Crawl Space Vapor Barrier
A vapor barrier (also called a “moisture barrier“) serves an important purpose underneath your home. A crawl space is a damp, dark place that provides the perfect setting for moisture-related problems to arise. This is especially true in the Pacific Northwest where we get such an excessive amount of rain throughout the year. As a drainage contractor serving the Portland, OR and Vancouver, WA area, we get a lot of questions regarding crawl space vapor barrier and the process involved in keeping crawl spaces dry. Here are some commonly asked questions if you are considering having this service done.
How Much Does It Cost To Have A Vapor Barrier Installed?
It really depends on a few factors that are unique to your home. Primarily, we take into consideration the overall square footage of the space that needs to be covered. However, the other factors that will affect the overall price are the number of pier posts in the space and how tight it is. As a ballpark estimate, we generally price a vapor barrier roughly around .45 to .65 cents a square foot, but we would always want to come out and do a free inspection before providing a firm price for your crawl space vapor barrier project.
What Is The Purpose Of A Vapor Barrier?
Since your crawl space is a damp place, it stops moisture from naturally rising from the soil into the structural elements of the home. Moisture issues also create a conducive condition for mold to begin forming. A properly installed moisture barrier can prevent mold from forming, which is one of the main goals of a crawl space vapor barrier.
What Would Happen If I did Not Have A Vapor Barrier?
It really depends on how much moisture your crawl space has. Many homes have significant moisture issues and a lack of a vapor barrier could really escalate potential damages to the structure. Some homes can be relatively dry in the crawl space and have good ventilation and will have a lesser impact if no vapor barrier is installed. However, if you are looking to sell your home, a home inspector would be sure to point out that a vapor barrier is missing and create a red flag for a prospective buyer. This highlights the importance of crawl space vapor barrier when maintaining your home’s value and structural integrity.
What Is The Current Code For A Properly Installed Vapor Barrier?
Depending on the jurisdiction, the requirements differ. However, the industry standard is to use a minimum of a 6 mil black plastic (clear plastic is not code) with a twelve-inch overlap along the seams and along the foundation. Many people want all the seams to be taped, but this is not required and not even recommended. We prefer a vapor barrier to have seams so that if water gets on top, it can find a seam and drain naturally. Following these standards is part of a quality crawl space vapor barrier process. Following these standards is part of a quality vapor barrier installation process. You can review more about construction codes from the International Code Council (ICC).
Is This Something That I could Do Myself?
Installing a moisture barrier is not overly complicated, but it is pretty tough work. Many of our customers have tried to do it themselves before calling us, but have given up halfway through. If you want it done right, be sure to call the professionals for a complete and effective crawl space vapor barrier.
If you are looking for some help in getting a vapor barrier installed in your crawl space, we invite you to give us a call. We would be happy to discuss the project with you over the phone or set up a free consultation. Trust New Leaf Crawl Space Solutions for professional crawl space vapor barrier services throughout Portland and Vancouver. Our experts ensure your crawl space vapor barrier is done properly for long-lasting protection against moisture and mold.