Vapor Barriers – Points to Consider when Making Your Selection Hudson County, NJ

Vapor Barriers

Keeping moisture out of buildings has been a challenge that homeowners and builders have faced since humans begun constructing houses. Moisture is a builder’s greatest enemy. Moisture can cause structural damage through rot. It can also lead to mold and pest infestations, making a structure unsafe.

The good news is that technology has come a long way. Just as building techniques and technology have improved, so have methods of keeping moisture at bay. Vapor barriers are amongst the many different technologies used to keep moisture out of buildings.

There are various types of vapor barriers available in the market. It is important to take your time and determine the best vapor barrier for your purpose. The following are some things to keep in mind:

QMutu 150x150 Vapor Barriers   Points to Consider when Making Your Selection Hudson County, NJ

  1. It should be semi-permeable

People often confuse vapor barriers and waterproof membranes. Unlike waterproof membranes, vapor retarders are not completely impermeable to water. In fact, they are semi-permeable. This feature allows the controlled passage of water through the material. The moisture however, does not get pass through to the other side of the barrier. This protects the internal space from moisture and humidity.

  1. They come with different ratings

These barriers come with varying ratings based on their level of permeability. A barrier rated 0.1 or less has very low permeability for water vapor. A rating higher than 0.1 indicates that the migration of water through the vapor barrier is slowed down.

The rating you select will depend on the type of floor or subfloor you have installed. For example, a wooden floor would do well with a vapor barrier rating of between 0.5 and 50.

  1. Roof felt cannot replace a vapor barrier

Many people are tempted to use roof felt as a vapor barrier because it is also semi permeable. However, it is not designed for this use. It does not undergo the same stringent testing that moisture barriers undergo. It is also too thick for installation in most floors.

  1. Barriers made from plastic trap water

It is important to avoid using a vapor barrier made of plastic. These have a rating less than 0.1. They will end up trapping water below the floor, which will result in an even worse problem when the floor fails.

Be sure to discuss your needs and requirements with a professional and licensed basement waterproofing contractor. This will ensure that you make a choice that suits your specific situation.

crawl space waterproofing

Is Crawl Space Waterproofing a Worthwhile Investment?

Crawl Space Waterproofing

While the debate on the place of crawlspace in modern construction continues, many homeowners are left wondering what to do with this space. Many others don’t even remember this space exists, which poses even more problems. If your home is in a low-lying area, it is highly likely that there is a crawlspace below the structure. Now that your home is a big investment, it is imperative to learn how to properly care for every part of the structure. This is where crawl space waterproofing comes in.

Understanding Crawlspace Water Problem

One of the main problems associated with crawlspaces is water leakage. The fact that these spaces are located below the ground level makes them susceptible to water entry. Surface and ground water always seeks the easiest way to flow and if there are cracks on the foundation wall, lateral pressure will push water through. Water can also leak through the earth floor especially during the rainy season when the water level rises.

Why worry about Crawlspace Water?

It is true the crawlspace is out of sight, but you will be surprised by the huge impact anything that happens in this space has on the rest of the building. Water in the crawlspace attracts critters and rodents, which might end up tampering with utility wires. These critters might also find their way into the main house.

The dampness and moisture in the crawlspace will provide the best conditions for mold growth. Toxic mold causes respiratory problems, eye and skin irritation among other health problems. Mold spores in this space will eventually travel to the upper levels of the house causing untold health problems to the house occupants. This is a good reason to invest in crawl space waterproofing.

There is also the risk of structural damage when foundation metal fasteners start rusting while wooden joists rot away. Your precious investment could be at risk if you don’t resolve this crawlspace water problem quickly.

Crawl Space Waterproofing Systems

When you hire a professional foundation contractor, they will carry out a professional inspection to identify the source of water leak. There are different waterproofing systems they can choose from including installation of a crawlspace sump pump, crawlspace drainage systems, vent covers, dehumidification, crawlspace pipe insulation, crawlspace vapor barrier and crawlspace encapsulation.

Through crawl space waterproofing, you can add extra room for storage while at the same time protecting your family from health risks. This home improvement project will also protect your home and improve indoor air quality (IAQ) in your home.

Contact us today!

vapor barriers

Types of Vapor Barriers for Crawl Spaces

Vapor Barriers

Crawl spaces are a vital part of the home. They are not only part of the foundation of your home but also influence the quality of the air you breathe in your home. If your crawl space is compromised, then the health of your household will be at risk.

One of the best ways to ensure that your crawl space remains dry and clean is by installing a vapor barrier. There are two types of vapor barriers in the market today. Both are designed to keep your crawl space free of mold, bugs and mildew.

  1. Flat Lay

This type of vapor barriers is simple in the installation and construction. They are also the least expensive type of barrier. They consist of a vapor proof material that is laid across the floor of the crawl space. The material can be laid in sections depending on the size and configuration of your crawl space. The sections however, must overlap each other by not less than 12 inches.

