Can you use 4 mil plastic for vapor barrier in crawl space?

Mils: Polyethylene sheeting is measured in 'mils. ' A mil is equal to 0.001 inch of thickness. Codes for residential applications often cite a 6 mil (0.006-inch thick) minimum reinforced poly vapor barrier. However, Americover recommends 10 mil or higher, for crawl space applications.

Can I use 4 mil plastic as a vapor barrier?

By sticking with a thicker mil plastic, you'll have a dryer crawl space and better air quality. We recommend using a vapor barrier of 16 mil or higher. This translates into a permeance rate of only . 0015 This is considered impermeable in American building codes.

How thick should crawl space vapor barrier be?

Vapor barriers should be at least 6 mil in thickness to effectively cover the area and create a moisture barrier. Triangle Crawl Space Solutions uses both a 6 mil material for simple vapor barrier installation and a thicker more durable 12 mil vapor barrier material depending on the budget and needs of the home.

What mil plastic do you use for vapor barrier?

Plastic, specifically 6-mil polyethylene plastic, is the most commonly used vapor barrier. Plastic has a very low permeability rating, which means water, in its gaseous or liquid state, does not travel through it.

What is the best plastic to put under house?

Materials You'll Need

However, for most homeowners sheeting made of polyethylene plastic is the best choice for moisture abatement and storage protection. While some sources may recommend a thickness of six-mil, a thicker grade of material is preferable.

Why We Don't Use 20-mil Vapor Barrier | Crawl Space Plastic | Best Crawl Space Vapor Barrier

What mil plastic do you put in a crawl space?

Choosing a Crawlspace Vapor Barrier Thickness

' A mil is equal to 0.001 inch of thickness. Codes for residential applications often cite a 6 mil (0.006-inch thick) minimum reinforced poly vapor barrier. However, Americover recommends 10 mil or higher, for crawl space applications.

What is the thickest vapor barrier?

Wall and floor liner. Seals out moisture and soil gases, including radon. 250 mil liner, the thickest crawl space vapor barrier available on the market. Provides strength and tear/puncture resistance.

Can I use 3 mil plastic for vapor barrier?

Barricade's 3-mil plastic sheeting is a multipurpose film perfect for a wide variety of construction or DIY projects. This medium-duty plastic sheeting is commonly used as a vapor barrier in between insulation and drywall, used as a drop cloth or a temporary cover for equipment and supplies.

Is 4 mil thicker than 6ml?

Four (4) mil plastic sheeting is about as thick as a piece of paper. Six (6) mil plastic sheeting is what your trashbags are made from in your kitchen. Ten (10) mil plastic sheeting is what your business card is often made from. Fifty (50) mil is the thickness of a dime.

Can I use plastic sheeting as a vapor barrier?

In simple terms, a vapor barrier is a material that won't allow moisture to pass through it, such as plastic sheeting. A very simple experiment to show how a vapor barrier works is to lay a plastic garbage bag down on some damp soil.

What mil plastic goes under concrete?

The most commonly used vapor barrier under concrete slabs is polyethylene (poly) plastic sheeting with a thickness of 10 mil or 15 mil.

Should I put plastic down in my crawl space?

A: The plastic cover or vapor barrier is definitely needed, especially in a dirt-floor crawl space. Without a vapor barrier, moisture will migrate to the surface of the soil and eventually cause serious problems in the crawl space, including mold and possibly structural rot. The plastic should cover the entire floor.

What is 4 mil plastic used for?

4 MIL - Heavy duty protection when packaging nails, screws & heavy metal parts. 6 MIL - Extra heavy duty protection against punctures and tears on bulky items or items with sharp corners.

What do you use for a vapor barrier in a crawl space?

Use plastic sheeting to control moisture in your crawlspace.

We use foil-faced rigid insulation to keep the space under the house dry. The plastic and the insulation will eliminate any moisture problems you have in the crawlspace, such as water droplets collecting on the concrete walls and pipes.

What is thicker 2 mil or 4 mil?

As their name might imply, 4 mil bags are 4 millimeters in thickness, making them a bit stronger than their 2 mil counterpart. So these resealable bags work better for storing heavier items, as well if you will be handling the bags frequently, or storing items for a longer period of time.

What is 6 mil plastic used for?

Multi-Purpose - Our clear plastic sheeting can be used as a moisture barrier, 6 mil vapor barrier, protection barrier for painting, dust containment, spray barrier and more! This 6mil clear sheeting plastic roll is great for covering and protecting lumber, equipment, and any type of machinery.

Is 6 mil plastic sheeting waterproof?

Some common applications for this product include using it as a vapor barrier for concrete or between drywall and insulation. They also can be used to cover a crawl space or under wood floors. Plastic sheeting is waterproof.

Should I staple vapor barrier?

Tug and smooth the vapor barrier to ensure a completely smooth surface lacking wrinkles or gaps through which moisture and air may escape, defeating the vapor barrier's purpose. Staple through the plastic into the sole plate -- the horizontal board running under the studs – at bottom.

What is the perm rating of 4 mil poly?

Put another way, a perm measures the relative ease in which moisture or water vapor will pass through material. In the United States, one perm is 1 grain of water vapor per hour, per square foot of mercury. The 4 mil polyethylene sheeting does not have a perm rating.

What is the thickest mil plastic sheeting?

Most construction and greenhouse plastic sheeting thicknesses start at 4 mil and go all the way up to 20 mil for the heaviest duty strength.

How thick should a vapor barrier be under a slab?

The American Concrete Institute's Guide for Concrete Floor and Slab Construction recommends that the thickness of the vapor retarder be at least 10 mils.

Does mold grow under crawl space vapor barrier?

Moisture from the ground and from crawl space vents combine to create all sorts of problems under your home. This moisture can create mold, mildew, dry rot and allows insects and other pests to thrive. A vapor barrier is key step to reducing this moisture.

Is black vapor barrier better than clear?

Black barriers are more effective at stopping moisture evaporation, compared with the clear barrier. The black color hinders the growth of plant seeds that may reside beneath a home's crawlspace. Plants naturally send moisture into the air, creating more moisture.