Is Your Crawl Space Vapor Barrier Really Doing the Job?
Homeowners can take advanced measures to protect their homes from damage caused by moisture. While many choose to focus on the roof above them, they may fail to address the concerns below. Crawl spaces are susceptible to problems caused by water vapors that rise from the ground and get trapped in the enclosed space. To address this, homeowners can install a crawl space vapor barrier to stop ground moisture from affecting their homes. That vapor barrier must be installed correctly to work properly.
The professionals at Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions specialize in providing crawl space repair and crawl space encapsulation, along with advanced basement waterproofing solutions, in the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware tri-state area. Here, we explain how to determine whether or not your crawl space vapor barrier is effectively stopping moisture from affecting your home.
What Is a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier?
A vapor barrier is an effective waterproofing solution that prevents the infiltration of water vapor into the crawl space. The barrier itself is made of heavy-duty polyethylene. The crawl space is lined with the polyethylene barrier, covering and sealing the floors, walls, and, in some cases, the ceiling.
A crawl space vapor barrier works by trapping water in the ground, preventing it from evaporating or condensing. Because of its waterproofing capabilities, a crawl space vapor barrier provides a homeowner with several advantages, increasing its value. The benefits of installing a vapor barrier include:
- Prevents moisture from seeping up through the flooring into your home
- Eliminates the growth of mold and mildew
- Reduces threat of structural concerns due to wood rot
- Provides extra insulation to improve a home’s energy efficiency
Reasons for a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier
Water vapor and moisture are two of the biggest threats to a home’s structure. Moisture in crawl spaces tends to be the most damaging because it often goes unnoticed. A crawl space vapor barrier is a good investment because of the concerns it helps prevent, such as:
Wood Rot
Many of your home’s most important structural components are wood, including joists, sills, posts, and beams. Prolonged exposure to moisture will cause the wood to rot and threaten the integrity of these structural elements.
Mold and Mildew
In many cases, where there is moisture, there is mold and mildew. Because there is often very little ventilation in crawl spaces, stopping mold from growing requires preventative measures, such as a vapor barrier.
Rodents and Pests
Many rodents and pests are drawn to water sources. If your crawl space houses excessive moisture, these creatures can find shelter in your home without you knowing.
Poor Air Quality
Moisture that lingers in crawl spaces not only causes mold and mildew growth but can also compromise the air quality in your home. This is because mold and mildew particles can break off into the air we breathe. In turn, this can decrease the quality of the air and potentially lead to illness.
Determining the Effectiveness of Your Vapor Barrier
A properly installed vapor barrier can be highly effective. However, it’s not designed to last forever. Some signs indicate a vapor barrier is no longer effective and may need to be replaced.
A water-related issue originating in your crawl space is a clear indication that your vapor barrier is no longer working properly. Another warning sign is a musty odor coming from your crawl space. This odor is most commonly associated with mold, which requires moisture to grow.
Call Today About Our Professional Crawl Space Waterproofing Services
Homeowners concerned about the condition of their crawl space vapor barrier should turn to the experienced team at Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions. Committed to meeting the needs of our clients, we use the most advanced technology and materials for all our crawl space services. Moreover, we are happy to offer free estimates, interest-free financing, lifetime transferrable warranties, and payment flexibility.
Our service areas allow us to extend our crawl space offerings to residents located throughout the Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware tri-state area. This includes clients in Ardmore, Drexel Hill, King of Prussia, Springfield, and others. Contact Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions to learn more about our crawl space waterproofing solutions or to schedule a free estimate.
