Recently I was meeting with a client couple of ours to review a service item that we were working to take care of for them.
While meeting with them, they asked me if I could give them a price for installing a vapor barrier in a crawl space.
I agreed and asked them to show me the area that they were looking to install the vapor barrier into.
As I laid my eyes upon it, I quickly realized that this was one of the most accessible crawl spaces I had ever seen.
When I noticed this, I relayed it to the clients and asked them if they really wanted me to give them a price or if they were open to me teaching them how to do it.
They were very much open to learning and I guided them through the process.
Often the most difficult thing of installing a vapor barrier in a crawl space is being able to viably access the crawl space.
The actual act of installing a vapor barrier is really not that complicated at all.
Installing a vapor barrier in a crawl space is crucial for preventing moisture problems, which can lead to mold growth, wood rot, and other issues.
Materials Needed:
-Vapor barrier (polyethylene plastic sheeting, usually 6-mil or thicker)
-Double-sided tape or adhesive
-Seam tape
-Utility knife or scissors
-Safety gear (gloves, mask, and knee pads)
-Measuring tape
-Staple gun (optional, for securing to walls)
Steps:
Prepare the Crawl Space:
– Clear the Area
Remove any debris, larger rocks, or sharp objects from the crawl space floor (these can tear the plastic sheeting)
Measure the Space:
-Measure the length and width of the crawl space to know how much plastic sheeting you need; add a few extra feet to cover the walls and overlap seams.
Cut the Plastic:
-Cut the plastic sheeting to fit the dimensions of your crawl space – it’s better to cut pieces slightly larger so they can overlap.
Lay Down the Plastic:
-Start at one end of the crawl space, lay the plastic sheeting on the ground, making sure it covers the entire floor, smooth out any wrinkles.
Secure the Edges:
-Use double-sided tape or adhesive to attach the plastic to the walls and pillars of the crawl space, this helps keep the vapor barrier in place.
Overlap Seams:
-When laying down multiple sheets, overlap the edges by at least 12 inches, use seam tape to seal the overlaps (this ensures no moisture can get through the seams).
Cover the Walls:
-Run the plastic sheeting up the walls of the crawl space about 6-12 inches. Secure it with double-sided tape or a staple gun (this helps create a sealed environment).
Check for Gaps:
-Inspect the entire crawl space for gaps or tears in the plastic, seal any holes with seam tape.
Final Check:
-Make sure the vapor barrier is secure and smooth, the goal is to create a continuous layer that blocks moisture from the ground.
Extra Tips:
-Wear Safety Gear: Gloves and knee pads protect your hands and knees while working.
-Work with a Partner: It’s easier to handle large sheets of plastic with help.
-Keep it Clean: A clean crawl space ensures the vapor barrier stays intact and lasts longer.
While crawl spaces are not always the easiest to maneuver in (never mind conducting an activity like installing a vapor barrier into), if you do have a crawl space that you are able to somewhat reasonably get into and it needs a vapor barrier, tackling this home improvement item may not be as daunting a task as one might initially believe and in the end could certainly save you a bit of money to boot!
