Quality Versus Cheap Moisture Vapor Barriers

Importance of Moisture Vapor Barriers

As we all know, water vapors can cause severe damage to your home. If the floor gets wet often, mold will grow and destroy the flooring. No one wants this situation, so there are some measures to prevent the wetting of the floor. One of them is using moisture vapor barriers. Moisture vapor barriers are used in areas prone to excess moisture or dampness. They are used in the construction to prevent water vapors from passing through the walls and ceilings. Many types of moisture vapor barriers protect floors from damage, such as plastic sheeting, aluminum foil insulation, epoxy moisture barriers, etc. Identify quality versus cheap moisture vapor barriers before beginning an installation.

How to Distinguish Between Quality and Cheap Moisture Vapor Barriers

Moisture vapor barriers are the most important thing you can do to prevent water entry into walls, ceilings, floors, etc. If your area is susceptible to mold and water damage, you need them the most. These barriers are not only needed in hot and humid climates, but cold climates can also benefit from them.

A Prevalence of Cheap Moisture Vapor Barriers

Cheap Moisture Barriers fill the marketplace today, but you can decipher the difference. Plastic barriers are ineffective against specific chemical-treated spaces, so finding a high-quality moisture vapor barrier is key. Having a background in crawlspace encapsulation enhances your decision-making capabilities when it comes to selecting the proper materials.

The Differences to You Need to Identify

Material composition separates the good stuff from the cheap stuff. High-quality barriers contain high-density polyethylene and polyolefin. These materials offer durability and resistance to tearing. Cheap barriers have low-density polyethylene or thin plastic sheets. Therefore, read on to see the features to look for in your materials:

• Strength and Thickness: High-quality moisture barriers are 10-20 mils thick, while cheap ones are six mils thick. This indicates low protection and makes them prone to puncture and tear damage.
• Chemical Resistance: High-quality moisture barriers keep chemicals out. These compliant materials usually inform users of their chemical resistance. Checking with a crawlspace repair company will help you make wise investments.
• Installation: The simplicity of moisture barrier installation raises the value of the vapor barrier. A simple installation means you are less likely to damage the barrier, which is a seemingly obvious factor that can save you time and money.

Identification of Reliable Moisture Barrier

High-quality, reliable moisture barriers come with detailed specifications about thickness, perm rating, and material composition. Before buying, you should check the product’s rating to learn about its quality from those who have purchased it before. Also, look for a warranty, as high-quality barriers offer one, while cheap products have no or little warranty.

Atlantic Foundation Repair and Crawlspace Encapsulation

Your home deserves the best. The type of moisture vapor barrier you use could set your home up for success in the future. While performing a DIY moisture vapor barrier installation project seems reasonable, reliable crawlspace encapsulation allows you peace of mind. At Atlantic Foundation Repair and Crawlspace Encapsulation, we offer that peace of mind. Call us today for a Free Homeowner’s quote to secure your crawlspace encapsulation installation.

FAQ

1. Can I install the crawlspace encapsulation moisture vapor barrier myself? You can, but it still costs money, time, and effort and has fewer guarantees. Hiring a crawlspace encapsulation expert is the most reliable, cost-effective option.
2. How much does crawlspace encapsulation cost? Typically, it costs between $5,000 and $15,000. The price is determined by different companies, the quality of materials, and the crawlspace layout.
3. Can I encapsulate my basement? You can encapsulate your basement, but the process and outcome may differ from crawlspace encapsulation. While there are benefits, your basement, lifestyle, and the type of crawlspace encapsulation play a role in the success or function of the moisture vapor barriers.

Sources-

• https://www.flooringinc.com/blog/what-is-a-moisture-barrier?srsltid=AfmBOorH25prq0gN7Ip2a-TRLnRGDm621ke17Q5L2eQ0wlq7v_QrCAzs
• https://www.firstatlantaflooring.com/news/moisture-barrier-for-flooring-types-and-installation/#:~:text=Class%20I%20vapor%20retarders%3A%20These,plastic%20sheets%2C%20and%20rubber%20membranes.
• https://www.advantaclean.com/blog/what-is-a-moisture-barrier-and-do-i-need-one/#:~:text=You%20need%20a%20moisture%20barrier,underlying%20structure%20of%20your%20home.
• https://www.thisoldhouse.com/walls/87464/vapor-moisture-barriers
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