Vapor Barrier and Encapsulation in Georgia

Installing a crawlspace vapor barrier isn't rocket science. It's not physically difficult. Whether installing an excellent vapor barrier in a vented crawlspace or doing a complete crawlspace encapsulation, it takes merely a little time, a little patience and a willingness to crawl around on your hands and knees for a couple of days.

 

Where to Buy a Crawlspace Vapor Barrier

 

There are lots of places to buy a Vapor Barrier and Encapsulation in Georgia. An on-line search can provide contact information many retailers. And these products they provide vary from inexpensive clear plastic to woven and coated fabrics just like swimming pool liners. The inexpensive liners can also be purchased from many hardware stores and home centers.

 

What Vapor Barriers Are Available

 

The inexpensive vapor barriers will do the job but it's been our experience which they tear easily, don't stay in place, and become brittle and crack after four to five years. But they're inexpensive.

 

The choice is to pay a couple times more initially and purchase a product with a 25 year warranty. The reinforced or woven products require no more time to set up compared to inexpensive shorter-lived products.

 

The actual question is whether an installer wants to pay a few days crawling around in a damp crawlspace every 4 or 5 years, or wants to pay a little more initially and have an installation that's maintenance-free and will last for decades. Personally, it makes more sense to me to complete it right initially and be completed with it.

 

Installing the Vapor Barrier

 

Whether doing a full Vapor Barrier and Encapsulation in Georgia encapsulation or simply just installing a vapor barrier in a vented crawl space, the installation of most products have a lot in common.

 

First, the floor must be completely covered, with all seams overlapped 6" to 12" and sealed with tape. While duct tape is an excellent product with countless uses, it generally does not do a good job sealing the seams of a vapor barrier. A quality, water-proof vinyl tape designed designed for sealing the seams is recommended.

 

Wrapping the Crawlspace Piers

 

Second, the floor material must be sealed around all the inspiration supports. Whether steel posts or concrete block piers, it's necessary to avoid the migration of water vapor from around the inspiration supports. This is usually done by wrapping the piers - sealing the piers with the vapor barrier 6" to 12" up from the floor. This gives a sealed pier to which the floor material may be sealed to using seam tape.