In crawlspace encapsulation, professional installers rely on premium materials to reduce moisture-related risk to the home long term. There are several key factors to consider in the system, including water vapor transmission rate and local climate.

What is crawlspace encapsulation?

Crawlspace encapsulation is the process of sealing the crawlspace underneath a home by installing a vapor barrier and, in some cases, installing a dehumidifier to create a sealed environment against moisture.

What is a vapor barrier? 

A vapor barrier is generally plastic sheets that are laid on the crawlspace floor and attached to the walls that prevents issues such as mold growth, wood rot, and pest infestation.

A polyethylene tape is commonly used to seam the plastic sheets together, adding further structural integrity to the vapor barrier.

Why is crawlspace encapsulation important? 

Crawlspace encapsulation creates a clean, safe environment underneath the home that helps to prevent moisture intrusion and can improve air quality, energy efficiency, and pest prevention.

What kind of polyethylene tape is best for crawlspace encapsulation?

With the primary goal of reducing moisture penetration, a polyethylene tape with a low water vapor transmission rate (WVTR) and/or permeance rating is important in this process.

BT-4026 DefendFR High Tack Poly Tape was designed with the lowest permeance rating on the market and adhesive bond strength while maintaining an easy unwind, making it ideal for crawlspace encapsulation, shrinkwrapping, and concrete underlayment applications.