A plastic sheeting vapor barrier in your crawl space is a practical way to prevent rust and foundation rot while keeping moisture away from the main levels of your house. Installation is simple if done right, and property owners or homeowners can make the barrier as enclosed as needed, especially with added tools or sealants.
What Type of Plastic Sheeting Do I Need for a Vapor Barrier?
A typical barrier for your crawl space will be 20 mil to 6 mil. Americover’s Pro Crawl Barrier is a high tensile strength 10 mil multi-layered vapor barrier with a high gloss for a professional finish. Due to how long a vapor barrier will be applied in your crawl space, it’s not uncommon for a contractor or homeowner to opt for a 20 mil, but it is quite a bit heavier than other mil thicknesses. For lifetime protection from mold in these crawl spaces, contractors also opt for using the Pro Crawl Anti-Mold Vapor Barrier with MPT™. The mold protection in this product doesn’t expire and lasts the life of an installed crawl space vapor barrier.
Read more about which mil thickness is right for your crawl space.
How to Install a Vapor Barrier in Your Crawl Space
Attaching the vapor barrier to the wall can be a challenge, especially in the crawl space. Preparation is key, and proper installation is essential.
In addition to vapor barriers, you will need the following materials:
- 2-Sided Butyl tape — to create an airtight seal around the fastener and between vapor barriers and the wall.
- Vapor tape – used to seam plastic panels and provide a clean finish to the installation on the walls and columns.
- Christmas Tree Ratchet Fasteners to anchor the vapor barrier to the wall, and lastly you will need a 32mm masonry bit drill and a mallet.
Additional materials, like caulk or a staple gun, are things that some installers may use for an extra tight seal. You’ll also need something to cut the vapor barrier to size. We encourage you to measure and cut your vapor barrier outside. Attach the butyl tape to one side of each vapor barrier section, then, roll it up. This will make installation in a small space easier.
How to Install a Vapor Barrier in Your Crawl Space
Start by dusting the surface of the wall to eliminate debris and matter that prevents the tape from sticking.
Install the walls and columns first. Slowly stretch and tape your plastic, removing the paper from the plastic-facing side of the double-sided tape as you go to prevent errors. Use a box cutter to cut out doors, windows, or around other obstructions and corners if applicable. The Christmas Tree Ratchet Fasteners will anchor the barrier to the crawl space wall, preserving a tight seal.
Install the flooring pieces next. Remember to overlap the panels of plastic sheeting by 6 inches to ensure a tight seal. For more tips and tricks, contact an Americover Plastic Sheeting Specialist.
Products Mentioned
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| Learn more about Dura-Skrim® reinforced plastic sheeting . | Learn more about Americover’s PRO Crawl Barrier | Learn more about Pro Crawl Anti-Mold Vapor Barrier with MPT™. |
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| Learn more about Vapor Tape | Learn more about Christmas Tree Ratchet Fasteners |
Learn more about 2-Sided Butyl tape |
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