What is so important about a vapor barrier?
The first time I ever ventured into a crawlspace, I was 25 years old and my new satellite needed wiring. I saw a lot of plastic on the floor the crawlspace; it was a mess, pieces missing and water all over it. I did not know where the water was coming from until I looked up! Yikes, I thought that a pipe had exploded, water was all over the bottom of the floor joist and it saturated the insulation. I franticly called my Dad and he told me to make sure my vents to the crawlspace were open all of the way, and that I would have to lay down a new vapor barrier. So I asked him where I could buy a new one, and he told me just go to the hardware store and pick up a heavy 6 mil plastic. Isn’t that the same stuff we use to cover things when we paint, my Dad told me not to worry and that that is how this type of thing is handled. Keep this in mind the internet did not really exist at that time and the encyclopedia did not really cover moisture issues in the home. So I did like my Dad told me to do and I set out to fix my home from the problems underneath the floor. Two weekend later my Dad gave me his seal of approval, I was curious, so two weeks later I once again opened the old sheet metal door to my crawlspace, oh no water was still on the plastic and the insulation was beginning to fall down I even saw black splotches on the wood that wasn’t there two weeks prior. I do what many homeowners on Delmarva do, I sold it!
Fifteen years later, I hear this question time after time, what is so important about a vapor barrier? It took seven years after I had my problem to learn the answer. CleanSpace is the only true crawlspace vapor barrier on the market. 6 mil plastic is not sealed, and it will tear easy not to mention that it will become brittle, and the first time a contractor goes underneath they will move it all around and mess it up just like in my first home. CleanSpace will cover the Earth completely and it addresses the crawlspace walls, which commonly leak. When you choose, DryZone to install your new crawlspace liner whether you live in DE or MD you will know that the space under your home is protected from mold, mildew, and wood rot. DryZone the largest basement and crawlspace water proofer and is the Basement Systems dealer for all of Delmarva. Call DryZone today to schedule your free inspection with one of our certified waterproofing professionals.
