FAQs

The right plastic sheeting depends on your application, environment, and performance requirements. For example, crawl spaces require low-perm vapor barriers. Outdoor jobs, on the other hand, often need UV resistance or reinforcement. Furthermore, fire-rated environments require NFPA-compliant materials.

In general, start by identifying the primary risk — moisture, fire, UV exposure, or physical wear — and match the product to that requirement. When in doubt, our product experts can help you find the right fit.

Plastic sheeting thickness is measured in mils — one mil equals 0.001 inch. Thinner films (2–6 mil) work well for temporary protection. Thicker materials (10–20 mil), however, suit vapor barriers, containment liners, and heavy-duty applications.

As a general rule, choose thicker sheeting whenever foot traffic, sharp subgrade conditions, or long-term exposure are factors in your project.

Reinforced plastic sheeting contains a scrim layer that increases tear resistance and durability. As a result, it suits demanding applications like enclosures, crawl spaces, and outdoor use. Non-reinforced plastic, by contrast, works well for lighter, temporary jobs where puncture risk is low.

Fire retardant plastic sheeting is required in environments where building codes or safety regulations apply. These include hospitals, commercial construction sites, and data centers. Specifically, these materials meet standards like NFPA 701 or ASTM E84.

Always confirm local fire code requirements with your project inspector before specifying a product. In most cases, compliance markings must appear on the sheeting itself.

Plastic sheeting is waterproof, but not all materials are fully vapor-proof. Vapor transmission depends on thickness and composition. Lower perm ratings indicate better moisture resistance. To classify as a true vapor barrier, a material must have a perm rating of 0.1 or below.

Yes — most plastic sheeting degrades when exposed to UV light unless specifically treated for outdoor use. Standard polyethylene may begin to break down within days of continuous sun exposure. UV-resistant materials, by contrast, withstand prolonged outdoor exposure without cracking or losing flexibility.

Common certifications include NFPA 701 for fire resistance, ASTM E84 for flame spread, and ASTM E1745 for vapor barriers. The required certification depends on your project type and local codes. In addition, some healthcare and government projects require compliance with GSA or UL standards.

A mil is a unit of measure equal to one thousandth (10^-3) of an inch, or 0.0254 millimeters. Consequently, a 6 mil vapor barrier is 0.006 inches thick. The higher the mil number, the thicker and more durable the material.

Yes — plastic sheeting commonly serves as a vapor barrier to prevent moisture migration in crawl spaces, under slabs, and within wall assemblies. For long-term performance, however, choose materials that meet ASTM E1745 or Class 1 vapor retarder standards.

Crawl spaces require durable, low-permeability vapor barriers — typically 10–20 mil reinforced or polyolefin materials. Anti-microbial and reinforced options provide added protection and longer service life. In addition, choose a product that meets Class 1 vapor retarder standards for best results.

Yes, but only if the material is UV-resistant. Standard plastic degrades quickly in sunlight. UV-treated or reinforced materials, on the other hand, last months to years depending on exposure. For long-term outdoor applications, SolaScrim™ offers up to 4 years of performance.

Yes — plastic sheeting is widely used for temporary walls and dust containment in construction, healthcare, and renovation projects. Furthermore, fire retardant options may be required depending on the jobsite type and local building codes.

Fire retardant plastic sheeting — and in some cases, anti-static sheeting — is the standard choice for healthcare facilities and data centers. These materials meet safety and contamination control requirements. Additionally, anti-static sheeting protects sensitive electronic equipment from electrostatic discharge.

Outdoor lifespan depends on UV exposure and material type. Standard polyethylene may last only a few weeks. UV-treated or reinforced materials, however, can last up to a year or longer. SolaScrim™, for example, offers up to 4 years of outdoor performance.

Plastic sheeting seams using tape, adhesives, or heat welding — the right method depends on the application. In general, overlapping seams by at least 12 inches and using compatible tape ensures proper sealing and durability. For permanent installations, heat welding delivers the strongest bond.

The best tape depends on the application and environment. Specifically, butyl tape works well for bonding vapor barriers to walls, piers, and footings. Vapor barrier tape suits seaming overlapping panels. For fire-rated installations, FR-rated tape is required to maintain compliance throughout the system.

