Crawl space encapsulation is just one of many parts of a building project, but it requires careful consideration. This process adds a perm rated vapor barrier on crawl space floors and walls to keep the area clean and dry. This is important for builders as it can prevent wood rot, infestations from pests, buildup of mold, and can increase the energy efficiency of a building. Americover understands the importance of proper crawl space encapsulation. To make sure that your crawl space is secure, here are some questions you’ll need to answer.
1. Does the Crawl Space Vapor Barrier Meet the Building Code?
Just as you would consider the building code for the construction of a commercial building or home, consider the same for your crawl space vapor barrier. After putting in the work to set up the vapor barrier, it would be a shame to realize that your crawl space is not up to code. Review local jurisdiction in your state and ensure you meet compliance standards before proceeding.
2. Do You Know How Much Vapor Barrier You Need?
When it comes to crawl space encapsulation, you should have enough plastic sheeting to cover floors, walls, and any columns. Builders should measure how much material they need before they purchase and before installation. All it takes is some measuring tape and a bit of math. For more information on how to calculate the amount of vapor barrier you need for your crawl space read the recommended article below.
Recommended Article: How Much Vapor Barrier Do I Need for My Crawl Space?
3. Is Insulation Needed?
Crawl space encapsulation can help with energy efficiency. Vapor barriers can be supplemented with additional insulation between the foundation wall. If the building’s exterior wall is made of concrete or other permeable materials, then you will need insulation between the vapor barrier and the exterior wall. This helps regulate interior temperature. Therefore, insulation cannot be an afterthought, so consider your needs before installing a vapor barrier.
Recommended Article: Why You Should Be Concerned About Ground Moisture
4. Does Your Crawl Space Require Drainage?
Leaking pipes in your crawl space or exposed earth under your vapor barrier can spell trouble. If you need a drainage system for your crawl space, it’s best to think about it before installing a vapor barrier and drainage accessories. Ensure that your vapor barrier is durable, high-quality, and has low permeability to keep moisture out. Even if there is a leak in your crawl space, you can be confident that it will drain out.
Other Crawl Space Tips to Consider
The above tips are a helpful place to start before any vapor barrier installation. Check out other considerations that may factor into your crawl space encapsulation needs.
- What are the ground conditions like?
- What is the crawl space going to be used for?
- How do you plan to fasten it to the wall?
- What tools will you need?
- What is the radon risk?
Crawl Space Vapor Barrier Product Recommendations
Below are several vapor barrier product recommendations that may apply to your project.
Delta®-Drain Drainboard
Description: Delta®-Drain is a drainage board used in waterproofing applications to allow water to flow away from the building foundation. It can be used as a drainage matting underneath the floor vapor barrier in a crawl space. (Product sold in pallet quantities)
White Vapor Tape
Description: White Vapor Tape is a 12 mil polyethylene backing tape with a pressure-sensitive adhesion system. This heavy-duty tape is used to seam large panels of poly sheeting together for crawl space liners, and more.
Pro Crawl Space Barrier
Description: Pro Crawl Barrier is a 10 mil Class 1 Vapor Barrier with a high gloss white finish offering low permeability and excellent tensile strength to protect the building fabric from moisture vapor damage.
Pro Crawl Anti-Mold Vapor Barrier with MPT™
Description: Pro Crawl Anti-Mold Vapor Barrier is a class 1 vapor barrier that passes ASTM E1745 class A, B, & C. It also passes ASTM G21 with results showing non-nutritive to a variety of fungal growth types.
No matter which option you choose, proper installation and the right material for your application are what’s most important.
Give us a phone call and talk with one of our sales representatives for a crawl space sample pack at 760-388-6294.
Trusted by Growers, Builders, and Distributors
Americover is the smart source for plastic and polyethylene sheeting. Trusted by contractors and distributors across the construction and agriculture industries, our American-made products combine reliability with quality and innovation.
As an Americover client, you will receive the personalized support of a dedicated account manager to simplify the ordering process and ensure the best solution for each of your construction projects. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and fulfill orders Monday-Friday from 6 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time.