Where Should the Vapor Barrier Be Installed?

As opposed to a basement where you could choose to install a vapor barrier on one wall, that is not advised in a crawl space. So, where should you install a vapor barrier for the greatest effect?  

Installing a Vapor Barrier in Your Home 

Under no circumstances should you install a vapor barrier on a single wall in a space as contained as your crawl space. There’s too much potential for damage in one part of your crawl space to move to another wall. With that in mind, installing a vapor barrier in your crawl space actually requires you to encapsulate the whole of your space. 

Crawl space encapsulation sees the professionals in your area wrap your crawl space floor and walls in a vapor barrier. While you’ll still be able to enter your space, should you choose to do so, virtually no part of the space will be free of the thick, plastic-like material that professionals use to keep moisture out of your home. You can work with area professionals, of course, to ensure that your utilities and other materials are protected as best as they are able, but the encapsulation process is meant to create a seal within your space that is extremely difficult to breach. 

To encapsulate your crawl space, the professionals in your area will clear out any moisture that may have plagued your crawl space. Then they’ll install any necessary preliminary waterproofing measures, including interior drainage systems or insulation in your walls. Only once your crawl space is perfectly dry will professionals encapsulate it. They may simultaneously choose to install a sump pump or a non-commercial dehumidifier, depending on the conditions that have plagued your space in the past. 

Alternative Means of Home Waterproofing  

It is in your best interest to install a vapor barrier near where water or moisture may be getting into your home. However, if you are concerned about the appearance of your home and the impact of a vapor barrier aesthetically, you can work with a professional contractor to determine what additional waterproofing measures might help compensate for the areas that a vapor barrier can’t (or won’t) be placed. Some of the most effective waterproofing measures to pair with a vapor barrier include:  

• Interior drainage systems  

• Sump pumps  
• Dehumidifiers   

Don’t hesitate to ask area professionals if stacking your home waterproofing measures might serve your home well. The investment is all the more worth it to have these measures available to you if they prevent the kind of seepage or flooding that you’ve dealt with in the past.