What does mil mean in plastic?

A mil is a thousandth of an inch. Generally, measurements of less than 1/8 of an inch are too small to see, but often we can feel them. California has set the legal standard for a plastic film bag at 2.25 mil.

Which is thicker 10 mil or 16 mil?

The bigger the number the thicker the plastic. Plastic sheeting comes in ranges from 1 mil to 100 mils! A "mil" A mil is a measurement that equals one-thousandth of an inch, or 0.001 inch. Most human hair is one-thousandth of inch, or 0.001 inch.

Which is better 4 mil or 6 mil plastic?

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 is thicker 4 mil or 6 mil?

The bigger the number of mils, the thicker the plastic sheeting. Here are some approximations with common items to help you understand. 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.

What is the heaviest 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.

What does mil mean?

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.

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.

What mil plastic is best for greenhouse?

The best greenhouse plastic for your gardening projects is UV stabilized plastic sheeting made of 6 mil or thicker polyethylene plastic. It is affordable, but is able to provide cover formany years.

What mil plastic should be used for a 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.

Is mil the same as MM?

A “millimeter” is used in reference to the floorings overall thickness, whereas a “mil' refers to the thickness of the floorings wear layer. Both are units of measurement dealing in distance, the first belonging to the Metric system while the second is from the U.S. Standard system.

What does 12 mil thickness mean?

Mil thickness is a common measurement in manufacturing. A "mil" is a unit of thickness equal to one thousandth of an inch (. 001 inch). To convert mil to inches, take mil and divide by 1000.

Can you use 4 mil plastic for vapor barrier?

OVERVIEW. Our 4-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 6 mil vapor barrier enough?

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 is mil plastic for windows?

An 8'x50' roll of 4 mil clear poly sheeting will give you enough plastic to cover many windows.

Can I use 4 mil plastic for greenhouse?

For most single-season applications, 3mil or 4mil is just fine. It's a great choice for high arched structures, overwintering plants, or single-season use. However, when you're building a greenhouse that needs to withstand multiple seasons, you're likely going to want the heavier option of 6mil plastic.

How long will 6 mil plastic last in the sun?

6 mil plastic could survive the sun for up to 3 years. Fifty eight years later 6 mil poly is still used by the budget conscious grower. This film will get you by. The downside to 6 mil is bad weather (wind, snow load, hail), and strong sun.

Can sunlight go through plastic?

Most acrylic plastics will allow light of wavelength greater than 375 nm to pass through the material, but they will not allow UV-C wavelengths (100–290 nm) to pass through. Even very thin acrylic sheets of less than 5 millimeters (mm) do not let UV-C light penetrate.

Should vapor barrier be clear or black?

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.

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.

Does a vapor barrier prevent mold?

By installing a crawl space vapor barrier system, you will greatly reduce the moisture levels, preventing mold and foul odors from growing and forming.

What are the different thicknesses of plastic sheeting?

Plastic sheets range in various thickness, sizes, and even shapes to suit the application. From 0.06 inch to 6 inches, with some custom sizes available, common thicknesses range from 0.25 in, 0.5 in, 0.75 in, and 1 inch up to 6 inches.

What is 6 mil plastic sheeting?

Heavy Duty Plastic Sheeting:

A six mil reinforced film can be considered "heavy duty" when it is used to cover a desk to keep it clear of dust. That same "heavy duty sheet" would not be strong enough to line a landfill.

How long does plastic sheeting last?

This bubble wrap looking plastic will last 10 years in the harshest of environment. It is made to withstand heavy snow loads, high winds, sun, heat, rain- you name it...and it won't yellow or degrade.