Crawl Space Vapor Barrier: Why You Need It Installed Today
If you live in a place that’s susceptible to high moisture, chances are you are searching for an effective way to regulate the moisture levels in your home. You can do so with a good quality crawl space vapor barrier especially if your crawl space is earthen. Find out why you need it installed in your space today.
How does a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier Work?
Moisture barriers, also known as vapor barriers bar water from seeping through the walls of your building from the soil and to the crawl space. With a vapor barrier installed in your home, you can be sure that no water shall be trapped beneath your crawl space for prolonged periods.
Understanding the Available Vapor Barrier Types
If your aim is to prevent moisture from seeping through your crawl space surface, you need to have a 2-inch thick barrier. Some people will opt for a concrete floor that is effective and doesn’t allow water through, while others will be comfortable using a vapor liner that confines the moisture beneath the plastic sheet.
Choosing the appropriate crawl space vapor barrier type can go along way in saving you money and time which you would otherwise spend in cleaning and removing mold in your home or repairing structural damages in your home caused by rotting as a result of excess moisture.
Other Methods of Controlling Moisture in Your Crawl Space
There are various other methods you can adopt to control moisture in your crawl space such as:
You can install a basement vapor barrier in your crawl space. This gadget is specially designed to prevent moisture from seeping through the walls. It comes with a plastic sheet to enhance effectiveness.
A dehumidifier is another effective gadget that is specially designed to keep mildew, mold, and other contaminants at bay. One thing you need to consider when purchasing a dehumidifier for your crawl space is the size. Ensure it’s the correct size for your intended space.
Assuming your crawl space has some moisture, you may want to install a sump pump to help discharge the water out of your home. However, if there’s a large amount of water in your crawl space, then you may need to consult a professional crawl space expert. They’ll come and inspect your crawl space, identify any areas that need to be repaired, and advise accordingly. Before you install a sump pump in your crawl space, ensure all possible leakage sources have been repaired.
Why do you Need a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier?
There are numerous reasons why you may need to install a vapor barrier in your crawl space as seen below:
Regulate Temperature in your Home and Cut Down Energy Costs
If your home has excess moisture, you can be sure it’ll cause temperature fluctuation in your home. Moisture results in fluctuation of humidity levels in your home making it colder or hotter than normal. What this means is that your air conditioner will have to work extra hard to contain the humidity levels in your home and this will reflect in your energy costs.
Your heating and cooling system will also run continuously for a prolonged time and the impact of this will be high utility expenses. Your furnace, on the other hand, will also be struggling to increase heat levels in your home. In order to regulate temperatures in your home and reduce energy costs, you can consider installing a vapor barrier. This gadget will cut down the time that your systems will run to sustain temperatures in your crawl space and home in general.
Minimizes Wetness
Moisture and water can penetrate through an earthen floor and walls beneath your home. When there’s an increase in humidity and moisture in the crawl space, it’ll spread across the entire home and result in the mold infestation.
By installing a crawl space vapor barrier, you’ll notice a reduction in moisture in your home and this will help you avert structural damage of your home which can cause rusting of metal and rotting of wood. In extreme conditions, structural damage can cause major havoc on your drywall. Seal your crawl space using a vapor barrier to keep it dry and prevent dangerous mold fumes at bay.
Preserve Plumbing System
There are numerous pipes in your crawl space and moisture is likely to collect in these pipes. This can result in frequent breakages as a result of rust, a more prevalent case in older homes. A vapor barrier will come in handy in this case to help you prolong the lifespan of your pipes and also save you expenses you’d have incurred in carrying out repairs.
Cut Down Electrical and Wiring Dangers
If electrical wires get in touch with moisture, they can become a major hazard such as electrical shorts, fire, and even rusted wire. Keeping your electrical wires free from moisture is necessary and failure to do so can increase the risk of electrocution or fire.
Protect the Structure of Your Home
As mentioned above, moisture in your crawl space can result in wood rot and this can lead to structural damage to your home. What does this do to your budget? Of course, it causes a dent in your bank account seeing that repairing structural damage can be an expensive affair. Avert this by installing a crawl space vapor barrier to prevent wood rot and eventual structural damage.
Finally
Are you considering installing a vapor barrier in your home? Hire a professional crawl space expert and they’ll help you execute a successful task.
