Best Types of Material for Crawl Space Encapsulation

Emma Khoury 5 w

Every homeowner wants to protect their house, and one of the essential areas often overlooked is the crawl space. Installing a crawl space vapor barrier can safeguard your home from moisture buildup, mold, and mildew, thus improving the air quality in your living environment. Crawl spaces are prone to dampness and can become breeding grounds for mold and mildew. To prevent this, a vapor barrier shields against moisture from the earth entering the crawlspace. Crawl space vapor barriers, along with crawl space clean up, also help prevent the rise of damp air into your living space, thereby improving air quality and energy efficiency in your home.

The material used for your crawl space vapor barrier plays a significant role in its effectiveness. The most commonly used materials are polyethylene plastic sheeting and reinforced polyethylene plastic sheeting. Polyethylene plastic sheeting is popular because it’s durable, waterproof, mold, and mildew-resistant. This material makes it easy to replace your vapor barrier with a long-lasting material. Reinforced polyethylene, on the other hand, is an upgraded version of regular polyethylene with added strength to prevent tears or punctures. The reinforcement, usually a woven polyester cord, gives it exceptional durability, making it a suitable choice for a crawl space liner that demands high performance.

The effectiveness of a vapor barrier is often measured in terms of its thickness and perm rating. The thickness of a vapor barrier is measured in mils, where 1 mil is equal to 0.001 inches of thickness. Common thicknesses include 6 mil, 10 mil, 12 mil, and 20 mil. The thicker the vapor barrier, the more durable it tends to be. For instance, a 6 mil plastic sheeting may be suitable for a basic level of moisture protection, but a 12 mil or 20 mil vapor barrier would offer superior resistance to punctures and tears. The perm rating, conversely, determines the amount of water vapor that can pass through a material. The lower the perm rating, the better the material prevents moisture transmission.

Selecting the appropriate thickness for your crawl space vapor barrier is vital. The right thickness ensures optimal performance and longevity of your vapor barrier. As previously discussed, the thickness of a vapor barrier is measured in mils. Common options range from 6 mil, which is the thinnest, to 20 mil, which offers the most robust protection. A 6 mil vapor barrier, though it provides the most basic protection, is often the most economical choice. It may serve well in crawl spaces that are rarely accessed and don’t house heavy equipment. Ten mil or 12 mil options offer a middle ground, balancing durability and cost-effectiveness. These thicknesses are less susceptible to punctures and tears than a 6 mil barrier. Lastly, a 20 mil vapor barrier is the thickest commonly used option, providing the highest level of protection. It is a good choice for high-traffic areas or places with heavy equipment.