We have a beach cottage raised on blocks. a local Pest control service recommended that we lay 6 mil plastic down on the dirt floor to reduce moisture and odors from the ground wicking up to the wood subfloors. Anyone have any experience/recommendations on whether this is a sound idea/practice. Home is on cape Cod
When you say "raised on blocks", does that mean that the underside of the house is open? Or is the house built over a crawl space or basement?
If the underside is open, the vapor retarder is pointless.
If you have a crawl space or basement, the plastic film vapor retarder is a good idea, IF all joints are taped, and it is sealed to the walls and any posts, pipes or piers, and IF (A BIG IF) the crawl space is properly ventilated, and the underside of your floor is properly insulated.
Architect (NY) and Home Designer (PA)
Posts: 2863 | Location: Tobyhanna, PA | Registered: 24 October 2005
Hi Richard, The house has a basement on one side and a crawl space the rest of the way. It's all enclosed however. There are wall vents in the foundation blocks. Unsure what/if there's insulation on the subflooring. Do you think the sheet plastic would create a problem if it wasn't sealed as you suggest or would it just be ineffective? Thanks
quote:
Originally posted by Richard Hetzel: When you say "raised on blocks", does that mean that the underside of the house is open? Or is the house built over a crawl space or basement?
If the underside is open, the vapor retarder is pointless.
If you have a crawl space or basement, the plastic film vapor retarder is a good idea, IF all joints are taped, and it is sealed to the walls and any posts, pipes or piers, and IF (A BIG IF) the crawl space is properly ventilated, and the underside of your floor is properly insulated.
