How Can You Check Your Basement Vapor Barrier?

When it comes to protecting your home from water damage, you can invest in a variety of waterproofing measures. If you’re looking for a solution that pulls double-duty, though, you can talk to the professionals in your area about high-quality vapor barriers. The installation process can help you save money on electric bills and future damage, but you will need to make a point of checking on said vapor barrier long after it’s been installed.   

What Is a Basement Vapor Barrier?

A vapor barrier is a large, plastic-like sheet that covers any area. In a basement, it’s likely to cover the walls and possibly the floor, although it’s most common to see these sheets just cover the walls. The sheet will help keep out water vapor, making it less likely that your basement will struggle with high levels of humidity.  

Typically, the installation process of a basement vapor barrier will take less than a day, though installation time may vary depending on the size of your basement and the specific issues you’re having. It’s also typically a good idea to install a basement vapor barrier alongside other basement humidity and water fixes, like an interior drainage system.  

Should You Install a Vapor Barrier?   

Waterproof insulation serves as an informal barrier between your  basement and the great outdoors. If you want to put a stop to significant seepage or flooding, then you can talk to area experts about installing a vapor barrier. Vapor barriers are made out of dense, plastic-like material. The weave of this material is tight enough that most gases can’t get into your  basement, meaning that liquid and gaseous water doesn’t stand a chance. Here are a few clues that your basement could benefit from a vapor barrier: 

• Fluctuating basement temperatures 
• High electric and heating bills 
• Mildew or mold 
• Excessive moisture in the basement 
• High levels of humidity throughout the home 
• Standing water in the basement 

The professionals who install your vapor barrier custom-fit your sheet to your  basement.  With basement encapsulation,  you’ll install a vapor barrier in the basement, ensuring that moisture can’t get into your basement in any way. Professionals will make sure that these sheets don’t cover up any of your utilities while still ensuring that moisture can’t easily make its way into your home.   

 While  a vapor barrier isn’t a set-it-and-forget-it solution, it can be a permanent solution to your moisture problems. You’ll want to schedule annual home inspections so that area professionals can keep an eye on your barrier, not to mention the rest of your  basement.  Service technicians can check on your vapor barrier during yearly maintenance. You can also extend a basement vapor barrier’s life by pairing it with other home waterproofing measures, including waterproof insulation.   

Why Does Your Basement Barrier Matter?   

As mentioned, a basement vapor barrier does a lot for your home on its own. When installed in your basement, it can protect the pipes and wiring you have inside of your home from damage. That means you’re less likely to have to deal with leaks in the future.   

Waterproof vapor barriers can help create a barrier between your home and any runoff that might damage it. Remember that you need to invest in a high-quality, mold-resistant vapor barrier to protect your basement. By keeping your basement dry, you will protect your home from mold and make it more difficult for pests to get inside. Both of these issues are commonly found in homes with wet or rotting insulation.  

What Signs of Damage Should You Watch for?   

All that said, your basement insulation is not going to last forever, even if you have a good vapor barrier. Even vapor barriers have a lifespan that you should keep in mind. However, with good yearly maintenance and service, your vapor barrier can be a long-term solution to moisture problems. You’re going to want to check on it regularly to prevent dampness from making its way into your home and causing damage. The longer your insulation is exposed to water damage, for example, the more likely it is that it may become a harbor for mold and other bacteria you don’t want in your home.    

Luckily, a damaged vapor barrier is easy to spot because damage to your insulation is all but inevitable once this happens. Damaged insulation in your basement often gives itself away, too. As you’re looking through your basement, you’ll want to keep an eye out for the following:   

• Inconsistent temperatures throughout your home   
• Increasing electric or heat bills   
• Fogging windows   
• Broken window seals   
• Higher levels of indoor humidity   
• Signs of seepage throughout your basement   
• Mildew or mold   
• Standing water   
• Musty smells   

Note that many of the aforementioned signs are also indicative of structural damage or general issues with humidity and dampness throughout your basement. If you’re not sure what kind of damage you may be contending with, you can reach out and discuss your problems with basement repair professionals working in the Grand Junction, CO, area. Together, you can walk through your home and keep an eye out for damage. Field inspectors will even provide you with a free services quote on any repairs or waterproofing installations you may be interested in.   

How to Check Your Basement Vapor Barrier  

Checking on your vapor barriers and insulation can help you understand how things should look, and make signs of damage to your vapor barrier and insulation more obvious in the long run. Being aware of the state of your insulation and vapor barrier can also help you to get ahead of structural damage by noticing it early on.   

Should you have a crack or serious leak on your hands, your vapor barrier and insulation are likely to show the earliest signs.   

To start checking the damage, you’ll want to:  

• Find your insulation   
• Identify your insulation   
• Practice good safety habits   
• Look over your basement in parts and as a whole   
• Reach out to area professionals    

Connecting With Industry Professionals   

Don’t let your insulation go unprotected; invest in a high-quality vapor barrier to keep dampness at bay and prolong its lifespan. If you believe that your vapor barrier has been punctured, resulting in damage to the insulation in your basement, or if you want to invest in waterproofing materials for your space, you can get in touch with your local  waterproofing experts and determine what protective measures may best suit your needs.