Charlotte Area Crawl Space Moisture Barrier Installation

A moisture or vapor barrier restricts water vapor from getting through any material it’s attached to. They’re created to help with the insulation of your home by preventing water from seeping in and also providing a way for water vapor to escape. Some also have a flame retardant component. LNI Home provides quality Crawl Space Moisture Barrier Installation in Charlotte, Gastonia, Lake Norman, Mooresville, Tega Kay , Rock Hill, Clover, Lake Wylie, Mint Hill, Matthews, Denver, Statesville, Huntersville, Dallas , Shelby, Kings Mountian, Hickory, Lincolnton, Monroe, Harrisburg, Albermarle, Salisbury and all areas in between.

The moisture barrier doesn’t have to be sealed or free of holes; nor does it need to be a complete cover. The gaps just mean that more vapor will be diffused. Moisture is a common homeowner’s problem. There are different barriers to choose from depending on what sort of climate you live in.

If you have an extremely hot or cold climate, they’re the ideal situations for a crawl space moisture barrier. Vapor retarders are more commonly used in medium range climates because they allow greater airflow than the moisture barrier.

There are numerous reasons why a moisture barrier is essential for the crawl space. If you don’t have one installed, you can accumulate dead bugs, spiders, termites, dust mites, mice and snakes.

The barrier can protect the house from wood rot in the floorboards and prevent damage to the structural integrity of your house itself. The same moisture can cause rust to occur in steel masonry reinforcements and steel structural beams. It can also freeze crack masonry. If you install the barrier on the warm side, vapor is prevented from traveling through walls and causing such damage.

Mold and mildew can accumulate and the smell can linger, become strong and unpleasant and filter up to the living area as well. If excessive moisture filters into your home, it can increase the humidity and cause your air conditioner to work harder to maintain a constant temperature. The humidity can also allow mold spores to float up into the air in your home and possibly affect the health of your family.

If you use extruded foam board as insulation and it’s set up so there are no gaps in the surface, it can also act as a vapor barrier. However, only a professional could install this because it’s extremely difficult and mistakes can easily be made. Sheet metal walls and asphalt roofing act as a vapor barrier, regardless of whether it’s intended or not.

It’s essential that any moisture barriers installed should also have a drainage path from the cavity. The warm side of the envelope has the barrier and the cold side must have the venting channel. Sometimes it can be challenging to vent the moisture, especially in roofs that are susceptible to leaks because their surface is impermeable.

If your home has an attic, you should vent it to the outside of the house. Commercial buildings tend to do this where possible as well.

If you install a decent crawl space moisture barrier, it can save you money on your energy bill. It will help protect your home from undesirable creatures and damage due to moisture and the side effects. Seek professional advice before doing anything so you don’t make mistakes that may not be able to be fixed.