Summer in the U.S. brings extremely high temperatures and humidity to most states. While summer is great for swimming and outdoor activities, it can spell problems for homeowners. An often overlooked area in the home, affected by humidity, is the crawl space. Crawl spaces are prone to mold and mildew buildup and structural damage. A crawl space vapor barrier will greatly benefit your crawl space during hot summers by protecting it from these issues.
The Crawl Space Environment
Crawl spaces lie between the ground and the first floor of a house. These spaces provide structure support, storage, and flood protection. By nature, crawl spaces are dark, damp, and poorly ventilated because of their location. When it becomes humid outside, warm, moist air seeps into an unprotected crawl space, causing various moisture-related issues.
The Role of Crawl Space Vapor Barriers
Crawl space vapor barriers are heavy plastic or foil sheets installed over a crawl space floor. These sheets prevent moisture from passing through and block water vapor from the soil underneath. When you create a barrier in your crawl space, it instantly improves the humidity levels within.
Why Your Crawl Space Needs a Vapor Barrier in Summer
If you leave your crawl space unprotected, mold and mildew will start taking over. These organisms can cause or exacerbate respiratory problems and allergies. A crawl space vapor barrier keeps the environment dry, making it difficult for mold and mildew to grow.
Moreover, moisture causes wood to rot. When there is no barrier between constant moisture and your wood structure, beams, or floors, it can lead to extensive structural damage.
Overly humid crawl spaces also impact your house’s energy efficiency. Moisture breaks down insulation, making it less effective, which could cost you more in terms of heating and cooling expenses. Conversely, controlling the humidity levels in your crawl space can help improve your home’s energy consumption. If you do not install crawl space vapor barriers, you also risk pest infestation. Many pests thrive in damp, humid conditions.
Installing Crawl Space Vapor Barriers
If you have a small crawl space, you can install a vapor barrier yourself. Ensure the area is clutter-free, dust-free, and dry. Lay a high-quality vapor barrier sheet over the entire floor. Overlap the edges and seal them tightly with tape. Ideally, you should seal gaps and openings around pipes and vents and ensure adequate airflow in the crawl space.
Additional Crawl Space Protection
In addition to a vapor barrier, you can install a dehumidifier in your crawl space, further reducing high humidity levels. You must also insulate the crawl space properly to stabilize the temperatures and prevent excess moisture buildup. When installed correctly, crawl space vapor barriers can protect your home from humidity and improve indoor air quality.
Crawlspace Doctor Can Help You Protect Your Home
If you have a large crawl space, you should call a professional for a crawl space vapor barrier installation. Crawlspace Doctor specializes in crawl space issues and can help you find customized solutions for your home.
Visit us at Crawlspace Doctor for more information and to discover how we can make your crawl space safer!