If the changing regulations on construction safety are overwhelming to you– particularly those surrounding crawl space code requirements – we understand your frustration.
The team at Americover is passionate about helping your team find the right vapor barrier plastic sheeting to meet your state’s compliance requirements. As the premier supplier of American-made sheeting products, we can help you navigate changing regulations.
Why Building Codes Matter
Building code requirements are crucial to protecting the safety and structural integrity of your construction project, and these regulations are becoming more critical.
In 2022, coastal cities saw a record number of floods, and even cities inland are receiving record-breaking rainfalls.
Tragically, many building and safety codes are written and enforced because, at some point in the past, oversight in a particular area led to injury or death.
Building code compliance also comes with monetary benefits, saving your business hundreds of thousands of dollars in costly repairs. Flooding accounted for over $175 million in property damage in 2022. Having the proper safety compliance in place can lower your insurance premiums, mitigate disaster losses, and qualify your business for specialized grants.
Navigating Crawl Space Code Requirements
While many building codes are adapted uniformly across states, like those outlined in the International Residential Code (IRC), many other regulations are unique to each particular state, and builders should check the regulations for the state in which they are building.
Because building codes are updated regularly, builders can expect updates to crawl space code requirements, as well as other building codes, every three to six years. One of the most recent updates regarding crawl space vapor barriers includes the requirement of a Class A vapor barrier. Plastic sheeting expert Jason Treiger commented on the recent change:
“The national standard for crawl space vapor barriers is now requiring a Class A Vapor Barrier, whereas a 6 mil vapor barrier would have sufficed in the past. This upgrade provides additional protection inside the home.”
— Jason Treiger, Account Manager, Americover
A Class A Vapor barrier meets the most rigorous vapor permeance standards. This change not only adds extensive moisture control inside the home, protecting the structure from mold, rot, and soil gas.
Product Recommendations
Pro Crawl Barrier is a 10 mil Class 1 Vapor Barrier with a high gloss white finish offering low permeability and excellent tensile strength to protect the building fabric from moisture vapor damage. Roll size is 10′ x 100′.
Pro Crawl Anti-Mold Vapor Barrier is a class 1 vapor barrier that passes ASTM E1745 class A, B, & C. Its perm rating blocks more vapor transmission than the leading competitor’s 10 mil vapor barrier with a permeance of only .022 perms. It also passes ASTM G21 with results showing non-nutritive to a variety of fungal growth types.
20 Mil Tuff-Scrim™ Poly White Reinforced Plastic Sheeting is a multi-ply laminate combining two white films with a high-strength cord grid. It is specifically engineered to provide high strength and durability in a lightweight material.
VAPORBLOCK® is a high-performance underslab vapor barrier designed to retard moisture migration through concrete slabs-on-grade. VAPORBLOCK® vapor barriers exceed ASTM E-1745 Class A, B, and C requirements.
12 Mil White/Black Dura-Skrim® Reinforced Plastic Sheeting is a heavy duty construction and agricultural film excellent for both indoor and outdoor applications requiring an exceptionally strong material.
20 Mil Dura Skrim® white reinforced plastic sheeting is a heavy duty construction and agricultural film designed for both indoor and outdoor applications requiring an exceedingly strong material.
Americover also offers fire retardant vapor barrier options for commercial projects to meet your project’s compliance needs. Visit our product line card for more specifications about crawl space vapor barriers and to compare products.
Trusted by Builders, Growers and Distributors
Americover is the smart source for plastic and polyethylene sheeting. Trusted by contractors and distributors across the construction and agriculture industries, our American-made products combine reliability with quality and innovation.
As an Americover customer, you will receive the personalized support of a dedicated account manager to simplify the ordering process and ensure the best solution for every one of your projects. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and fulfill orders Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. If you would like to speak with a representative, call us at 760-388-6294 or visit our contact us page.