A 6 mil thick poly is commonly used as a vapor barrier and offers short-term savings to the homeowner. Reinforced polyethylene plastic sheeting (poly) comes in a variety of thicknesses and strengths. Plus, you’ll realize significant energy savings. Sealing an open crawlspace with a vapor barrier can also prevent moisture accumulation in your floors and living space, saving your home from wood rot and mold. Depending on the extent of the damage, the cost to clean and/or repair a crawl space can be considerably high, which is why the preventive measure of installing a vapor barrier is the preferred course of action. Moisture creates a hospitable environment for undesirable guests, and if left unaddressed, moisture can destroy the subfloor of your home - and along with it, the foundation. Sealing off your crawlspace can prevent rodents, bugs, or other pests from making their way into your home. Vapor barrier thicknesses range from 6 mil to 20 mil, with 6 mil being the bare minimum and 20 mil being the most heavy duty and puncture-resistant. Moisture-laden air enters the crawlspace and condenses into water droplets on cool pipes and concrete walls, which promotes mold, fungus, mildew, and bacteria.įortunately, vented crawlspaces can be sealed with the proper installation of a vapor barrier. In humid climates, vented crawlspaces are especially damaging. In practice, however, these vents don’t do a good job of circulating air, so whatever moisture makes it under the house will stay there. Crawlspaces beneath older houses are usually vented, meaning they have small openings to let air pass freely between the crawlspace and outside.
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