A crawlspace vapor barrier, also known as a moisture barrier or vapor retarder, is a protective layer installed in the crawlspace of a building to prevent moisture from entering the space. It is a common practice in construction to control moisture levels and mitigate potential issues caused by excessive moisture in the crawlspace.
Building engineers and experts agree that crawlspaces be fully sealed and encapsulated. Not maintaining your crawlspace can lead to structural damage to your home’s wood framing and degrades some forms of insulation. Investing in a crawlspace vapor barrier makes buildings more energy efficient and eliminates problems with moisture, mold and pests. Often, crawl spaces also need to be waterproofed to ensure that they stay in good repair.
The purpose of a vapor barrier is to slow or prevent the evaporation of ground moisture into the crawlspace air. When coupled with a crawlspace waterproofing system, unwanted moisture and water can be removed from the crawlspace before it can cause problems.
The purpose of a vapor barrier is to restrict the passage of moisture-bearing air. By preventing air movement from the ground, it can also make your crawlspace into a semi-conditioned space. Meaning that it is close to the temperature of the living spaces above. When this happens, the floors feel warmer in the winter and your energy bills shrink.
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