Special adhesive tapes as well as stakes are required for the installation. These ensure that the barrier remains in place. No material is installed on the sides or ceiling of the crawl space.

These types of barriers are only advisable for houses in areas that do not have sidewall water problems. They are not ideal for humid or wet climates.

  1. Encapsulation

These systems not only cover the floor but also the sides of the crawl space. They stop air from the outside from entering the space. No air from the crawl space is leaked to the outside either.

The installation of these barriers involves the use of special sealants and adhesives. These ensure that that pests, air as well as water vapor can enter the space. This system is the most ideal system for ensuring that your crawl space remains free from pests as well as water vapor.

Some systems include alarm systems. These alarms alert the occupants of the home in case of leaks within the crawl space. The occupants will therefore be aware in case of plumbing leaks or any compromise in the barrier’s integrity.

Choosing a Barrier

It is important to talk to your contractor and consider your options before making your final decision. Choose a barrier that will provide your home with the level of protection it requires to stay safe and healthy.

vapor barriers

4 Benefits of Installing a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier in Morganville NJ

Crawl Space Vapor Barrier in Morganville NJ

Is your crawl space moldy? Is it infected with dry rot? Is the space damp? Crawl spaces are one of those spaces in the home that people rarely think about. However, these spaces have a big impact on the structure and environment of the house above. Having a healthy crawl space means having a healthy home. It is therefore important to maintain this space.

One of the best ways to ensure that your crawl space remains dry and health is by waterproofing the space. As you consider your options for waterproofing, your contractor will present you with different options. All of these options will include the installation of a crawl space vapor barrier. The benefits of installing this barrier include:

  1. Preventing moisture problems

Moisture problems in crawl spaces can be difficult to deal with. One of the most common problems that occur in damp crawl spaces is mold infestation. You may also experience dry rot, decay of wood and the destruction of other materials in the space due to high levels of moisture.

A vapor barrier will ensure that moisture cannot find its way into the space. The moisture levels in the crawl space can therefore be controlled and reduced a great deal. You can therefore prevent the growth of mold, the destruction of your property as well as the development of bad odors in the space. This will in turn help to improve the air quality within your home.

  1. Keep pests out

Crawl spaces provide the perfect environment for many pests to thrive. Pests enjoy dark and damp places. You may have an infestation on your hands if you’re not careful to keep your space clean.

Installing a barrier will ensure that pests aren’t able to enter the crawl space. Your home will therefore remain pest free.

  1. Keep floors in good condition

The floors on the first floor of your home constitute the roof of your crawl space. When the moisture levels are high in the crawl space, the floor will be affected. It is likely to expand and warp or even rot. This creates an unsafe environment in your home. Installing a barrier can help to prevent this.

  1. Improve energy efficiency

Installing a vapor barrier will help you have better control of the temperature in your home. No heat is lost to the external environment through the crawl space. You will save energy heating and cooling your home and therefore save money on your energy bills.

Contact us today for more information!

crawl space vapor barrier

Enjoy a Healthier Home with a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier

A Healthier Home Starts with Installing a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier

According to the EPA, our indoor environment is two to five times more toxic than the outdoor environment. Since forty percent of the air you breathe comes from your crawl space, a crawl space vapor barrier is an improvement you should consider.

Often, people don’t want to venture into their crawl spaces, since they’re damp, dark, cold, and often unfinished. Since they’re humid, they can invite threats that go unnoticed until they become serious. These include mold and wood-boring bugs, which, in turn, might invite rodents and other pests.

A Solution for Moisture

Moisture naturally emanates from the soil, and a crawl space vapor barrier, sometimes called an encapsulation system, can mitigate moisture. It’s a thick, plastic liner installed over the dirt floor and up the foundation walls. We perform these installations at Select Basement Waterproofing and ensure:

  • The vapor barrier has a good “perm” rating number, which measures the transference of vapor through the product (the lower the number, the higher the product’s resistance)
  • Proper liner overlapping
  • Correct taping of seams and anchoring to the foundation

Other Remediation Suggestions

Of course, the list above is a simple overview. It’s also important to look at the overall site and offer other remediation suggestions. Insulation may need removal or replacement. Leaky pipes, dryer vents, or outside sources may be causing moisture and need repair. If there is mold, it will need removal before installing the crawl space vapor barrier.

crawl space vapor barrier Enjoy a Healthier Home with a Crawl Space Vapor Barrier

If you suspect or know of outside sources of moisture intrusion, you may want to discuss remedying those as well. French drains, for example, are efficient systems for drawing water away from homes.

Once moisture is no longer a problem in your crawl space, you’ll be free to use it for storage or other purposes. In any event, you’ll gain peace of mind in knowing your home is a healthier place than it was. If you’d like a professional evaluation, contact us.