How Do Vapor Barriers Improve Indoor Air Quality?

October 4, 2022

Most homeowners tend to ignore their crawl space, and it’s easy to see why. Crawl spaces are notoriously damp, dirty places, and there isn’t any reason to hang out down there, so why would you venture in?

But ignoring your crawl space is a big mistake. Crawl spaces have a major impact on your home’s indoor air quality (IAQ). Today, we’re going to talk about how vapor barrier installation can protect your crawl space from contaminants like mold and improve the air quality throughout your entire home.

What Is a Vapor Barrier for a Crawl Space?

A vapor barrier is a plastic lining that’s installed over the dirt floor in your crawl space. Vapor barriers are designed to stop moisture and water vapor in the soil from seeping into your crawl space.

Vapor barrier installation has a lot of benefits for your home, especially when combined with crawl space insulation and air sealing. Together, these services are referred to as crawl space encapsulation, and they separate your crawl space from the surrounding earth.

Vapor Barrier Installation Protects Your Crawl Space from Air Contaminants

Mold and pests are two of the most common problems homeowners face when they don’t seal their crawl spaces.

Mold and mildew: Unsealed crawl spaces are highly susceptible to moisture intrusion, which can not only cause damage to your home but will also encourage mold and mildew growth.
Pests: Pests like rodents and cockroaches are more likely to enter a home with an unprotected crawl space. Pests eat away at building materials, and many produce allergens.

As mold, mildew, and pests take over your crawl space, they release contaminates into the air. The air in your crawl space rises up and into your home, carrying these air pollutants and allergens directly into your living spaces where your family breathes them in. This can make your family feel sick, trigger asthma attacks, and make the symptoms of an existing respiratory condition much worse.

Installing a vapor barrier in your crawl space will keep moisture and pests out, reducing the risk of mold and other airborne contaminants. The result will be a safer, healthier home with better indoor air quality.

Vapor Barrier Installation Has Many Benefits

Installing a vapor barrier in your crawl space will lead to a wide range of benefits in addition to improved indoor air quality:

Prevents mold, mildew, and musty odors in your home
Keeps pests like rodents and insects out of your home
Improves energy efficiency and can help you save on energy bills
Protects pipes and ductwork in your crawl space from rust and water damage
Above all, makes your home a healthier, safer place to live

If you’re worried about your damp and musty crawl space, call Hassler today. We install vapor barriers for homeowners in Marin, Contra Costa, and Alameda Counties and can help you find the best indoor air quality solutions for your home. As a whole-home efficiency expert, we’re your one-stop shop for a healthier, more efficient home in California!