in humid climates, vented crawl spaces can be especially damaging. Moisture-laden air enters the crawl space and condenses into water droplets on cool pipes and concrete walls, promoting mould, fungus, mildew, and bacteria.
A crawl space encapsulation vapor barrier is essential for effective crawl space protection. The thicker the barrier, the better the moisture control, as a lower perm rating allows less water vapour to pass through, ensuring a drier, healthier crawl space. Typically, retail barriers are 6-mil or less, but for crawl space encapsulation, a minimum of 10-mil is recommended.
The CleanSpace® crawl space encapsulation system offers a super-durable, 20-mil plastic sheet material designed to permanently prevent moisture, outside air, and pests from getting into your crawl space. The 20-mil thickness is roughly 30% thicker than other "20-mil" products, and its seven-layer polyethylene composition, with polyester cord reinforcement, makes it suitable for installation over basement and crawl space walls and floors.
If you are looking to save costs without sacrificing durability, you can opt for a thinner poly, such as a 6-mil or 8-mil, on the walls of the crawl space, while using a thicker poly on the floor. However, if the crawl space will be entered regularly or used for storage, it is recommended to use a thicker poly of at least 12-mil.
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10 mil plastic is better than 6 mil but less common
When it comes to choosing the right thickness of plastic for your crawl space walls, there are a few factors to consider. Firstly, let's understand what "mil" means in this context. "Mil" is a unit of measurement that represents one-thousandth of an inch, so a 6 mil plastic sheet is six-thousandths of an inch thick. Now, let's delve into why 10 mil plastic is better than 6 mil and why it is less commonly used.
6 mil plastic is commonly used as the minimum thickness for crawl space vapor barriers. It is effective in creating barriers between rooms and is often used by water restoration companies to create containment areas. However, the effectiveness of 6 mil plastic in crawl spaces depends on various factors, such as the conditions of the crawl space, the planned usage, and the project budget. In some cases, 6 mil plastic may not be sufficient, especially if the crawl space floor has rocks, roots, or concrete chunks.
On the other hand, 10 mil plastic is considered a professional-grade encapsulation vapor barrier. It is thicker and offers better moisture control due to its lower perm rating. A perm rating measures the mass rate of water vapour flowing through one square foot of material. So, a 10 mil barrier will allow less water vapour to pass through, resulting in a drier and healthier crawl space. Additionally, 10 mil plastic provides better durability and resistance to punctures and tearing, making it ideal for high-traffic areas.
Despite the superior performance of 10 mil plastic, it is less commonly used than 6 mil plastic due to the cost factor. Thicker vapor barriers, like 10 mil plastic, generally come at a higher upfront cost. As a result, many people opt for the more affordable 6 mil plastic, which is widely available in retail stores. However, it is important to note that while 6 mil plastic may save on initial costs, it might not provide the same level of protection and durability as 10 mil plastic over the long term.
In conclusion, while 10 mil plastic offers better moisture control, durability, and resistance to punctures and tearing, its higher cost makes it less common than 6 mil plastic. The decision between the two thicknesses depends on specific project requirements, budget constraints, and the desired level of protection for your crawl space walls.
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Thicker plastic offers better moisture control
Crawl spaces are often prone to moisture problems from water vapour that rises from the ground and gets trapped in the enclosed space. A vapour barrier is a retardant, slowing down moisture from doing damage, mainly sealing the ground.
The thicker the plastic, the better it controls moisture. Thicker barriers have a lower perm rating, which means less water vapour can pass through, ensuring a drier and healthier crawl space. A minimum thickness of 10 mil is recommended for crawl space encapsulation, but thicker plastics of 12 mil or more are often used.
While thinner plastics of 6 mil or 8 mil are sometimes used on the walls of crawl spaces to save costs, a thicker plastic of at least 12 mil is recommended if the crawl space will be entered regularly or used for storage. This is because thicker plastics offer greater durability and better moisture protection.
For example, 12 Mil Dura Skrim® Reinforced Plastic Sheeting offers reliable puncture resistance and reinforcement, making it a popular choice for crawl spaces. Thicker plastics may be more challenging to install, especially in tight crawl spaces or those with multiple piers. However, their improved moisture control and durability make them a worthwhile investment for protecting your home from moisture damage.
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Frequently asked questions
A mil plastic crawl space wall is a type of vapour barrier made of polyethylene, a thermoplastic polymer. Mil is a unit of measurement equal to one thousandth of an inch.
The ideal thickness depends on the conditions of the crawl space, the planned usage, and the project budget. For effective moisture control, thicker barriers are recommended. The minimum thickness for a vapour barrier is 6 mil, but for crawl spaces, a minimum of 10-12 mil is recommended.
Thicker mil plastic provides better moisture control and durability. It also has lower permeability, meaning it resists water vapour passing through, improving air quality and preventing mould and fungi.
For crawl space walls, a vapour barrier of 10-12 mil is recommended. Some sources suggest 8 mil plastic sheeting for walls, and thicker 10-20 mil plastic for floors.
