CleanSpace vs. Plastic Sheeting

It’s common for us to go in a crawl space where the customer says they have already put down some type of moisture barrier, but it just isn’t getting the job done. And then we go down there and it’s basically...a tarp. Often bunched up in places, exposing the dirt, almost always with puddles of standing water. It may have provided protection from walking or kneeling in the dirt at one point, but it’s generally also covered in dirt itself, so, what is it really doing?

The short answer is “nothing.” While the thought process is understandable - tarps protect things from water, so putting a tarp on your wet crawl space floor should protect the rest of the crawl space from water - it doesn’t quite work that way.

First, not all tarps are waterproof. It’s easy to overlook this because you might just be thinking about covering the ground so you (or your HVAC guy) can crawl around easier. But many tarps or plastic sheeting materials aren’t water and/or mold resistant.

Second, there really isn’t a way to attach tarps or other plastic sheeting materials to your crawl space. So you just kind of...unfurl it, like a blanket, and settle it over the dirt. And that’s fine for about a day, but then water comes in, or a mouse runs through, or dirt just shifts, as dirt does, and suddenly it’s all bunched up and in a weird pile, which means it’s useless and the dirt is once again exposed.

In order to truly protect your crawl space from the elements, and to protect your home from your crawl space, it needs to be encapsulated with a true vapor barrier. Like CleanSpace! The CleanSpace vapor barrier system is inorganic and waterproof, which means it will not harbor mold and mildew or allow it to thrive in your crawl space. The barrier system is affixed to the walls and floor, actually sealing the crawl space off from the dirt rather than just covering it.

CleanSpace also works in conjunction with our drainage matting, which allows for easier water flow to a sump pump if you have a crawl space with standing water issues, and SilverGlo insulation panels that can increase your home’s energy efficiency and comfort.

Why throw a tarp down and have to replace (or ignore) it every year when you could get your crawl space properly encapsulated and never worry about it again? Call us today to schedule your free inspection.