Top Questions: crawlspace Vapor Barriers In Raleigh, Nc

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Originally Posted On: https://www.raleighcrawlspacerepair-csn.com/crawl-space-vapor-barrier-raleigh-nc

We get a lot of questions about our crawl space vapor barrier service in Raleigh, NC, and what to answer the five most common questions for you to understand this service better.

• WHAT IS THE PURPOSE OF A CRAWL SPACE VAPOR BARRIER?

  The purpose of installing a vapor barrier in the crawl space is to reduce the amount of moisture evaporating from the soil into the air space under your home. Sometimes this plastic liner is referred to as a moisture barrier due to this fact. For a vapor barrier to be the most effective in a crawl space, it should cover 100% of the ground, run up the wall a minimum of 12 inches, and seal with good vapor barrier seam tape.

• HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO INSTALL A VAPOR BARRIER IN A CRAWL SPACE?

  The cost of installing a vapor barrier in a crawl space depends on a few factors. Below is a list of a few of those factors.

  • The size of the crawl space
  • The height of the crawl space
  • Amount of debris to remove
  • Amount of soil grading needed
  • The thickness of the vapor barrier

• WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF INSTALLING A VAPOR BARRIER IN A CRAWL SPACE?

  The main benefit of installing a vapor barrier is reducing the amount of moisture in the crawl space. Lowering the humidity in the air can reduce the chance of high moisture content on the work framing from becoming damaged by wood rot and reduce the chances of mold growth. By reducing the amount of moisture in the crawl space air, you can also minimize damage to the insulation under your subfloor.

• IS INSTALLING A CRAWL SPACE VAPOR BARRIER WORTH THE INVESTMENT?

  A properly installed vapor barrier in your crawl space is a good investment. You should take all steps possible to reduce the moisture under your home. A moisture barrier is a great start and even better when used with a dehumidifier with all openings to seal off outside.

• WHAT PROBLEMS CAN BE CAUSED BY NOT INSTALLING A VAPOR BARRIER A CRAWL SPACE?

  Not installing a vapor barrier can leave your crawl space framing susceptible to mold growth and wood rot. Insulation will start to fall and lose thermal efficiency, and floor coverings, such as hardwood, can begin to cup, and tiles can crack or pop up. In more severe cases, foundation damage can occur.

• HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO INSTALL A VAPOR BARRIER IN A CRAWL SPACE?

  The time it takes to install most vapor barriers in a crawl space is usually one day. Some things can affect the time frame, and we have listed them below.

  • The size of the crawl space
  • The height of the crawl space
  • Amount of debris to remove
  • Amount of soil grading needed
  • The thickness of the vapor barrier

OUR PROCESS: CRAWL SPACE MOSITURE BARRIER IN RALEIGH, NC

Below we is our process for installing a vapor barrier in a typical crawl space here in Raleigh, NC. If you still have questions, please reach out to us so we can answer them.

• STEP 1 – MEASURE THE CRAWL SPACE

  The crawl space length, width, and height must be calculated to determine the labor required to remove and replace the vapor barrier.

• STEP 2 – DETERMINE THE THICKNESS OF THE VAPOR BARRIER

  These days, many types of vapor barriers can be installed in a crawl space. The first is if you want a reinforced vapor barrier or a non-reinforced. Then it would be best if you decided on the thickness of the vapor barrier. Common vapor barriers thickness are listed below.

  • 6 Mil
  • 8 Mil
  • 10 Mil
  • 12 Mil
  • 15 Mil
  • 20 Mil
  • 36 Mil
  • 45 Mil
  • 90 Mil
  • 180 Mil

• STEP 3 – REMOVAL OF CRAWL SPACE DEBRIS

  Removing all debris in a crawl space is an important part that needs to be done thoroughly to ensure nothing punctures the liner once installed. It’s not the big debris that causes the problem, but the small debris.

• STEP 4 – REMOVAL OF OLD VAPOR BARRIER

  It is never a good idea to install a new vapor barrier over an old one. The liner under your home often hides things that can damage the new moisture barrier. For this reason, the old vapor barrier should be removed permanently.

• STEP 5 – PREP GROUND

  Prepping the ground is a critical step that must be completed before any crawl space liner is installed. Not only should all the debris be removed, but the soil should be graded, if possible, to remove any hills or bumps. The vapor barrier should be installed as flat as possible.

• STEP 6 – INSTALL A NEW VAPOR BARRIER

  When the vapor barrier is installed, it should cover 100% of the ground. The best installation method will take it a step further, run the liner up the walls and around the footers 12″ to 24″ and fasten it. Once the moisture barrier is installed, you will have some protection against one of the ways excessive moisture enters your crawl space.