There are numerous benefits that come along with installing a vapor barrier in your crawlspace, all of which you should be aware of. Vapor barriers can help improve not only the health of your home but also your own personal health and safety in significant ways. These benefits are not limited to the improvement of the health of your home.

In a crawl space, what kind of plastic do you recommend using?

The only type of vapor barrier that is permitted for use in crawl spaces by the building code is a Class 1 vapor barrier, which is also known as a vapor retarder.

Why does one choose to line a crawl space with plastic?

Plastic is often used by homeowners to cover their crawl spaces, as it helps to maintain a consistent moisture level and acts as a vapor barrier. In the absence of such a barrier, condensation has the potential to penetrate the walls and insulation of your home, substantially increasing the risk of mold and mildew growth.

What kind of material do you put down in a crawl space to act as a vapor barrier?

To maintain a level of dryness in your crawlspace, cover the floor with plastic sheeting. In order to prevent moisture from accumulating in the area beneath the house, we insulate it with foil-faced rigid insulation. Any moisture issues that you currently have in the crawlspace, such as water droplets collecting on the concrete walls and pipes, will be resolved once you install the insulation and the plastic.

Which is better for a crawl space: gravel or plastic?

Gravel will not prevent the presence of moisture in a crawl space; at best, it will merely disguise its presence. Sand will not only keep the crawl space dry after the moisture issue has been resolved by using plastic, but it will also act as an insulator between the dirt floor and the rest of the crawl space.

Can I use plastic with a thickness of 6 mil as a vapor barrier?

It can be challenging to move around in crawl spaces due to their low height in comparison to the surrounding ground. The use of a lightweight plastic with a thickness of only 6 mils may be kind to the wallet, but it will not stand the test of time. According to the building code, many of the thin vapor barriers that we see installed are not overlapped and taped, which allows for a high level of humidity.