20 mil vapor barriers are the thickest vapor barrier used in crawl spaces and under slab applications. While mil thickness designates a specific thickness to plastic sheeting, other variables, such as tensile strength, permeance, and string-reinforcement will determine which vapor barrier is best for your project. Class A, B, and C vapor barriers all have the same low permeability with ranging tensile strength.
Americover’s 20 mil vapor barriers offer many advantages for commercial construction projects. Some options include:
20 Mil Dura-Skrim® Reinforced Plastic Sheeting: 20 Mil Dura-Skrim® white reinforced plastic sheeting is a heavy duty construction and agricultural film designed for both indoor and outdoor applications requiring an exceedingly strong material that contains UV inhibitors.
20 Mil Tuff-Scrim™ White Reinforced Poly Sheeting: 20 Mil Tuff-Scrim™ Poly White Reinforced Plastic Sheeting is a multi-ply laminate combining two white films with a high-strength cord grid for use in indoor applications. It is specifically engineered to provide high strength and durability.
20 Mil Vapor Barrier Retarder and Vapor Barrier Yellow: Vapor Barrier Retarders are composed of polyolefin resins to create a puncture-resistant vapor barrier for use under concrete slabs to stop moisture migration and reduce mold, mildew, and fungus.
When Should a 20 mil Vapor Barrier be used?
For Superior Puncture Resistance
String-reinforced 20 mil plastic sheeting is thick and tough, and is great for heavy-duty commercial applications. 20 mil string-reinforced vapor barriers are puncture resistant — perfect for encountering soil, large rocks, or broken concrete.
Vapor barriers should be thicker than plastic sheeting typically used for other purposes because vapor barriers must be durable, puncture and tear resistant, and have low permeability. Extremely low permeability keeps water vapor away from the structure’s walls.
Beneath Concrete Slabs
20 mil vapor barriers are used under concrete slabs or in buildings to stop moisture migration and reduce mold, mildew, and fungus. Vapor barriers should exceed ASTM 1745, Class A, B, and C standards.
The American Concrete Institute (ACI) recommends a minimum of 10-mil polyethylene or thicker for vapor retarders under concrete. Thicker barriers are better at barricading against moisture and resisting punctures and tears.
To Restrict Gasses
Radon is a naturally occurring, colorless, odorless, radioactive gas found in all types of soil that can lead to lung cancer. One of the best ways to significantly decrease the rate of radon and water vapor penetration is to use a vapor barrier.
If you require a radon barrier, we recommend the 20 mil VAPORBLOCK®️ PLUS™ vapor barrier. It is a dual-sided gold and white, seven-layer, coextruded barrier with EVOH resins resistant to radon, methane, and moisture transmission.
For Crawl Spaces
A 20 mil vapor barrier is the optimal choice for crawl spaces because it fully encapsulates the home from the earth below.
For More Durability and Longer Life
As soon as a vapor barrier tears or is compromised, it is no longer a viable vapor barrier unless it is repaired. 20 mil vapor barrier liners are the best option because they are durable and last longer. Thinner vapor barriers are more likely to tear allowing moisture to return to the crawl space.
For Healthier Air
As much as 40% of the air a person breathes inside comes from the crawl space. For residential construction applications creating a thick barrier between the living space and the potential allergens, toxic animal waste, and mold can protect health in the short and long term.
To Save Energy
Thick plastic sheeting often doubles as extra insulation. Using a 20 mil vapor barrier can save up to 20% on heating and air conditioning costs.
Products Mentioned
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| Learn more 20 Mil Dura-Skrim® white reinforced plastic sheeting | Learn more 20 Mil Tuff-Scrim™ Poly White Reinforced Plastic Sheeting | Learn more Vapor Barrier Retarder | Learn more Vapor Barrier Yellow | Learn more |
Trusted by Growers, Builders, and Distributors
Americover is the smart source for plastic and polyethylene sheeting. Trusted by contractors and distributors across construction and agriculture industries, our American-made products combine reliability with quality and innovation.
As an Americover customer, you will receive the personalized support of a dedicated account manager to simplify the ordering process and ensure the best solution for every one of your projects. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and fulfill orders Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. If you would like to speak with a representative, call us at 760-388-6294 or contact us.