Vapor Barrier and Encapsulation in Georgia

Installing a crawlspace vapor barrier is not rocket science. It is not physically difficult. Whether installing a quality vapor barrier in a vented crawlspace or carrying out a complete crawlspace encapsulation, it takes merely some time, only a little patience and a willingness to crawl around on your hands and knees for a few days.

Where you should Purchase a Crawlspace Vapor Barrier

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

What Vapor Barriers Are Available

The inexpensive vapor barriers will perform the job but this has been our experience which they tear easily, don't stay in position, and become brittle and crack after four to five years. But they are inexpensive.

The alternative is to spend a few times more initially and purchase an item with a twenty five year warranty. The reinforced or woven products require no longer time to put in compared to the inexpensive shorter-lived products.

The actual question is whether a company wants to spend a few days crawling around in a wet crawlspace every 4 or 5 years, or wants to spend a little more initially and have an installation that is maintenance-free and can last for decades. Personally, it generates more sense to me to accomplish it right the very first time and be finished with it.

Installing the Vapor Barrier

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

First, a floor needs to 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 does not perform a good job sealing the seams of a vapor barrier. An excellent, water-proof vinyl tape designed especially for sealing the seams is recommended.

Wrapping the Crawlspace Piers

Second, a floor material needs to be sealed around all the building blocks supports. Whether steel posts or concrete block piers, it's necessary to stop the migration of water vapor from around the building blocks supports. That is usually done by wrapping the piers - sealing the piers with the vapor barrier 6" to 12" up from the floor. This allows a closed pier to which a floor material could be sealed to using seam tape.