Vapor barriers are the best way to keep moisture out of your home or building. They stop water vapor from passing through insulation like fiberglass and damaging materials such as wood framing and drywall. They also help to reduce energy costs by preventing warm air from condensing on cold wall surfaces.

Most builders understand the need to install vapor barriers in the attic, but many fail to include one in crawl spaces or slab-on-grade construction. This may be the worst example of being “penny wise and pound foolish.” A high-performance vapor barrier under the crawl space floor is less expensive than structural damage and a long legal battle over liability.

Why Use Vapor Barriers? Protecting Against Moisture Problems

Spray foam insulation can wreak havoc in a crawl space, causing damage to the foundation, wood framing, and other materials, and encouraging the growth of mold and mildew. It can also cause electrical problems and degrade insulation and fiberglass. Vapor barriers in crawl spaces prevent these issues from happening and protect the health of the living or working space above them.

Moisture control is essential for a healthy home or building, and vapor barriers are the easiest and most cost-effective solution. For the best performance, choose a vapor barrier with the appropriate climate and perm rating for your location, and ensure that it is properly installed to prevent warm air from condensing on cool wall surfaces. The vapor barrier should also be puncture resistant, such as PERMINATOR HP, in order to prevent it from being punctured by the studs and nails used for crawl space support.

316 Insulation of Olympia
2511 Columbia St SW Olympia WA 98501
253-332-7606