Crawlspace/Vapor Barrier

Specific Inspection Topics Structural Inspections
22

Of course. And the paper on the insulation is a retarder, not a barrier. Meaning it is permeable which is necessary for our southern humid states.

So you have 3 things going on here.

  1. The floor covering manufacturer will likely have an underlayment requirement which is different than controlling humidity in the crawl. (however, a humid crawl will effect the recommendation you get from the manufacturer or installer)
  2. Insulating the building envelope.
  3. Crawlspace environment/humidity control.

So, Try to pull it all together. Local building code, energy code and floor covering manufacturer will all have a say. (note: I would not install any new flooring until my crawlspace is perfect)

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23

I don’t see many like this, although with every crawl I inspect I try to convert as many as possible.

image

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24

This is great info. Thank you.