# Should a Vapor Barrier Be Put Under a House?
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Issues
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Moisture in a home's foundation can cause decay, termite problems and mold, which can spread into the walls above.
Barriers
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Vapor barriers are installed under a home's concrete slab. An under the home vapor barrier is a plastic membrane with an optimum thickness of 10 to 15 mil. It must also have a permeability -- letting moisture through -- of less than 0.3.
Installation
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The method of installation is dictated by the type of your home's foundation as well as the climate. Slabs and basements require installation under the concrete at the time of construction. A crawl space can be retrofitted with a barrier.
Exception
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The same vapor barrier used between the ground and your home cannot be used over a slab or basement floor with moisture problems as it will trap that moisture in the concrete or under any flooring installation.
Benefits
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In addition to controlling moisture, a vapor barrier helps insulate a home, protect its interior air quality and improves heating and cooling efficiency.
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