How to Encapsulate Crawl Space Pillars

This week on the Ninja DIY blog, we tackle how to wrap pillars! We will give you insider tips on how to ensure that the pillar is properly wrapped to ensure you keep that moisture out!

Need to know before encapsulating crawl space pillars

I want to remind you to always be mindful of mold. Yes, mold! You wouldn’t want to devote time, effort, and money into your crawl space encapsulation if you have mold in your crawl space that isn’t addressed. Be sure to check out our mold disinfectant products to get started. We also have dehumidifiers available that can help you continuously control humidity in your crawl space.

Tools Needed when using vapor barrier on crawl space pillars:

 

We know not everyone has the budget for a Hilti Nail gun, so we have offered up some alternatives that we believe will help you get the job done. Keep in mind that while butyl tape might get the job done quickly, depending on the surface you are using it on it will not stay fastened forever, so we recommend using the Christmas tree fasteners to give you the sturdiness needed to make your work durable. For more in-depth instruction on how to use butyl tape and Christmas tree fasteners, check out this video. If you have trouble getting the butyl tape to stick to the cinder-block foundation, watch this video.

Crawl Space Vapor barrier Pillar Encapsulation Tips

 

• • Measure the pillar, add about 18 extra inches to the measurements

 

• • Depending on the height of you pillar you want to go up at least 2 feet up the actual pillar

 

• • To make sure the wrapping is easier, make a small cut at each of the corners so the plastic folds properly

 

• • When securing the vapor barrier remember to nail 1 nail to start wrapping, 1 more nail after you are done wrapping the pillar (make sure the barrier overlaps), and another nail halfway down. (See image examples below)

 

• • We like to start in a clockwise pattern when attaching the vapor barrier to the pillar, regardless of how you start always remember to overlap the vapor barrier when you finish

 

• • After attaching the vapor barrier you will want to tape the seams. A good tip on using tape is to adhere it to the vapor barrier itself, not the concrete because tapes do not adhere well to porous surfaces.

 

 

Final Thoughts

That concludes our guide for DIY – Wrapping pillars! If you are curious about how we do it, check out the video below. If you want to let us know a particular topic we should cover leave us a comment. If you like the video, like, comment, and subscribe to our YouTube Channel. Keep an eye out on  how to attach the floor Vapor barrier to the pillars. All products outlined here can be found on our DIY store. We can also provide you with a free estimate if you choose not to do it your self.