Crawl spaces are unseen, so people often brush them aside when it’s time for home maintenance. Protecting your crawl space, however, is protecting your entire home from moisture issues. Ignoring problems in your crawl space can expose the rest of your home to dangerous mold and structural damage. Check out how you can protect your entire home with a crawl space vapor barrier.
What is a crawl space vapor barrier?
A vapor barrier is a protective layer in the crawl space of your home that fights moisture buildup. The actual barrier consists of plastic material or foil sheeting. The layer stops water from entering the air, preventing moisture from causing mold, mildew, rot, and structural damage. It also contains various pests, such as mice, termites, and even bed bugs, from entering your home through the crawl space.
You can also use barriers as a way to prevent the home’s foundation from becoming unstable from water seepage. A barrier helps prevent this problem by lining the exterior of your home’s foundation.
How to install a crawl space vapor barrier
An effective vapor barrier should seal tightly to your home’s exterior. It should also be installed at least one foot above the dirt in your crawl space. You should also check to make sure that your crawl space has no insulation falling out of the walls and floor. If it is, this insulation should be removed and replaced. Before you install your vapor barrier, you’ll need to check your crawl space. You’ll need to look for signs that your home’s foundation may be getting wet. You should also check for other possible leaks in the foundation that could lead to a problem.
Signs to look for
- Water or moisture running down from the roof or roof gutters onto your foundation
- Puddles of water in the foundation
- Foggy windows or windows that open in the winter
If you find any of these signs, you’ll need to take steps to solve the problem. Contact Crossroads Foundation repair today for a free estimate to get started.
