Why You Need Crawl Space Vapor Barriers?

[Andrew Sherman]

Crawl space vapor barriers are durable membranes that prevent water vapour infiltration into the crawl space. And when you combine a crawl space vapor barrier with a waterproofing system, now you have the ultimate moisture protection of the crawl space from both liquid water and water vapor before it has the chance to enter your building. These barriers are typically thick plastic materials that are installed across the soil to prevent ground moisture from ever entering the space at all. Now, it’s important to know these barriers only work to prevent ground moisture from migrating into your crawl space and building. Water runoff or leaking pipes could still result in moisture in the crawl space area, which is another reason to consider combining your barrier with a waterproofing system.

One of the realities of constructing and repairing commercial buildings is forever remaining aware of the dangers of moisture. Rotting wood, mould, chipped paint and more are all risks of water entering the building in areas where it’s not wanted. One good leak could cause tens of thousands of dollars of damage, and an already susceptible area could cause multiple rounds of damage if not dealt with effectively. So prevention is key to protecting buildings from the havoc moisture can wreak. But a rotted roof and a massive storm aren’t the only ways moisture can enter a commercial building. It can also come from the ground up, causing damage building owners may not even think to look for until it’s too late.

Most people don’t think twice about the space beneath a building. They might store tools, parts, and random odds and ends down there, but other than when they have to retrieve those items, the crawl space is often a forgotten area. Unfortunately, crawl spaces typically have dirt floors, which makes them prime culprits for moisture entering the commercial building. That’s because moisture infiltration in the form of water vapor from the soil, if not contained, can slowly erode your building from the ground up. We’re talking structural damage, electrical shorts, pipe erosion, and the degradation of insulation and fibreglass. Not to mention the risk of heavy allergens (like mold spores and dust mite droppings) entering your living spaces. Luckily, a crawl space vapor barrier offers a relatively simple solution to all of this.