How to Know Your Vapor Barrier Needs Replacing

If you take a look online for instructions on how to fix your crawl space vapor barrier, you will find there are many DIY tutorials available. Many homeowners think installing a vapor barrier will not take long and won’t be too complicated. After all, it is possible to purchase all the materials you need to do it yourself at your local expert supply store. 

At Mount Valley Foundation Services, we have installed many crawl space vapor barriers over the years. We can tell you that this is not an easy task, and it is not something that many people can figure out just by watching an online tutorial. If anything goes wrong or you make a mistake, you will still have to contact a professional to complete the task. Therefore it is best to contact our team and have your new vapor barrier installed by members of the oldest foundation services companies in all of South Carolina. 

If you are wondering if you have moisture or water problems with your crawl space, here are a few problem signs you should look for. 

Open Crawl Space Vents 

Crawl space vents were once believed to help circulate the air in a crawl space and prevent mold growth. Unfortunately, that is not the case. Open crawl space vents have been the primary cause of moisture problems and mold growth for many of our customers. Venting your crawl space allows moisture inside. Anytime moisture enters the area, you can expect problems to arise. That’s because the moisture mixed with the humidity and dark environment makes your crawl space the ideal place for mold, mildew, and other issues. 

Loose Crawl Space Door 

Crawl space doors are often flimsy and not durable. They are usually not designed to seal shut, making it easy for air, water, and unwanted pests to get inside.  

High Indoor Humidity 

Does it seem warmer inside your home than it really should be with the air conditioner running? Humidity coming from the crawl space could be an issue. As air is circulated throughout your home, it brings along with it the same air from the crawl space. And as the moisture rises, it will go through your structure’s floor joists, subflooring, and insulation as it makes its way into the upper level of your home. 

High Electric Bills 

If you are experiencing higher than average electricity bills the cause could be due to issues with your crawl space. When your HVAC system struggles to keep up and constantly runs to cool the house down, it costs you extra money that you wouldn’t have to pay if you had your crawl space repaired. 

Crawl Space Water Problems 

The main issue with water in your crawl space is the humidity it causes. When the water down below becomes humid, it doesn’t stay put in your crawl space. Instead, It makes its way up to your home, altering the temperature there and causing your HVAC system to run more than it should. Also, if water problems are not taken care of, the moisture will settle with the organic materials, and mold will begin to grow. 

Crawl Space Mold 

Perhaps the most challenging issue caused by moisture in your crawl space is mold growth. That’s because mold can have a bad effect on your health. As mold grows, tiny particles from it get into the air that we breathe. These particles can make it difficult for people with respiratory issues to breathe. But even if you do not have any health problems, it’s possible for mold to still cause you issues such as sneezing or wheezing. 

Several things could be the cause of your crawl space barrier no longer working as it should. Here are some of the most common reasons why homeowners need a replacement vapor barrier. 

• The Barrier is Too Thin 

If the material used for the crawl space barrier is too thin, it will not function correctly. Or if it functions, it will not last long. The minimum requirement for the thickness of a vapor barrier is 6-mil. But if you are serious about protecting your home and your crawl space, it would be worth looking into a thicker vapor barrier. If a barrier is too thin, it will be more likely to tear, And it may not be as efficient in blocking out moisture as a thicker barrier would. 

• The Old Barrier Was Installed Incorrectly 

You may have attempted to install your old vapor barrier on your own, or you hired an expert who didn’t have the necessary training and experience to get the job done correctly. If the crawl space barrier is not installed precisely right, it will not provide you with protection from moisture and water damage. 

The only way to resolve this problem is to remove all the old vapor barrier material and replace it with a brand new barrier. It’s highly likely that the barrier already has tears and debris build up if another company installed it incorrectly. It is recommended that you hire an expert who will remove all the old barrier material from your crawl space and replace it with a newer, thicker, and more efficient barrier. 

• Too Much Humidity 

If you installed a vapor barrier without considering the condition of your crawl space beforehand, you might still have high humidity inside the area. One way to fix this problem is by getting a crawl space dehumidifier and running it before installing a new barrier. That will help ensure you have removed all the excess moisture from the area and the environment will be in the best possible condition for installing a new vapor barrier. 

• Debris in the Crawl Space 

Some companies will cut corners and will not take the time to remove all the debris from the crawl space floor before they get started with the installation. While it can save the customer some money because the installation will take less time to complete, it will not save them anything in the long run when they have another barrier installed sooner than usual. Often, debris like large rocks and sticks will be the leading cause of tears in the vapor barrier. Even if the debris seems minimal, it doesn’t take much to change how the vapor barrier will fall. If there is too much debris on the floor, it could place additional pressure and stress on the barrier and impact the lifespan.