A Proper Vapor Barrier Is Vital for a Crawl Space
Standing water, mold, and rotted wood are nightmares for homeowners with crawl spaces. To prevent these costly scenarios from occurring, homeowners can take added measures to protect their crawlspaces. One effective precaution to keep crawl spaces dry is a vapor barrier. Here, Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions, experts in crawl space repair and crawl space encapsulation services, explains what a vapor barrier is and why it’s so important to have.
What Is A Vapor Barrier?
Moisture inside your crawl space is a death sentence. The problems that can be avoided by keeping your crawl space dry are worth the added effort. Even homes built in dryer climates need to be concerned about moisture wreaking havoc. Water can find its way inside your crawl space in a number of different ways but the most common is seepage from the surrounding soil, usually after heavy rainfall.
A vapor barrier helps prevent this. It’s a thick sheet of polyethylene plastic that is used to cover the flooring of your crawlspace to prevent exposure to water vapor. Combining a crawl space vapor barrier with other basement waterproofing solutions creates the ultimate moisture defense, protecting your space from both liquid water and water vapor before it has the chance to enter the home.
How to Tell if Your Vapor Barrier Needs to be Replaced
When properly installed, a vapor barrier should continue protecting your crawl space for 20 years or more. Aging vapor barriers that are close to needing replacement will often demonstrate telltale signs, such as:
Standing Water in Your Crawl Space
An obvious warning sign that your vapor barrier is no longer performing as it should is standing water in your crawl space. The results of standing water in your crawl space can be damaging and therefore require immediate action.
Mildew or Musty Odors
If you notice a musty smell in your home, it’s a good indication mold has formed in your crawl space due to increased moisture. Mold growth inside your crawl space can affect the air quality inside the home.
Wildlife
Signs of wildlife making a home inside your crawl space generally don’t bode well for your vapor barrier as rodents tend to damage it, tearing holes in the surface. This damage allows for moisture to make its way into the space.
Call the Vapor Barrier and Crawl Space Repair Experts Today
If you notice moisture inside your crawl space, turn to the waterproofing professionals at Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions. Our wide range of waterproofing services enables us to keep your home dry, providing you with added peace of mind. Dedicated to the satisfaction of our clients, we utilize the most proven methods as well as the most advanced technology and materials for all of our waterproofing solutions.
Our service areas allow us to serve clients located throughout the PA tri-state area. This includes residents of the following locations:
- Ardmore
- Berwyn
- Downington
- Drexel Hill
- Fort Washington
- Glenolden
- Havertown
- Horsham
- Jenkintown
- King of Prussia
- Media
- Norristown
- Philadelphia
- Pottstown
- Springfield
- Wayne
- West Chester
- Wyndmoor
Anyone interested in our vapor barrier services is welcome to a free estimate. Furthermore, all of our services are backed by a lifetime warranty and are available with 0% financing. Contact us today to learn more about our crawl space waterproofing solutions or to schedule a free consultation.
