Is Old Crawl Space Butyl Tape Reusable?

Q: What happens to butyl tape when you replace the vapor barrier in a few years? Is old butyl tape reusable for the new vapor barrier? Would I have to apply a new strip of butyl tape under or over the currently installed rubberized butyl tape? A: I don’t recommend using old butyl tape if…

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Crawl Space Vapor Barrier FAQs

Many homeowners are unsure if a crawl space vapor barrier is needed. Much less what type of vapor barrier to use. How should the vapor barrier be installed and much more. We will be answering many of these crawl space vapor barrier FAQs and more in this article. If your question is not answered below,…

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Can I Install New Plastic Over Old in Crawl Space

I received a question about installing new plastic over old plastic in the crawl space. Installing plastic in the crawl space is both vital, but can also be labor-intensive. Many try to make the process easier by throwing the new vapor barrier over the old vapor barrier to save time and money. But is this…

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What is a Class 1 Vapor Retarder?

Crawl spaces require a class 1 vapor retarder to be installed on the exposed dirt to assist in moisture control. Although, moisture control is the goal, rarely is installing a vapor retarder alone able to control moisture. Many builders and home improvement contractors are under the assumption that throwing down plastic controls crawl space moisture…

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Best Crawl Space Seam Tape

The best seam tape used when encapsulating a crawl space is not found at the local box stores. Many contractors, like Crawl Space Ninja, use specially designed waterproof tapes for vapor barrier installation. These tapes are strong and waterproof to keep the plastic joined together regardless of the environmental conditions of the crawl space. In…

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Misconception: Crawl Space Dehumidifier With No Vapor Barrier

Installing a crawl space dehumidifier with no plastic is a mistake all homeowners should avoid. When it comes to crawl space humidity control, the dehumidifier is the heart, but you need other items to help. The Crawl Space Needs a Dehumidifier Crawl space dehumidifiers are vital in controlling humidity. Crawl space encapsulation with dehumidification can…

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Misconception: Vapor Barrier Will Insulate Crawl Space

Many crawl space contractors tell homeowners the vapor barrier will insulate the crawl space. We have homeowners ask if this is true and the short of it is no. Vapor barrier is designed to inhibit moisture, not insulate (unless it is InsulBarrier). There are some insulation vapor barriers on the market and we use a…

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Best Products for Outside Crawl Space Waterproofing

image_Best Products for Outside Crawl Space Waterproofing2

We waterproof hundreds of crawl spaces a year and feel these are the best products for outside crawl space waterproofing that homeowners should install. These products will help keep your crawl space dry during heavy rains when properly installed to work together. Homes near lakes, rivers, streams, or in flood plains will also benefit from…

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