Crawl Space Vapor Barrier Installation
A crawl space vapor barrier is a liner that covers the dirt floor to help keep ground moisture from rising into your home. Wetlock installs 12 mil and 20 mil premium reinforced liners, which are much thicker and tougher than the thin plastic many homes start with.
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- Free Inspections
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- Written, Itemized Proposals
Premium reinforced liners
- 12 mil reinforced liner: a strong, durable upgrade over thin builder-grade plastic.
- 20 mil reinforced liner: our thickest, most durable option.
Reinforced liners have an internal mesh that resists tearing, so they hold up when you or a technician need to crawl across them.
Why the old plastic fails
Many Carolina homes were built with a thin sheet of plastic on the dirt. Over the years it tears, shifts and leaves soil exposed, and moisture from the red clay rises straight into the crawl space air. A properly installed reinforced liner helps keep that moisture in the ground.
Vapor barrier vs. full encapsulation
A vapor barrier covers the dirt floor. Encapsulation also seals the foundation vents and adds an AprilAire dehumidifier, and some systems cover the walls too. Compare our three crawl space systems.
What a vapor barrier does not do
A vapor barrier limits moisture vapor rising from the ground. It does not stop liquid water that flows in after rain. Where water is entering, a French drain and sump pump handle the water and the liner handles the vapor.
Want to go further?
A vapor barrier is part of every crawl space encapsulation. If humidity is the main problem, pair it with an AprilAire dehumidifier.
Signs you may need vapor barriers
- Thin plastic that tears when you touch it
- Bare dirt showing through gaps
- Puddles on top of the plastic
- Musty smell in the house
- Damp or dark soil under the old barrier
- Failed home-inspection item
How your project works
Free Inspection
We crawl the whole space or walk the full basement, take moisture readings and photograph everything.
Clear Explanation
We show you the photos, explain what is causing the problem and answer every question.
Written Proposal
You get an itemized plan with options and exact pricing. No pressure, no surprise add-ons.
Done Right
Our own crew completes the work, cleans up and walks you through the finished result.
Vapor Barriers FAQ
What does "mil" mean?
A mil is one thousandth of an inch and measures liner thickness. Many homes come with thin builder-grade plastic. Our 12 mil and 20 mil reinforced liners are much stronger and hold up to people crawling across them for service work.
Should I choose 12 mil or 20 mil?
Both are premium reinforced liners. 20 mil is thicker and more durable for crawl spaces that get a lot of foot traffic or have rough ground. We recommend the right one for your space during the inspection.
Is a vapor barrier the same as encapsulation?
No. A vapor barrier covers the floor. Encapsulation goes further by sealing the walls and vents too. A vapor barrier can be a good first step, and we can upgrade to full encapsulation later.
Vapor Barriers near you
Based in Rock Hill, SC, serving the Charlotte and Columbia regions. Our primary markets:
Ready for a drier home?
Get a free vapor barriers inspection with photos and a written plan.