A vapor barrier is a waterproofing solution that provides moisture protection for your basement. Although floods and leaks are a major source of moisture in basements, vapor seepage through walls is also a reason for high humidity levels. What often happens is that this vapor seeps in through your basement walls and condenses there, turning into drips. This has the overall effect of making your basement moister and mustier, and also causing other problems. Here are some reasons why you should consider getting a vapor barrier installed.
The main benefit is that a vapor barrier helps you control the humidity. A lot of the air we breathe starts in the basement and migrates upward, so controlling your basement’s humidity helps to control all of your home’s. If you have a basement with out-of-control moisture, you’re going to see the humidity level rise everywhere.
Even more importantly, a vapor barrier helps to prevent mold. Mold infestations occur often in basements and once they start, they are difficult and expensive to remediate. Certain common types of mold are highly toxic and they can cause health problems throughout the house. Most people experience allergic reactions such as coughing, sore throat and headaches, but mold can also cause serious health problems like asthma.
By surrounding your basement, a vapor barrier totally separates the air inside from the air outside. One other benefit of this is that it makes it harder for bugs to get into your house. Insects thrive in the moist, cool darkness of the basement. Spiders, crickets, cockroaches and other critters love the climate that a humid basement creates.
Another benefit of encapsulation is that it keeps the air inside your home. This can help you save money on your utility bills by not wasting your hot and cold air. This isn’t the purpose of getting a vapor barrier installed, but it’s just one of the nice perks.
Vapor barriers aren’t always necessary for keeping a home waterproofed. Before you decide to get one, make sure that you know where the moisture is coming from. A vapor barrier will prevent it from coming in through the walls in the form of condensation. For most people, it is much easier and faster to hire a waterproofing service to do it for you.
At Scaldino Basement Solutions we stands by New Jersey and Staten Island, NY families in their journey to achieving a healthier home. We promise to deliver the highest quality and oustanding customer service.
