The function of a vapor barrier is to stop the movement of water vapor. A vapor barrier, also known as a vapor diffusion retarder, is a largely impermeable material used to reduce the amount of moisture that is allowed into a space, such as a basement or crawlspace. Not to be confused with vapor retarders, that are designed to block water as a liquid, but only block limited amounts of water vapor. Vapor retarders allow some degree of “breathing” to prevent water buildup.
Earth Contact Products (ECP) promotes the use of true vapor barriers. The ECP Vapor Barriers are designed to prevent moisture and water vapor from entering basements and crawlspaces. These vapor barriers help guard against mold, mildew, allergens, fungus, radon and heat loss. They are manufactured using a triple-ply woven high density virgin polyethylene membrane. The ECP CSVP 10 is white in color to brighten basement and crawlspaces and have the highest strength to weight ratio, highest tensile strength and tear resistance of any product of its kind.
Creating a healthy home starts from the ground up. Basements and crawl spaces are full of moisture and this moisture move upward toward living spaces due to stack effect. Up to 50% of the air you breathe on the first floor of a home comes from the basement or crawlspace. High quality vapor barriers will stop this moisture from migrating to your livings spaces thus making the air you breathe healthier.
Whether used in basements as part of a full waterproofing and basement drainage plan or in a crawlspace encapsulation situation, ECP vapor barriers will provide years of service. The ECP CSVB 10 Vapor Barrier exceeds all ASTN E1745 requirements as well as ASTN D5602 puncture resistance. With a water vapor permeance of .0016 perms, according to ASTM E96, you can be assured that the ECP CSVP 10 will stop water and water vapor in its tracks.
Does it need to be that thick? Often people will try to use Visqueen or some other thin plastic sheeting in place of a high quality vapor barrier. Building codes usually call out a 6-mil minimum vapor barrier. Generally hardware stores carry a vapor retarder that is 6-mil thick and very inexpensive. Remember, vapor retarders are to stop liquid water not humidity causing water vapor. Plus these thin vapor retarders do not resist tearing and punctures. Once the material has, even a small hole, the material will completely loose it effectiveness. The ECP CSVP 10 is 10-mil thick and the CSVP 16 is 16-mil thick. Not only are they thicker but they are a woven product opposed to a poly sheeting that makes for a good drop cloth but is very limited to stopping water and water vapor.
