![]() ![]() While this will reduce some moisture evaporation, it does not seal out all of the moisture from the internal perimeter walls where water penetration occurs. The seams are typically overlapped 6” – 12” and almost never taped. The ground floor could be river rock, pea gravel, dirt floor, sand, etc. A 6 mil polyethylene vapor barrier is placed over any ground floor. Vapor barrier on ground floor of crawlspace – The most common and correct method for installing a vapor barrier in a crawlspace. The solution is being diligent in deciding who you choose to install your Encapsulation System.Ĥ. Also, all the moisture under the vapor barrier will evaporate up through all of the seams that are not sealed. All of this moisture will eventually deteriorate the sill plates and floor joists. The problem with fastening plastic to the sill plate is that moisture will “wick” up the foundation wall, and moisture will absorb into the sill plate and floor joists. They seal the vents without properly sealing the moisture from the ground floor or foundation walls. It is basically a glorified vapor barrier on top of the ground floor being ran up the walls and stapled to the wood. In attempt to underbid competition, some contractors are installing a 6 or 10 mil plastic that is ran up the foundation walls and stapled to the sill plate. The vents are insulated and closed to prevent hot humid air from entering in the summer. Every potential gap or seam in the liner is sealed to prevent any moisture from evaporating. An encapsulation system is a heavy-duty, cord-reinforced liner that is fastened and sealed to the foundation wall. – A common but incorrect approach by contractors that attempt to install an encapsulation system. Vapor Barrier ran up foundation wall and stapled to sill plate. Remove the plastic from the ceiling of the crawlspace, and install a new vapor barrier or encapsulation system on the ground floor.ģ. The plastic will trap the condensation up against the floor structure causing mold growth and dry rot. Many crawlspaces are vented and the cooler surfaces such as duct work, pipes, and the floor will condensate in the summer. If this is done in your crawlspace, call a professional immediately. This method is responsible for more wood rot and mold growth than any other method. Vapor Barrier attached to ceiling of crawlspace– A very common do it yourself method that can be very detrimental to the home. The solution would be to cut back the liner from the wall, install our DrainRite perimeter drainage system, and install a new vapor barrier or encapsulation systemon top of the gravel.Ģ. All the water and moisture in the gravel back fill has to evaporate into the structure. The end result is a swimming pool liner that holds water in the gravel for prolonged periods of time. During construction, the vapor barrier is laid on the ground and 4″-6″ of pea gravel is dumped on top of the plastic.ĭuring the rainy season, water comes in from the walls and the ground floor and pools on top of the vapor barrier. The thinking (if there was any) behind this was that the plastic would stop the water from coming through the ground. Vapor Barrier under the Pea Gravel – This has become a very common yet incorrect method of installing a vapor barrier by builders. We have provided a guide for you to determine if your vapor barrier is installed correctly.ġ. There are several ways of installing a vapor barrier in a crawlspace, but only one that works. ![]()
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