Virginia’s humid climate means the soil beneath your home is constantly releasing moisture into your crawl space.

Without a proper vapor barrier, that moisture silently attacks your floor joists, insulation, and air quality. Soon, you may notice an uptick in energy costs, musty odors, and the presence of pests and other unwanted guests.

CrawlSpace Care installs heavy-duty, fiberglass-reinforced vapor barriers that stop moisture at the source.

Schedule FREE Inspection

Crawl Space Care begins with a free inspection and hassle-free estimate. We’ll advise you, and you can choose which care option is best for you without pressure from us.

What’s Really Happening Under Your Home?

In Southwest Virginia, in areas like the Roanoke Valley, our combo of warm summers and cold winters creates a perfect recipe for crawl space moisture problems.

The ground beneath your home releases water vapor upward.

Without a barrier between that soil and your home’s structure, the issues build up, year after year, until one day when you begin truly noticing one or more of the following:

Musty or earthy odor in your home
Higher-than-normal heating/cooling bills
Allergy symptoms that worsen indoors
Pest activity (rodents, insects)
Visible condensation or standing water
Old, torn, or inadequate plastic sheeting

What is a Vapor Barrier?

A crawl space vapor barrier, sometimes called a moisture barrier, is a heavy-duty plastic liner installed across the floor (and sometimes the walls) of your crawl space. This polyethylene liner creates a barrier to moisture in the soil and other structural elements of the home.

Vapor Barrier vs. Full Encapsulation
A vapor barrier covers the floor of your crawl space, blocking the ground moisture from rising up into the home. A crawl space encapsulation covers the floors and walls along with sealing vents; it often includes a dehumidifier to further keep the environment controlled.

The Benefits of Vapor Barriers

A lot of Virginia homeowners are surprised to find out what’s happening in their crawl space. It’s something out of mind until you begin noticing the signs. A professionally installed vapor barrier brings about several great benefits to you and others occupying the home:

Stops Mold & Mildew
Mold needs moisture, warmth, and organic material (like your home’s wood joists) to begin. A vapor barrier removes the moisture, making it harder for mold/mildew from establishing.
Save on Heating and Cooling Costs
A dry, sealed, and conditioned crawl space can make a noticeable difference in monthly utility bills.
Protect Your Home’s Structure
Wood rot due to moisture can weaken floor joists and beams. It’ll also affect the subflooring (depending on its exposure). A vapor barrier ultimately saves you money versus having to do structural repairs.
Improved Air Quality
Air from your crawl space makes its way up through the floorboards. Now imagine that air having mold spores, allergens, and musty odors due to heightened moisture levels. A vapor barrier can prevent this.
Deter Pests
A vapor barrier not only blocks out the moisture but also unwanted guests like rodents and bugs. The dryness of the space is also less desirable of a habitat for most of these pests that prefer dark, damp areas.
Increase Home Resale Value
A home with musty odors, moldy crawl spaces, higher energy bills, and structural damage isn’t exactly attractive to buyers. A vapor barrier deals with these issues while also giving you a great selling point for your listing.

Our Vapor Barrier Installation Process

Our installation process is thorough. We’re not there to just throw down plastic and call it a day. Our crawl space professionals follow this process during the installation:

Step 1: Inspection

All jobs begin with our no-cost, no-obligation assessment. We inspect your crawl space for its size, moisture levels, and any pre-existing damages. We’ll provide an honest recommendation on what to do about the space.

Step 2: Debris Removal & Preparation

Your crawl space affects the air you breathe inside your home. A professional inspection can detect sources of musty odors, mold that can cause health issues, and problems with the insulation or ventilation that amplify these issues.

Step 3: Treatment

We treat the soil with Bacazap, a microbial treatment, that neutralizes odors.

Step 4: Treatment

We install a 12-20 mil fiberglass reinforced vapor barrier. It’s staked down and taped at the seams to stop moisture from getting through.

Schedule FREE Inspection
Crawl Space Care begins with a free inspection and hassle-free estimate. We’ll advise you, and you can choose which care option is best for you without pressure from us.
540-345-8300

Why Southwest Virginia Homeowners Choose CrawlSpace Care

CrawlSpace Care has built its reputation in the Roanoke Valley on honest assessments, professional-grade materials, and work that holds up long after we’ve left the job site.

Here’s what sets us apart.

5.0 Stars on Google
Don’t just take our word for it. See what customers say about CrawlSpace Care for a complete, unbiased look at our company.
Professional-Grade Materials
We install fiberglass-reinforced liners staked and taped at every seam. We don’t skimp by using thin polyethylene sheeting.
Virginia Building Code Compliant
Our installation meets and exceeds current Virginia building code requirements for vapor barriers in crawl spaces.
Industry-Leading Warranty
We offer a 5-Year Dehumidifier and 1-Year Workmanship Warranty. Plus, ask about our Annual Care Plan to unlock a fully transferable Lifetime Structure Warranty.

Ready for a Dry, Protected Crawl Space?

Don’t wait until your home starts smelling funky. Get a vapor barrier installed by the professionals at CrawlSpace Care. We’re locally owned, licensed, and backed over 25+ years of experience. Talk with a member of our team today!

For a FREE crawl space inspection and service quote in the New River Valley, come see us in Roanoke or call (540 – 345 – 8300) today.

    Vapor Barriers | Frequently Asked Questions

    Do I Need a Vapor Barrier if my Crawl Space Seems Dry?

    Yes. Crawl spaces that seem “pretty dry” have enough ground moisture to evaporate and begin causing issues. If there’s bare ground the crawl space and your home then you should really give our professionals a call.

    How Long will a Vapor Barrier Last?

    Most professionally-installed vapor barriers, using heavy-duty materials like we do, can last 20+ years. A bit of proper maintenance goes a long way, too.

    Can I Install a Vapor Barrier Myself?

    Sure, but it’s not usually recommended. If you don’t know what you’re doing or cut corners you may just make it worse. You’ll have spent money on creating a barrier that’s actually trapping more moisture which totally defeats the purpose.