How to Install a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier

A crawl space vapor barrier is an essential piece of home maintenance that helps to reduce the overall moisture in your basement or crawl space. Moisture can cause a number of issues that lead to structural and health problems, including mold growth and rotted wood.

Installing a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier

One of the first things you need to do before you begin working on your crawl space is to remove all debris from the area. Whether it’s old insulation, concrete chunks or fallen branches, you need to get rid of everything before putting the vapor barrier down.

The next step is to level out the soil in the crawl space to provide a flat base for the vapor barrier. This will help prevent the vapor barrier from clumping and performing less efficiently.

Once the floor has been graded and cleaned, it’s time to put down a plastic moisture polyethylene vapor barrier. This will keep the moisture in the dirt out of your crawl space and reduce the likelihood that water will find its way inside your home through seepage or condensation as the air temperature changes.

While you’re at it, take care to make sure the crawl space inspection is made from a high-quality plastic. This will ensure that it’s durable enough to withstand the elements and last you many years.

When choosing the right vapor barrier, it’s important to remember that the thickness of the vapor barrier plays a major role in how effective it will be at keeping moisture out of your crawl space. The industry standard for crawl space spray foam is to use a minimum of 10-mil, but some companies choose to go well over 20-mil to offer more protection against punctures and tears.

If you’re going to be entering your crawl space regularly for repairs or storing items, you’ll want a thicker poly than the average 10 mil. You’ll also want to consider how much moisture your crawl space tends to get, especially if you live in an area where it rains frequently. Know more about contractor at http://www.ehow.com/how_4442535_become-general-contractor.html.

Regardless of your needs, it’s important to find a reliable company or contractor who will do the job properly and professionally. You’ll want to ensure that the installer is licensed and insured to protect you from any issues that may arise during the process.

Another thing to look for is experience and referrals from previous clients. If you’re not sure how well a potential service provider has done in the past, ask for references and check online reviews to find out what other people have said about them.

A professional will be able to help you determine the best vapor barrier for your particular situation. They’ll be able to recommend the most appropriate thickness and make sure the vapor barrier is installed correctly. They’ll also be able to provide you with a warranty for their work, so you know that your crawl space will be protected.