It is possible that it is time to install a new vapor barrier in your home if the current one is worn out, torn, missing in certain areas, or has degraded. In addition, if your house was constructed without a vapor barrier, installing one now is an excellent first step toward controlling moisture in your home.
When did the vapor barrier become code?
Although building code requirements for vapor barriers were totally unjustified when they were first established in 1948, there have been three technical developments since then that have changed the way interior vapor retarders affect wall performance.
What kind of upkeep does my crawl space require?
Keeping your crawl space clean and dry can be accomplished with a few simple tricks. Keep moisture out. Moisture control is one of the first steps towards having a safe and clean crawl space. Inspect and clean the interior of your crawl space, block out rodents and ventilate, and insulate the crawl space.
Why is it necessary for me to maintain the vapor barrier in my crawl space?
Because the crawl space is one of the most exposed and sensitive areas of your home, and because it’s hidden below your floorboards, there can be changes happening under your feet without you even realizing it. Similar to why HVAC system maintenance is essential to keep the heating and cooling in your home operating at high efficiency and to avoid expensive repairs, regular crawl space maintenance is the best way to ensure that all of the different elements of your crawl space such as air sealing, vapor barrier, and dehumidifiers are still working properly, and that you won’t be forced to schedule crawl space repair down the road.
What is the key distinction between encapsulation and the use of a vapor barrier?
Encapsulation is distinct from vapor barriers in that it completely blocks the passage of water vapor and halts the movement of water vapor from the lower to the higher levels of a structure. Because the walls as well as the rest of the crawl space have been encapsulated, the possibility of having moisture issues due to water vapor has been reduced to almost nothing.
Is paint an effective choice for a vapor barrier?
When applied in two separate coats, a high-quality oil paint will produce a vapour barrier with a permeance of less than one percent. Primers made of latex that act as vapour barriers can be used to successfully complete this task.
