What is the Most Durable Crawl Space Liner?

In the past, it was common practice to cover the flooring of crawl spaces with a thin (6 mil) layer of plastic. In fact, if 6 mm plastic is used, the venting need can be reduced by 90% under the terms of the building code. To truly be an effective solution, we require that our solution must not be ruined when someone crawls on it and must endure as long as the home does. This requirement is not met by thin plastic, however. When you crawl on 6 mil polyethylene, it easily tears and develops holes. Additionally, it is quite challenging to affix to walls and is frequently torn down simply by crawling on it.

The humidity may be partially decreased by using a standard 6 mil polyethylene ground cover, but if the barrier has holes, the perimeter walls are not sealed, and the vents are not sealed, the floor's supporting wood will still be at the mercy of the humidity levels, subject to decay and mold.

Although many homeowners have installed vapor barriers, the high humidity and groundwater levels in our service region sometimes cause water to gather without anywhere to go but into the crawl space underneath the liner. Water must be able to drain effectively from the crawl space in order to prevent flooding.

A Barrier Designed to Cover All Fronts

CleanSpace is a solution that is designed to fulfill all of the needs for a dry, clean crawl space. CleanSpace is a 20-mil thick plastic liner, similar to a pool liner, that can be installed in your crawl space to seal it off from the earth.

CleanSpace is composed of several layers of plastic with varying puncture & tear resistance. The material, which is reinforced with two layers of polyester cord, is extremely sturdy, will endure as long as the home, and will remain where you put it. There is also a drainage matting layer beneath the liner that serves two functions: it aids in water drainage, it protects the CleanSpace liner from rips & tears caused by rocky or sharp surfaces, and it protects the knees and elbows of those crawling through the space from those rocky sharp surfaces. To make matters even better, CleanSpace is brilliant white, transforming your crawl space from a horrible hole to one you wouldn't hesitate to slide around in.

Lowcountry Foundation Repair has historically made a strong case in proving that CleanSpace material is extremely durable. By teaming up with the coordinator for a local mud run race, they were able to help build a massive 2-story tall waterslide using the CleanSpace vapor barrier material as the surface to slide down into the lake. Thousands of muddy runners slid down the slide during the mud run race event, and the CleanSpace material stayed intact and usable for years afterward. This tells volumes about the barrier's longevity and capacity to tolerate abuse.

CleanSpace also includes an antibacterial additive built into the plastic, which inhibits mold formation on the liner. This odorless and nontoxic compound is included in a variety of plastic home and automobile products.

We install CleanSpace by anchoring it to the walls, leaving a termite gap so that termites cannot access the floor's wood structure without their mud tunnels being visible. Fasteners along the top border of the CleanSpace liner are used to secure it to the walls. You can't peel the liner off the walls or rip the CleanSpace around the fasteners because of the crisscross layers of polyester cord reinforcements within it.

This solution readily meets our requirements for allowing sufficient drainage from the floor and walls as well as preventing water vapor from seeping up from the ground. Water can seep under the liner and flow across the crawl space floor. Because of the varying water levels under the liner caused by seasonal variations & rain, a waterproofing system should be installed to capture and pump out the water.

What About My Crawl Space?

Whether or not you are aware of a moisture problem in your crawl space, it is always a good idea to have a qualified expert evaluate the crawl space for moisture & foundation concerns in order to safeguard the long-term value of your property. Lowcountry Foundation Repair has specialists available to conduct free inspections for homeowners, removing the mystery from their concerns. Following the inspection, the homeowner is given a free written estimate for the full solution by the end of the same day.

To request a free inspection, click here!