Protect Your Crawl Space From Moisture Damage With a Vapor Barrier

Crawl spaces are naturally damp places which can result in moisture problems including insect infestations, mildew, and mold growth. A vapor barrier offers long-term, low-maintenance protection and is an essential component of any crawl space.

Have a Home With a Crawl Space? You Need a Vapor Barrier

Installing a vapor barrier, or replacing an old barrier, is an essential home improvement project that will keep your home safe from the scourge of water damage.

The Benefits of Crawl Space Vapor Barrier Installation

Protect Your Home from Water Damage

A crawl space with excessive moisture puts your home at risk for termite infestation, mildew, and mold growth. A vapor barrier passively reduces humidity to safe levels and is the ideal choice for most crawl spaces.

Improve Indoor Air Quality

A wet crawl space is the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Spores can make their way into your home and may cause allergies or even illness.

Makes Future Repairs Easier

Our bright white vapor barriers not only prevent water vapor from building up in your crawl space, but also make working in your crawl space easier. Leaks from above will be easy to spot and anyone who dabbles in DIY repairs will appreciate the cleaner, brighter working conditions.

Why Work With Dragon Insulation

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We’re Vapor Barrier Specialists

There are plenty of tradesmen who will offer to install a vapor barrier, but the truth is they typically just run out to a local hardware shop, pick up the cheapest sheeting they can find, and then install it as quickly as they can. We are vapor barrier specialists who take pride in our craftsmanship and our courteous and professional installers will treat you and your home with respect.

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High Quality Materials

While we love repeat business, the reality is that the vapor barriers we install will last 20 to 25 years. We use reinforced white polyethylene sheeting with 6” of overlap and 4” wide vinyl seam tape to seal crawl spaces. We offer thicker barriers than are available at big box stores which provide longer lasting protection and greater durability over rough crawl space floors.

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Licensed and Fully Insured

Any time you have someone working on your house it is essential that they be properly licensed and insured. At Dragon Insulation we are fully licensed and insured professionals who specialize in crawl space repair and vapor barrier installation.

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Competitive Pricing

We always encourage our customers to price shop, because we know that we deliver fantastic results for a great price. Get a free quote and see for yourself!

What People Say About Working With the Dragon

Emmett Nolan Owner of Dragon Vapor Barriers

The Tale of Dragon Insulation

Dragon Insulation was started after we saw how common it was for people to live in underinsulated homes or in homes which suffer from perennial crawl space moisture issues. Our mission is to protect homeowners from extreme temperatures, help reduce your energy bills all year long, and provide improved indoor air quality!

We understand that choosing a contractor for crawl space repair is a big decision and we honor your choice with our unwavering commitment to customer service. Our licensed, insured, and uniformed crews are carefully selected for their demeanor, as much as for their skills, and will treat you and your home with the utmost respect.

Vapor Barrier FAQs

What are some signs that I may need a crawl space vapor barrier?

Crawl space humidity levels should be between 40 and 55% relative humidity. Higher than this and you may begin to notice some of the following symptoms:

  • Mold proliferation
  • Musty odors
  • Pest infestations (including cockroaches and termites)
  • Unusually high energy costs
  • Wood rot, particularly on floor joists or supports
  • Uneven or sagging floors
  • Condensation on pipes and ducts
  • Persistent allergies or illnesses

Depending on the severity of your moisture problem, a vapor barrier may be all you need. However, if there is standing water or limited airflow, then encapsulation (waterproofing and a crawl space dehumidifier) should be considered.

Do vapor barriers help against radon?

Yes, vapor barriers are an essential part of any radon mitigation strategy. However, a vapor barrier alone is generally not sufficient, and is used in conjunction with active ventilation.

Do vapor barriers help indoor air quality?

Yes, a vapor barrier can help improve the air quality inside your home. Your HVAC system creates suction in your home, drawing some air from your crawl space. These air leaks can result in moisture or even mold spores being pulled into your home. A crawl space vapor barrier will improve the air quality of your crawl space and consequently the air inside your home.

I was told that I need crawl space encapsulation, is a vapor barrier right for me?

If your crawl space has severe moisture problems, then a fully sealed crawl space (known as an encapsulated crawl space) might be your best bet. However, there are several companies on the market that only sell encapsulation solutions, which means that if a homeowner contacts them asking for a moisture barrier, they will tell them that they need encapsulation, even if a less expensive moisture barrier would have been sufficient.
It is essential to have an on-site professional assessment of your crawl space before making the decision to choose either a vapor barrier or encapsulation.
If you’ve been given a quote for encapsulation let us know and we can provide you with a free onsite evaluation and offer a second opinion about whether or not a vapor barrier would be right for you.

Does my crawl space need a vapor barrier or encapsulation?

In moist climates and areas with a shallow water table, nearly all homes with a crawl space will benefit from a vapor barrier.

In general, an encapsulated crawl space is preferable for crawl spaces with limited airflow or standing water. If your crawl space vents are blocked and outside air can’t make it in, or you have pools of water under your home, then you may need a drainage solution such as a french drain, sump pump, or gutter system.

If you’re unsure if you need a vapor barrier, we can provide you with a free inspection and see if a crawl space solution is right for you.

Is subfloor insulation a substitute for a crawl space vapor barrier?

No, while crawl space insulation is great for reducing your energy bills and keeping your home comfortable, it is not a substitute for a vapor barrier.

Part of the problem is that fiberglass batts and rigid foam insulation suspended between your floor joists are not airtight, meaning that air can still travel from your crawl space into your home.

Even if your floor was air tight, excessive moisture underneath your home will result in mold growth and make for a hospitable home for termites!

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