What is a Vapor Barrier or Vapor Retarder?
A vapor barrier/vapor retarder is high-performance plastic sheeting specifically designed to ensure low permeability and protect from moisture vapor damage entering a space. The highest quality vapor barriers are a standard 6 mil thickness polyethylene plastic sheeting, must meet ASTM requirements, must be Class A and maintain a 0.1 permeability or less, and must be puncture resistant.
Uses for Vapor Barriers/Retarders:
• Crawl space encapsulation
• Walls and ceilings
• Under concrete slabs
What is a Perm Rating?
Perm rating is the classification of permeance that is acceptable for a project. Builders must use plastic sheeting with a permeability rating of less than 1 to use as a vapor barrier. View the graph to the right to learn more about perm ratings for plastic sheeting or watch a tutorial video here.
Protection From The Ground Up
Underslab Vapor Barrier
We are your source for a wide selection of high-quality vapor barriers that can be used under concrete slabs.
Crawl Space Vapor Barrier
We are your source for a wide range of high-performance crawl space vapor barriers.
Wall/Ceiling Vapor Barrier
We are your source for a wide selection of high-quality vapor barriers for permeable surfaces.
Roof Vapor Retarders
We are your source for a wide selection of high-quality vapor and moisture retarders.
The Highest Quality Vapor Barrier
When using plastic sheeting to encapsulate a crawl space, it’s important to use a product that can be classified as a vapor barrier. Most inexpensive plastic sheeting or visqueen options on the market are often compounded of mostly recycled resins which can contain a lot of debris and contamination which can cause off-gassing, as well as shorten the lifespan of the liner causing it to degrade much faster. That plastic is typically used in temporary applications and not designed to be used long-term as a vapor barrier in your crawl space.
Americover’s selection of crawl space encapsulation vapor barriers and liners are manufactured in America with virgin resins and UV inhibitors, and if installed properly it should last up to 20 years or more.
Our Featured Vapor Barriers
String Reinforced Poly
6 Mil Dura-Skrim® reinforced plastic sheeting is a heavy duty, lightweight construction and agricultural film used in both indoor and temporary outdoor applications. It is available in clear, white, and white/black.
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.
Pro Crawl Barrier
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. Roll size is 10′ x 100′.
VaporBlock® Vapor Barrier
VAPORBLOCK® is a high performance crawl space vapor barrier designed to retard moisture migration through concrete slabs-ongrade. These vapor barriers exceed ASTM E-1745 Class A, B, and C requirements.
Pro Crawl Anti-Mold Vapor Barrier with MPT ™️
Pro Crawl Anti-Mold Vapor Barrier 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.
VaporBlock® 20 Plus
If you require a radon barrier, we recommend the 20 mil VAPORBLOCK® PLUS vapor barrier. It is a gold and white, seven-layer, coextruded barrier with EVOH resins resistant to radon, methane, & moisture transmission.
Vapor Barrier Blue
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.
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.
Our Featured Vapor Barrier Accessories
Vapor Tape
White Vapor Tape is a heavy duty, weather resistant tape often used to seam large panels of poly sheeting together for vapor retarders, crawl space liners, covers and other liner applications. This tape is sold in individual rolls of 4″ x 180′.
2-Sided Butyl Tape
Double sided butyl tape is an insoluble tape with an aggressive adhesive that bonds plastic sheeting to porous surfaces such as concrete in crawl spaces. The waterproof bond adheres best when the application surface is clean and dry.
Ratchet Fasteners
Christmas Tree Ratchet Fasteners are made of heavy duty nylon with a 1/4″ diameter, flat white head and conical tip. Ratchet fasteners are used to attach vapor barriers to the foundation wall & are available in packs of 100 pieces or 500 pieces.
Drainage Boards
A drainage board prevents hydrostatic pressure build-up by controlling the flow of below-grade water. It can also be used as a drainage matting underneath the floor vapor barrier in a crawl space to allow water to flow away from the building foundation.
Have more questions about crawl space encapsulation vapor barrier products or projects? Give us a call at 760-237-8786 to speak with one of our representatives. Monday-Friday 6am-6:30pm PST.
Contractors and Builders Talk About Americover
When you partner with Americover, you benefit from our industry and product application knowledge. But don’t take it from us. Take it from those in the building industry who have relied on our quality and reliability over the years.
Check out our online selection of specialty plastic building solutions. Contractors and distributors are eligible for special pricing and volume-based discounts on select products, call us at 760-237-8786. Our online inventory is just our retail selection, which means we can often source items you may not see here.
Vapor Barrier Resources
What Happens to Concrete Without a Underslab Vapor Barrier?
If you are wondering if you can get away with not having an underslab vapor barrier plastic underneath the concrete of your building project? The short answer is no; for many reasons, ASTM compliance standards require vapor barrier plastic underneath concrete slabs. Vapor barriers protect not only the building project itself but the people inside. […]
The Importance of Vapor Barriers For Basement Floors
Whether you’re planning to install carpet, or any other type of flooring in your basement, it’s important to properly prep your concrete basement floor. Without the right protection, you risk dealing with mold growth and higher humidity levels in your home. Vapor barriers for basement floors not only block the moisture that causes these problems, […]
Under Slab Vapor Barriers for Outdoor Courts and Athletic Fields
When you think of a vapor barrier, outdoor courts and athletic fields aren’t the foundations you’d think you need one for. It’s more common to use vapor barriers in building foundations, under flooring, and even walls, but you’d be surprised what other applications require a vapor barrier. In general, vapor barriers are an essential ingredient to ensure the long-term stability and health of a building. From moisture control to preventing radon gas intrusion, these barriers play a significant role in protecting the foundation of any construction project.
Americover’s Product Catalog
Browse our full inventory of vapor barrier and crawl space encapsulation liner products.
Conversion Calculators for Easy Measurements
We’re doing the math for you! Get started with our easy-to-use conversion calculators.
For Contractors and Distributors, we offer special pricing, volume discounts, short lead times and a dedicated account manager who will work with you to get exactly what you need. If you would like to speak with a representative, contact us at 760-237-8786.