Bullfrog Foundation
Vapor barrier installation against a Florida home foundation

Vapor Barrier Installation

Bullfrogs love swampy air, but you shouldn't.

Florida crawlspaces can become a toxic swamp beneath your home, especially during rainy season. Protect your investment from moisture damage that can compromise the structural integrity of your home. And most importantly, protect your family from bad air quality that can compromise your health.

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How moisture gets into Florida homes

air

Vapor rises into your home

Vapor barriers prevent moisture and ground gases from rising up into your living environment. Keeping your crawlspace dry is very important to inhibit the growth of mold and mildew, as well as keeping the indoor air quality of your living environment healthy.

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The importance of insulation

Vapor barrier protects the insulation under your home which is crucial in regulating indoor air temperature and providing improved energy efficiency. We remove all compromised insulation and replace it with new R19 insulation to code.

water_damage

The consequences of inadequate vapor protection

Once older vapor barrier is compromised, moisture wicks up into your installation causing mold. The moisture also leads to premature rusting of the metal framing, or rotting of wood joists and subfloor. Both issues will warp floors and compromise the structural integrity of your manufactured home. Compromised vapor barrier and insulation also create the perfect nest for uninvited rodents and insects.

Ground gases should remain in your crawlspace, not your lungs.

Florida crawlspaces accumulate ground gases, moisture vapor and volatile organic compounds from contaminants that off-gas from the soil. This is exacerbated by the intense heat and humidity.

  1. 1

    Radon

    This naturally occurring, radioactive and odorless gas results from the decay of uranium in soil. Radon gas is the second leading cause of lung cancer overall, and actually the leading cause among non-smokers.

  2. 2

    Methane

    A gas produced by decaying organic matter in soil. High concentrations are highly flammable and can reduce oxygen levels. It is also linked to asthma attacks and increase risks of cancer.

  3. 3

    Hydrogen Sulfide

    This toxic gas emerges from the soil and causes irritation at lower levels. While high levels can cause severe health risks. It's also known for its rotten egg odor.

  4. 4

    Volatile organic compounds

    When soil contaminants like pesticides, lead and old petroleum products off-gas, they create VOCs (volatile organic compounds). This can cause headaches, nausea and throat irritation. Long term exposure has been linked to cancer, central nervous system damage and organ damage.

Vapor barrier being installed against a Florida home foundation wall

Your home is vulnerable to dangerous ground gases and moisture damage without a professionally installed industrial grade vapor barrier.

In hot and humid climates like Florida, vapor barriers are absolutely essential. They protect your living environment against ground gases like radon, methane and various other volatile organic compounds (VOCs). Having a barrier between your home and moisture vapor protects against structural wood rot, mold growth and damaged insulation. It also reduces pest intrusion, improves indoor air quality and increases energy efficiency, leading to lower utility bills.

In Florida, manufactured and mobile homes are required by code to have insulation and vapor barrier underneath them. Standard construction homes that have a crawlspace share the same benefits of having a vapor barrier professionally installed. However, they're not required by code to also have insulation installed. But those that do get the same energy efficiency and utility cost benefits, leading to the insulation paying for itself over time.

layersMoisture damage prevention
airIndoor air quality
boltEnergy efficiency

Why homeowners choose Bullfrog

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Common questions

Should vapor barrier be installed on the ground directly over the soil? Or should it be attached to the bottom of the floor joists?expand_more
Most companies simply roll out a vapor barrier on the ground to cover the soil and go up on the walls a little bit. This is the fast and easy way to install vapor barrier, but it’s only a short-term solution. It may be an effective barrier for ground gases and moisture vapor at first. But after the first storm where water comes into your crawlspace, you suddenly have an indoor pool below your house, creating nightmare moisture and mold issues. Because the water cannot re-absorb into the soil, thanks to the vapor barrier on the ground blocking the reabsorption. This leaves your insulation and subfloor marinating in moisture and rapidly developing mold. At Bullfrog, we take the time to attach the vapor barrier to your floor joists. This better protects your insulation and wood framing from moisture, even in the event of a flooded crawlspace holding some water till it reabsorbs into the soil. This installation method is more challenging and time consuming. But we prefer to do things the right way.
How long does crawlspace vapor barrier typically last?expand_more
Normal retail vapor barrier usually lasts 5–10 years. However, in the high rate of moisture, humidity and pests in Florida, it generally fails within 5–7 years. But Bullfrog only uses the highest industrial grade 12 mm fiber woven vapor barrier that is highly durable. That’s why we offer a 25 year warranty on the structural integrity and workmanship of our vapor barrier installation for your peace of mind.
What if I have mold in the old insulation or on the wood framing in my crawlspace already?expand_more
Not to worry, after we remove all of the old compromised vapor barrier and insulation. We then thoroughly treat your entire crawlspace for mold prior to installing the new insulation and vapor barrier.
What if I have a plumbing emergency in the future? Will the water be trapped in the vapor barrier?expand_more
No, we install the vapor barrier in an overlapping pattern, which creates a way for water to escape if there’s ever a broken pipe or overflowed bathtub. We also mark the vapor barrier for where all important water lines and drains are. Just in case your plumber ever needs to access the crawlspace for a repair.
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"Bullfrog replaced the old installation and installed all new vapor barrier in my crawlspace. The smell is finally gone and my daughter’s allergies are much better. Very satisfied with the results."
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