Plastic vapor barriers will prevent the vast majority of water vapor from seeping up from the soil and into your crawlspace. However, increasing the amount of cross ventilation throughout the crawlspace is an important additional method for preventing any moisture that is still present from becoming trapped in the space and causing mold to grow.

Do you need a qualified expert to install a vapor barrier system in your crawl space?

In the event that you find mold growing in your crawlspace, there are a few different approaches to taking care of the moisture problem that was the root cause of the mold growth that you might investigate. The installation of a crawl space vapor barrier system, adjusting the grade of your landscaping, or redirecting rainwater away from the property are all examples of relatively straightforward approaches to the problem of excessive moisture in crawl spaces however, if the problem persists, you may need the assistance of a crawl space service professional.

Do you find that water has gathered on the pipes or the concrete walls of your crawl space?

Crawl spaces that do not have a proper crawl space vapor barrier system typically have an undesirable side effect that might be described as dampness. If you do not have a crawl space vapor barrier system, the ventilation apertures in your crawl space will convey humid air throughout the summer months. This humid air will condense and settle on the cool pipes, walls, and even the subflooring if you do not have a system. It will be much more difficult for allergens, mold spores, and other irritants to enter your ventilation system if you install a crawl space vapor barrier system. This will allow you to save money on energy costs by reducing the amount of time your furnace needs to be on. This will also keep outside air infiltration to a minimum, which means your HVAC system won't have to work as hard. Finally, the air quality in your home will be improved because it will help keep the air clean.

Is it necessary to ensure that the vapor barrier in a crawl space is properly sealed?

The process of installing a vapor barrier involves spreading a layer of black plastic with a thickness of 6 millimeters across the whole surface of the crawl space floor in your home or place of business. You are not required to have a dehumidifier installed because the vents that feed into your crawl space are not sealed. In addition, the construction of a vapor barrier does not require the installation of a sump pump in any given structure.

Is clear or black vapor barrier better?

In comparison to the clear barrier, the black barrier is significantly more effective at preventing the evaporation of moisture. Because of its dark tint, the crawl space beneath a house acts as a barrier to the germination of any plant seeds that could be there. The natural process by which plants release moisture into the atmosphere results in the creation of more moisture.

Can I install a new vapor barrier on top of the old one?

The existing vapor barrier should be left in place, and the new one should be installed on top of it. Even if it does not cover the entire crawl space, the old barrier still serves the purpose of providing some additional moisture blocking and also helps protect the new vapor barrier from any pebbles or debris that may be on the floor of the crawl space.