Yes — plastic sheeting can be stapled, nailed, or mechanically fastened. However, reinforced materials handle fastening far better, as they resist tearing under stress at fastener points. Non-reinforced sheeting, by contrast, may tear around fasteners over time — especially in high-wind or high-traffic environments.

Most vapor barrier installations require a minimum 6–12 inch overlap at seams. In addition, crawl space encapsulations typically need at least 12 inches of overlap at panel joints. Always tape or seal the overlap to prevent moisture from passing through. Furthermore, run the barrier up foundation walls at least 6 inches and secure it with butyl tape or mechanical fasteners.

Americover has served as a reliable, premium supplier of specialty plastic sheeting to industries worldwide for over 25 years. Specifically, our focus on problem-solving — backed by extensive product knowledge and resources — helps customers achieve the right solution for every application.

Americover stocks a wide range of products that ship within 24–48 hours of receiving your order. Additionally, we offer custom products manufactured to your exact specifications. Because no two jobs are identical, some custom orders require direct consultation to ensure the right outcome.

Americover accepts Visa, MasterCard, and American Express, as well as PayPal.

Orders typically process within 24–48 hours (Monday–Friday) of receipt. If you pay with a credit card, the charge occurs when the order ships. As a result, if items ship separately, multiple charges may appear on your statement.

Americover collects sales tax in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Georgia, Illinois, Maryland, Minnesota, North Carolina, South Carolina, New Jersey, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Tennessee, Texas, Washington, and Wisconsin.

If your purchases qualify for a sales tax exemption, please provide a valid exemption or resale certificate as soon as possible. Read our Nexus Tax Collection notice here.

Yes — Americover offers Net30 terms to qualifying candidates who meet minimum requirements. In some cases, a deposit secures a large purchase before terms apply. Additionally, we offer discounted pricing for contractors bidding jobs and distributors reselling products. Contact our team to discuss your eligibility.

Yes — our knowledgeable reps can match your exact product specification or find a suitable equivalent. Bring us your spec sheet or project details and we’ll handle the rest.

Yes — all online stock orders qualify for free shipping within the contiguous United States. Quote requests, however, include a separate line item for potential shipping charges, since multiple factors affect fulfillment costs on those orders.

Most orders ship the same day when placed Monday through Friday. Otherwise, orders process the following business day. Custom-fabricated or special orders have a lead time of 1–3 weeks, depending on specifications.

Once your order ships, tracking becomes available within 24 hours, Monday–Friday. The tracking number appears in your email confirmation along with your invoice receipt.

Yes on both. For international shipments or orders going to HI, AK, or PR, call 833-261-6501 for a shipping quote. For expedited shipping, we offer Next Day Air, 2-day, and 3-day services on orders placed before 1 p.m. Pacific Time.

First, photograph the damage — close up, at 5 feet, and at 15 feet. Then note the BOL or UPS receiving ticket. You can either refuse the shipment or accept it with the damage noted. After that, call our customer service team and we’ll work to resolve the issue.

Important: Report all defective, damaged, or shortage claims within 48 hours of delivery. Keep damaged product on site for possible inspection until the claim closes. Some claims take 3–4 weeks to process.

Stock items can be returned with prior authorization in original packaging within 90 days of the ship date. Custom products cannot be returned. A copy of the packing slip or original invoice must accompany every return — returns without these documents are not accepted.

Refunds issue in the original payment method within 5–7 business days of receiving the returned item. A 25% restocking fee applies to all returns except defective or damaged product. Return shipping costs are the customer’s responsibility unless the product is defective or the return results from an internal error.

Return address:
Americover, Inc.
2067 Wineridge Place, Suite F
Escondido, CA 92029

Notify Americover within three months of the purchase date. Send photos of the damage — close up, at 5 feet, and at 15 feet — along with a written description. We’ll assess the damage and provide a Return Material Authorization (RMA) if the product qualifies as defective.

All product information, technical sheets, and recommendations Americover provides reflect data we believe to be reliable. All testing follows ASTM standards and procedures. Values are typical and nominal — they do not represent minimum or maximum product performance.

That said, no express or implied warranty of merchantability or fitness for a particular use applies to any product. Before purchasing, the user must determine suitability for the intended use. The purchaser assumes all risk and liability associated with that use. Americover is not liable for any direct or consequential injury, loss, or damage arising from product use or inability to use the product.