Vapor Barrier Crawl Space
We believe that a professional vapor barrier crawl space installation is what is most important as this is the first link of defense in fighting moisture and humidity in your crawl space and subsequently your home. If installed properly it will greatly reduce the moisture that permeates into your crawl space from the damp (or wet) ground below. Additionally, it along with other measures can provide a cost effective alternative to crawl space encapsulation which in most cases is unnecessary.
This barrier provides a protective coating to the crawlspace ground and around the foundation to help reduce:
- The fumes, smells and VOC’s (or gases that produce fumes than can be harmful) that flow into the crawlspace from the ground and eventually enter the home
- The ground moisture that permeates into the crawl space and absorbed into the wood and insulation.
- The moisture that will cause ductwork to excessively sweat.
- The high moisture that causes mold and mildew and can cause structural members in the crawl space to rot.
- Help prevent the spread of mold and mildew and allergens into the living space above.
Crawl Space Moisture Barriers
In Chesapeake and the Tidewater area, our vapor barrier installations are unique to each crawl space because each space is different, but our process is the same. This produces a clean and efficient space.
- We precisely cut and install around piers.
- We install over, around, or under obstacles.
- We position under maintenance pipes or lines.
- We install wall to wall.
- We pin the vapor barrier down over the entire crawl space.
We can also install vapors barriers up the interior of the outer foundation wall where applicable.
While it may seem like a job for a do-it-yourselfer, it’s not.
For years builders have always sought ways to reduce the amount of ground moisture infiltration that affects crawl spaces. Installing vents in the crawl space, while being helpful, were not that effective, even if they were power vents. De-humidification units are not that effective because all they do is continuously dehumidify an endless amount of moist air.
After any drainage or water issues have been resolved and verified, then we will put down a vapor barrier. The chief function of a vapor barrier is to retard or block the amount of water vapor being emitted from the ground itself. And when installed correctly it can even help reduce the harmful effects of radon gas incursion in area where that is a problem. The vapor barrier membranes are flexible and thin materials. Most vapor barriers plastic sheeting comes in 6, 8, 10, 12, or 20 mil thicknesses. At Gilbert and Son we use the thickness required by the Virginia Beach code which is typically all that is ever necessary. Unless of course your crawl space gets a lot of foot traffic or you use it for storage, etc., then we will be happy to supply you with thicker grades. But this is unnecessary 99% of the time and is just an additional expense to the home owner.
Call Gilbert & Son today and let’s discuss your needs. 757-495-6669
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We’re incredibly proud of our workmanship. We stand behind our work 100%. The quality of our service is Top-Notch! Our promise to you is this: If you ever have a problem with a solution we have put in place, just call us and we will make it right!
Crawlspace Vapor Barrier FAQ's
Is A Vapor Barrier Neccessary in Crawl Spaces?
Yes. You need a water barrier installed in your crawlspace. In fact, a moisture barrier is the minimum amount of protection you should have in your crawlspace. The chief function of a vapor barrier is to retard the migration of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) that are emitted as gases from the soil or water beneath your home.
What size Vapor Barrier is Code?
The membranes are typically flexible and thin materials and most vapor barrier sheeting comes in 6, 8, 10, 12 or 20 mil with 6 mil being code.
Vapor Barrier Pictures
"I called Gilbert and Son for a Second Opinion and I'm Glad I did." - Bradley Jones
"Had some structure issues in my crawl space so originally I called a local termite company, they came out and said I had a eight rotted beams and a bunch of broken floor joists. They gave me a $20,000 estimate so I called Gilbert and Son for a second opinion. The owner Mike came out and looked in the crawl space and informed me that I had one rotted beam and two broken floor joists and then explained why that was causing my floor to sink. They were able to fix everything and install a new vapor barrier for under five grand. I’m so happy I called them and escaped being ripped off by the termite company. The technician Paul and his helper were very clean and professional and did a wonderful job. Highly recommend this company. Keep up the great work guys!"
"I highly recommend this company to anyone in need of mold or crawl space work." - Etta S.
I called because I had the smell of mold in my house and standing water in my crawl space. Gilbert and Son came out and did a free estimste. After I booked the job, they were on time professional, and cleaned up after themselves. The work and price was spot on. I highly recommend this company to anyone in need of mold or crawl space work.
“My cough cleared up after they fixed my crawlspace” - Janet
My crawl space had a great deal of mold, so Gilbert & Son installed a great deal of sand to fill in low spots and put down a vapor barrier. They were terrific, and an added benefit was that a cough I had had for months cleared up shortly after that. (Apparently, I have a mold allergy.) All the work was done professionally, as promised.
