Crawl spaces are one of the most important parts of every building. Unfortunately, homeowners hardly consider them when thinking of renovating their homes. As amazing as crawl spaces are, if care is not taken, they can always cause various structural problems in your home. One factor that causes these problems is crawl space moisture.
Today, it costs a lot of money to address moisture problems. Because of this, it’s often advisable for homeowners to inspect and control moisture in their crawl spaces quickly before they cause costly issues. Today, vapor barriers or retarders are one of the most effective ways to control crawl space moisture issues. But when exactly should you consider using a vapor retarder?
Warning signs to know it’s time for a vapor barrier installation
Vapor barriers traditionally come with a polyethylene plastic material. The modern vapor barriers, better known as vapor retarders, are usually available in different types of materials, based on their permeability level.
The primary function of vapor barriers or vapor retailers is to help seal off a crawl space’s interior part. By using them as a seal, you’ll be able to prevent crawl space moisture. Overall, it’ll help you to reduce energy consumption in your home.
That said, when should you consider installing a new vapor barrier for your crawl space?
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Wood rots
While inspecting your crawl space, did you notice any rotten wood under your floor? If yes, this is a warning sign you might be experiencing a crawl space moisture problem. In this case, one of the best things you can do is install the best vapor barrier. While this approach won’t help you fix the rotten wood issue, it’ll certainly assist you in preventing further issues to your home’s structure.
2. Standing water
One of the most obvious signs you need to install a vapor barrier is the presence of standing water. Standing water doesn’t only cause structural issues to buildings. In addition, it also causes various health-related issues. That’s so because it encourages the growth of molds and mildew, which are not healthy for your family.
3. Health issues
As you now know, crawl space moisture can lead to the growth of molds and mildew. These issues don’t only cause structural problems. In addition, they also lead to different health issues. Once you or your family members start experiencing different allergic symptoms, such as headache, watery eyes, itching, sneezing, and breathing illness, this could be a sign your crawl space needs a vapor barrier.
By adding the right crawl space vapor barrier, you’ll be able to prevent the growth of molds and mildew. Indirectly, it means you’ll get to prevent health and structural problems.
4. Musty odor
Do you keep experiencing a musty odor from the floor of your home? If yes, this could be a sign you need to add a vapor barrier to your crawl space. Why?
In most cases, a musty odor from your home’s floor is a warning sign that you have crawl space moisture. You’ll get this odor when the moisture starts rising to your home’s ground floor.
5. Rusted pipes
Do you often experience rusted pipe issues in your home? If yes, this could also be a warning sign you need to install a new crawl space vapor barrier.
How to install a crawl space vapor barrier
One of the most effective ways to add a vapor barrier to your crawl space is by contacting a professional contractor. Vanity Vents has some of the best professionals when it comes to installing vapor barriers that last long. They’ll help you find a lasting solution to your foundation moisture issue, leaving you with indoor comfort. You can learn more about how Vanity’s crawl space vapor barrier installation service works.
