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Crawl Space Vapor Barriers...Your Questions Answered

• What are crawl space vapor barriers? A crawl space vapor barrier is a specific type of plastic sheeting/ membrane that works to prevent the infiltration of water vapor from passing through to the surface above.
• Crawl Space Vapor Barriers key considerations:  Permeability of water vapor, tensile strength of the film, and puncture resistance. All three matter to do the right job.
• Is thickness the only thing to consider when selecting a crawl space vapor barrier? Absolutely NOT! To truly prevent water vapor from passing through the plastic sheeting/ vapor retarder, it must be high-quality plastic  sheeting that is not made from recylcled plastic. This plastic is called "virgin plastic" or "engineered plastic". Next you want to get a "Class I Vapor Retarder". This means that the plastic sheeting/ liner has been tested in a laboratory for ensure that a maximum of 0.1 perms of moisture to pass through. 
• Does "Tensile Strength" matter? YES! Will the liner resist gettingpunctured during installation? Tensile strength is measured in pounds (force) per inch, and is tested by applying stress to the material that simulates some of the loads a vapor retarder will face during installation. If the liner gets punctured it's compromised.
• Does "Puncture Resistance" matter? Puncture resistance addresses how well the vapor retarder material withstands impact with blunt objects. Vapor retarders are subjected to impact by a rounded falling dart, which is intended to roughly simulate some of the hazards of construction.
• Class A, B or C..what is that?  These classifications have to do with the permeability, tensile strength and puncture resistance. 
  • Class A - Maximum of 0.1 perms, minimum 45 lb/in tensile strength, 2200 grams puncture resistance.
  • Class B - Maximum of 0.1 perms, minimum 30 lb/in tensile strength, 1700 grams puncture resistance.
  • Class C - Maximum of 0.1 perms, minimum 13.6 lb/in tensile strength, 475 grams puncture resistance. 
• How to Choose a crawl spce vapor barrier thickness.  We recommend that you consider more than just the thickness of a crawl space liner when making your decision. Remember, the key ingredients for a properly functioning crawl space liner is- Permeability,  Tensile Strength and Puncture Resistance.
  
  
  
  
  
   

   

Mil Thicknesses:  4 mil vs 6 mil.  3 mil vs 4 mil...are we splitting hairs?

When it comes to selecting plastic sheeting for various applications, understanding mil thickness is crucial. Mil, short for millimeter, is a unit of measurement used to express the thickness of plastic sheeting. Each mil represents one-thousandth of an inch or 0.001 inches. While the differences between 3 mil, 4 mil, and 6 mil may seem small, they can have a significant impact on the sheeting's strength, durability, and suitability for different tasks. I

A "mil" is a measurement that equals one-thousandth of an inch, or 0.001 inch. Most human hair is one-thousandth of inch, or 0.001 inch = 1 mil. There are 1000 mils in an inch.  To convert inches to mils, multiply the inch value by 1000.   As you increase the mils from 1 to 2 to 3 and so on, the thickness goes up or increases.  The bigger the mil "usually" the stronger the plastic sheeting. There are exceptions to this.

When you add string or scrim as it is called to the plastic a 6 mil string reinforced plastic sheeting film is stronger than a regular 6 mil plastic sheeting film.

                                How do you know if you need a 3mil film, a 6 mil film and so on?

Check this chart out....Or you may call us and we will assess your situation and make suggestions.

Heavy Duty Plastic Sheeting- what is it? It first boils down to what job will the plastic sheeting be required to perform? A six mil reinforced film can be considered "heavy duty" when it is used to cover a desk to keep it clear of dust. That same "heavy duty sheet" would not be strong enough to line a land fill.  Understanding the strength and thickness of the film, it's composition and additives and chemical make-up as well as the job it has to perform will help determine if a film is fit for the job at hand. It is critical that the film not only be assessed on it's mil thickness.  For example, if the film is in the sun, it needs UV protection additives to maintain its strength.

DIY Home/Office Painting projects...Drop Cloth or Plastic Sheeting?

Should you buy plastic sheeting or drop cloths for a painting project? 

A few questions need to be answered first:

1. Is this a one time weekend job, and then the work is done?
2. Are you a neat, seasoned painter who will barely drop a spec of paint? Or are you a novice, and paint could be falling?
   

Weekend Painting Job

If you goal is to knock out this painting job and be done with it, then consider plastic sheeting. You can get self-adhesive plastic sheeting that will stick to floors, carpets,  and counters and then be easily removed and thrown aaway.

