Album description: Time and again during our inspection process we find plastic liner on crawl space floors. Homeowners often lay down plastic believing that it will alleviate the excess moisture in the crawl space, which may be affecting the home with symptoms such as musty smells and high humidity.
Laying down plastic simply isn’t enough to create a healthy crawl space environment. The entire space needs to be sealed.
- The crawl space vents and access areas to be totally sealed closed.
- A thick and durable vapour barrier encapsulating the entire space.
This home in Belle River is a common example of a home showing signs of an unhealthy crawl space – and laying down plastic was simply ineffective; ultimately a waste of time and money.
We completely encapsulated the crawl space with a thick, heavy duty liner, sealing it at the rim joists with spray foam insulation. We then sealed the vents and access doors. The best part is that this crawl space will be healthy, clean with acceptable humidity levels for years to come.
Inspector: Tom
Crew foreman: Tim
Unhealthy crawl space environment
The unsealed plastic was simply not enough to keep the humidity at an acceptable level.
Ineffective vapour barrier
Despite the homeowner's efforts, this crawl space was damp and unhealthy.
A sealed crawl space
The crawl space is now completely sealed from the outside environment. The humidity levels are perfect and the home is healthier!
Sealed and insulated crawl space
This is what a healthy and sealed crawl space should look like - and it will for years to come!
