If you are a builder working on the crawl space area of a home or building, the safety of everyone inside is your top priority. Imagine feeling the relief and security of knowing that you have created a safe environment for those who will inhabit the space your project is based in. That security can happen when you secure your radon ventilation system with a proven radon vapor barrier.
October is indoor air quality awareness month, and the professionals at Americover are dedicated to spreading awareness, having been the leading experts in plastic sheeting for building applications for nearly three decades. When it comes to vapor barriers, we’ve got you covered with the most up-to-date advice.
Many of our customers come to us with questions about vapor barrier installation, and where to install a vapor barrier in a radon mitigation system is an age-old question. Read our insight below to learn more about the importance of a vapor barrier for radon mitigation.
The Importance of a Vapor Barrier in a Radon Mitigation System?
How important is the right vapor barrier for your radon mitigation system? Radon is a colorless, odorless, radioactive gas that can be present in the ground underneath any home or building. Radon gas is a known carcinogen and poses a significant health risk when it accumulates indoors.
Radon mitigation systems are designed to remove or redirect radon gas, preventing it from entering your living space. These systems typically involve ventilation that draws radon gas out from the crawl space and into the air outside.
Vapor barriers effectively reduce radon levels by creating an airtight seal within your crawl space or under your concrete slab, reducing the amount of radon gas that enters your crawl space at the onset. Vapor barriers specifically acts as a barrier for both radon gas and moisture, doubly ensuring the safety and structural integrity of your home or building.
Where Does the Radon Vapor Barrier Go in a Radon Mitigation System
Now, let’s address the burning question: does the radon mitigation pipe go under or over the vapor barrier? The experts at Americover believe it is best to install the pipe under the vapor barrier whenever possible.
“Basically, you want to install the pipe under the vapor barrier, but if you can’t install it underneath, then it’s best to cover it with a vapor barrier.”
— Jason Treiger, Account Manager, Americover
By placing the radon mitigation pipe beneath the vapor barrier, you provide an extra layer of security to prevent radon from entering your home.
However, situations may arise where it’s not feasible to install the pipe underneath the vapor barrier. In such cases, cover the pipe with the vapor barrier
The professionals at Americover recommend sealing the vapor barrier with butyl tape (rather than the method of using polyurethane caulk). Butyl tape provides an airtight seal and is more durable.
This tape should be applied between the wall and the vapor barrier, in addition to the pipe and the vapor barrier. Americover also recommends patching all the punctures using a piece of vapor barrier larger than the area of damage and sealing it with butyl tape to create an airtight seal.
Maintaining an airtight seal is crucial for an encapsulation system’s effectiveness.
You want to ensure that no radon or moisture can escape into the crawl space. Redirecting all gasses outside through the mitigation system is the key to keeping your home safe and your indoor air quality at an optimal level.
VaporBlock® Plus Vapor Barrier is a high-performance underslab vapor barrier designed specifically to retard moisture and radon migration through concrete slabs-on grade while exceeding ASTM E-1745 Class A, B, and C requirements.
Pro Crawl Anti-Mold Vapor Barrier with MPT™ is a class 1 vapor barrier that passes ASTM E1745 class A, B, & C. Its perm rating blocks more vapor transmission than the leading competitor’s 10 mil vapor barrier with a permeance of only .022 perms.
Vapor Barrier Retarder: this barrier is 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.
String Reinforced Plastic Sheeting is a durable yet lightweight plastic sheeting option made by laminating layers of virgin high-strength polyethylene with a heavy-duty scrim reinforcement between the layers.
Vapor Barrier Yellow: this sheeting is 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.
Americover: Trusted by Builders, Growers and Distributors
If you are a builder or homeowner looking to install a vapor barrier, rely on the leading expertise of Americover Inc. to provide you with top-quality vapor barriers. We help you take the necessary steps to safeguard your home and your family’s health.
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.