More than 27 million homes in the U.S. have crawlspaces. And even though they’re exceedingly useful for extra home storage, it’s absolutely essential to keep them protected and dry to avoid the possibility of water and mold damage. According to the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency), 100% of all types of mold have the potential to cause some health effects. This can be minor to severe and even result in death in some rare cases. That’s why many homeowners are investing in crawl space vapor barriers to keep water out. Here’s part one of our homeowner’s guide to installing a crawl space vapor barrier.
Do You Need Extra Crawl Space Insulation For Your Home?
Before investing in any type of crawl space dehumidifier or basement waterproofing system, you need to determine your home’s needs. In order to ascertain whether or not your home’s basement or crawl space has a problem with accumulating excess moisture, look at the pipes and concrete walls that surround the space. If they’re wet to the touch or even have gathered a small amount of moisture, it’s a sign that you’re experiencing a common problem that does require a solution such as a crawl space vapor barrier.
What To Expect
Crawl space vapor barriers are relatively cheap, and experts say they can be installed in just one day. The installation process is moderately complex, but with proper planning and strategic problem solving, you can complete the process as efficiently as possible.
Required Tools And Materials
Before you just dive into the installation process, you need to gather the proper tools and materials. Although crawl space vapor barrier products do have slightly different specifications based on the manufacturer, their installation processes are very similar. Prepare beforehand by making sure you have the right tools: a caulk gun, utility knife, ruler, hammer, and tape measure are the main tools required. As for other materials, you’ll need caulk, the insulation or moisture barrier, tape, treated 1x4s, and landscape fabric stakes.
Ultimately, being aware of how to properly install a crawl space waterproofing system is the key to making sure it’s as effective as possible. Keep an eye out for the next post, where we’ll discuss the specific installation steps for your crawl space vapor barrier.