If you see more painting in your future, then canvas or plastic drop cloths are something you can fold up and use again. It just depends if you want the ease of tossing the plastic when you are finished, or waiting for the paint to dry on the drop cloths.  Additionally, do the math for a roll of plastic sheeting and drop cloths and see what you think.

Self-adhesive plastic sheeting stays put, and can withstand yourstiletto heels if your painting party is black tie! You can relax when the dog knock over the paint can. Some people save the remains of the roll, and use it at the next red wine party where the buffallo wings are also taking flight.  It is clear and easy to use.

If you have granite/ marble or any type surface countertop, you may adhere the countertop plastic to protect the surface.

As for covering the furniture, flexible plastic sheeting is a great light-weight choice! 

Not sure what to use? Give us a call. We are ready to help!

What Thickness Of Plastic Sheeting Should You Use For Your Project?

What is thicker? 4 mil or 6 mil plastic sheeting? When measuring plastic sheeting the higher the numerical value the thicker the plastic/poly.  Therefore, 6 mil is thicker than 5 mil, 4 mil and so on. Does thickener mean it’s stronger? If neither thickness of plastic has any additive or string reinforcement, thicker is stronger depending on the application.

Which plastic sheeting is STRONGER? 

A 6 mil virgin polyethylene sheet of plastic, or a 6 mil string reinforced virgin polyethylene sheet of plastic? Both films are relatively the same thickness, but the plastic with the nylon string running through it is stronger. String reinforced plastic sheeting is tear resistant and thus can stand up to wind and the elements better.

What is engineered plastic that is string reinforced?

Depending on the manufacturer, high quality polyethylene plastic is laminated together with  a layer of string reinforcement.

Not Sure What Thickness You Need For Your Project?

1. What is the plastic sheeting protecting?
2. For what period of time and under what conditions must the plastic hold up? Sun, wind, heat, chemicals, etc.
3. See the chart below or just ask. We are here for you. Call 760 597 9298 or press the button below from your cell phone. 
   

Common Uses For Different Thickness of Plastic Sheeting

Heavy Duty Plastic Sheeting:

Heavy Duty Plastic Sheeting- what is it? It first boils down to what job will the plastic sheeting be required to perform? A six mil reinforced film can be considered "heavy duty" when it is used to cover a desk to keep it clear of dust. That same "heavy duty sheet" would not be strong enough to line a landfill.  Understanding the strength and thickness of the film, its composition and additives and chemical make-up as well as the job it has to perform will help determine if a film is fit for the job at hand. It is critical that the film not only be assessed on its mil thickness.  For example, if the film is in the sun, it needs UV protection additives to maintain its strength.

We love talking about plastic sheeting and how to use it. Please give us a ring if you have any questions.

866 597 9298.  Thanks!

How Long  Does Black Plastic Sheeting Last?

The average lifespan of black plastic sheeting in full sun can vary depending on various factors, including the quality of the plastic, its thickness, the intensity of sunlight, and local environmental conditions. However, as a general guideline:

1. Low-Quality Thin Plastic: Low-quality, constuction grade thin black plastic sheeting, such as standard polyethylene plastic, may last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years when exposed to direct sunlight. These materials are more susceptible to UV radiation damage and can become brittle and deteriorate relatively quickly.

2. High-Quality Plastic with UV Inhibitors:

   Sure. Here is a comparison of virgin grade polyethylene black plastic sheeting and construction grade plastic sheeting in full sun:

   Feature	Virgin Grade Polyethylene	Construction Grade Polyethylene
   Material	Made from virgin polyethylene, which is a high-quality plastic that is more resistant to UV degradation	Made from recycled polyethylene, which is less expensive but not as resistant to UV degradation
   Thickness	Typically 6 mil or thicker	Typically 4 mil or thinner
   Weight	Typically 1.5 oz/yd² or heavier	Typically 1 oz/yd² or lighter
   UV resistance	More resistant to UV degradation	Less resistant to UV degradation
   Durability	More durable and longer-lasting	Less durable and shorter-lasting
   Price	More expensive	Less expensive

    drive_spreadsheetExport to Sheets

   In terms of full sun, virgin grade polyethylene black plastic sheeting is the better choice. It is more resistant to UV degradation and will last longer than construction grade plastic sheeting. 

   Black plastic sheeting that is specifically designed with UV inhibitors can last significantly longer, often up to 5 to 20 years or more when exposed to full sun. The UV inhibitors help protect the material from the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation, making it more resistant to degradation, cracking, and brittleness.

