A Guide to the Cost of a Vapor Barrier Installation

Water damage costs homeowners nearly $20 billion each year.

Most US homeowners have some type of problem with flooding or moisture eventually. Your home is only as watertight as the strongest point of protection. That’s why homeowners should consider vapor barrier installation by a highly qualified professional.

Keep reading for a guide to the cost of vapor barrier installation.

Why Install a Vapor Barrier?

Moisture can cause damage to your home in several ways. It can weaken the structure of your home. Moisture can also damage the furniture, fixtures, and fittings in your home if left unchecked.

Moisture problems can also lead to mold. Excess dampness can attract unwanted pests. Even worse, excess moisture in your home can eventually cause health problems for your whole family.

It’s essential to keep unwanted water out of your home as much as possible. The repair costs for water damage can prove staggering. You could end up paying from hundreds of thousands to tens of thousands of dollars for repairs if you don’t protect your home.

What Is a Vapor Barrier?

A vapor barrier is a high-density protective material. It stops moisture from moving from one area to another throughout the structure of your home.

A vapor barrier limits the amount of vapor that can pass. You may also hear someone call a vapor barrier a “vapor diffusion retarder” or a “moisture barrier.”

It’s essential to eliminate or decrease any water vapor that passes through your house. You can use a vapor barrier along with your home’s drainage system for added protection.

Average Cost of Vapor Barrier Installation

Vapor barrier installation could cost anywhere from $1,200 to $4,000 on average. This estimate includes materials and labor.

A thicker barrier provides more protection for your home. It also costs more to install.

A 6 mm thick vapor barrier might cost about $0.15 a foot or $160 to $200 for a 1,200 square-foot roll. A 20 mm thick vapor barrier might cost around $0.50 a foot or $350 to $500 for the same size roll.

Breaking Down the Costs of Vapor Barrier Installation

It’s important to get the protection you need for your home, but you must also consider your budget. The cost of vapor barrier installation can vary based on the materials needed to complete the project.

A professional installer includes the materials cost in the project. An expert vapor barrier installer will also show you how to seal vents if needed to stop moisture from entering your home.

Still, it may help to take a closer look at the cost of vapor barrier installation materials. Consider a 20 mm thick vapor barrier, for instance. It may cost three times more than a 6 mm thick vapor barrier.

Let’s look closer at the cost of the other key materials needed for vapor barrier installation.

Barrier Tape

Special vapor barrier tape is the second most important material needed for installation. Expert installers use special tape made solely for vapor barriers.

The tape holds the vapor barrier in place. It seals the edges of the vapor barrier. It becomes a part of the barrier in doing so.

A vapor barrier is only as strong as its weakest point. That’s why it’s so important to use special vapor barrier tape and make sure it’s installed correctly.

Dehumidifier Equipment

A dehumidifier is a vital piece of equipment for preventing moisture. It helps remove residual water. It also removes any water that might permeate a vapor barrier.

It draws moisture out of the air and keeps your home comfortable. A dehumidifier also makes your furniture, fixtures, and fittings last longer.

The dehumidifier can cost between $780 and $1,000. There are also added labor expenses for the installation of this equipment.

Vapor Barrier Material

Of course, the vapor barrier material is the most important part of the project. The more material the installer uses, the more it will protect your home.

Some homeowners have multiple vapor barriers installed for this reason. As with a single layer of a vapor barrier, an installer will charge based on the thickness of the material.

On average, you might pay between $0.25 and $0.50 per square foot for vapor barrier material. That amounts to between $375 and $2,250 to protect a 1,500-square-foot area with multiple barriers.

Crawl Space Vapor Barrier Installation

A crawl space is among the most important areas of your home and is especially vulnerable to moisture. It’s normal for water from surrounding soil to enter a crawl space because it’s below ground.

The cost for crawl space vapor barrier installation will vary depending on the size of your crawl space. It will also differ based on how easy or hard it is for the installer to enter the space and install the barrier. The cost of crawl space installation will also vary based on the materials you choose for the project.

Suppose your crawl space covers 1,500 square feet. In that case, you might pay between $1,000 and $3,000 for the installation. An installer might also recommend crawl space encapsulation, depending on your needs.

Trust Us to Protect Your Home

Now you know a bit more about vapor barrier installation costs. All you need now is the best installer around.

If you want a vapor barrier to protect the structure of your home and your family’s health, Sedona Waterproofing Solutions can help. We install vapor barriers for the top builders and remodelers in and around Concord, NC.

We only use the most lasting and highest quality materials. What’s more, we guarantee our team of expert installers will seal your crawl space completely and stay on the job from beginning to end.

Feel free to visit our vapor barrier installation page and schedule a free estimate.

Learn more about Sedona Waterproofing Solutions.