It's essential to note that these estimates are general guidelines, and actual lifespan can vary based on the specific product, local climate conditions, and how well the plastic is maintained. Additionally, factors like the angle and intensity of sunlight, temperature fluctuations, and exposure to other environmental stressors can also influence the longevity of black plastic sheeting in full sun.

Let us help:   

Not all plastic sheeting is waterproof.

What is a good vapor retarder?

The goal of a vapor retarder is to reduce the rate at which water vapor can pass through a the plastic sheeting/liner/ vapor retarder.Putting down any sort of plastic sheeting while waterproof does not stop water vapor from passing through. Understand the perm rating of the liner before you begin your project.

Call 760 597 9298 and we will explain this further.

Why buy plastic sheeting on line when you can go to a big box store?

People often wonder how an entire company can be built around selling plastic sheeting. After all, does it really matter what plastic one uses? Most homeowners will go to the big box store, grab some plastic off the shelf and return home to do their project. In many cases the poly sheeting from the big box store is ample for a simple job around the house. But when and why do people look to other types of polyethylene sheeting?

Certain Applications Require Certain Plastics

Fire Retardant Plastic Sheeting

There are times when the plastic sheeting that is selected can make or break a job. Take aerospace, ship building, the Navy and any other job that is required to use a fire retardant or fire rated plastic. When work is done for certain types of industry, flame retardant plastic is a must. Additionally, the plastic sheeting that is used must provide the documentation to prove it has passed certain independent fire tests.  Another place where FR plastic must be used in for public venues such as haunted houses. History has shown us the fatal results that have occurred when a haunted house went up in a blaze in part because the black plastic that was used added to the fuel source.

Anti-Static Poly Sheeting

The telecommunications industry is a prime example of an industry that cannot afford to have a spark ignite the plastic that is covering equipment for what ever reason. They need static dissipation and ESD (electrostatic discharge) protection. Static charges can be problematic if not addressed.

Vapor Retarding/ Vapor Barrier

Most people never think about why commercial builders insist upon using vapor barriers that pass stringent requirements of ASTME-1745 Class A,B,& C. These builders and the architects that spec the plastic are on the hook should water vapor seep up though the flooring ruining thousands of square footage of flooring because an inferior liner that has not been tested to the ASTME-1745 let the moisture through. The same thing goes for apartment building, or a home builder who needs to insure that radon does not poison the occupants of a home or apartment. Yes one roll of plastic sheeting may LOOK the same as another, but if you get out a microscope you will see that the structure of the cells in the plastic are vastly different. Certain basement and crawl space companies will use these tested plastic for their jobs. As a home owner it is important to ask to see the certifications to insure you are not getting an inferior liner that will disintegrate under you home without you ever knowing it.

Greenhouse Plastic

The saying "you get what you pay for" has never been more true when you compare a 6 mil greenhouse cover to a heavy duty greenhouse cover like SolaWrap Greenhouse film. The price difference is there but the 6 mil film may last up to 4 years if it doesn't get destroyed by hail, snow load and wind.  SolaWrap™ (bubble greenhouse film) is the UV resistant plastic greenhouse cover that is transparent, energy saving, greenhouse film that has revolutionized the greenhouse industry. It has a 10 year U.V. warranty against UV degradation, and R value of 1.7 and too many qualities to list here. Visit the SolaWrap page to learn how putting up the greenhouse cover once and forgetting about it for year and years to come may be worth it over the long haul.   

Food Grade Compliant & Fish Safe Liners

The aquaponics and hydroponics industry looks to inure the plastic liners they use won't kill their fish, plants or shrimp or leach chemicals into the system. You aren't going to find this specialized liner just anywhere. Ultra Scrim FGC is used for applications that require a food grade liner; Farms that want organic certification and  Aquaponics, hydroponics, food facilities. This liner meets ASTM D-5199 and certifies that it will do what it claim to provide.

Construction Plastic Sheeting

The construction world is another place that looks for the plastic sheeting to do what it claims it will do. For example there are times when jobs benefit from having self-adhesive covering that stick to the surface they are protecting until the job is finished, and then can be removed without a trace of adhesive. Surfaces that uses self-adhesive films are floors, carpeting, windows, counters, tubs and cabinets. Nobody wants to ruin a brand new marble floor or newly installed tub or window with debris or paint. Self-adhesive films are easy to use making the job move along nicely.

Other types of Polyethylene Sheeting

If you would like to learn more about all the ways engineered plastic sheeting can make the world a cleaner and safer place click here. Each heading will divulge things you may have never considered when buying a roll of plastic!