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When rigid foam insulation is applied to the exterior side of the wall cavity under the cladding, with seams taped and an air gap provided, it acts as a vapor barrier, air barrier, and rain screen.

When rigid foam insulation is applied to the exterior side of the wall cavity under the cladding, with seams taped and an air gap provided, it acts as a vapor barrier, air barrier, and rain screen.
Video:

Why Close a Crawlspace?

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Wrong - A typical vented crawlspace in North Carolina exhibits water leakage, poor drainage, and a low-quality vapor retarder that does not cover all of the ground surface and is not sealed to the walls.

Wrong - A typical vented crawlspace in North Carolina exhibits water leakage, poor drainage, and a low-quality vapor retarder that does not cover all of the ground surface and is not sealed to the walls.
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Wrong - A vapor barrier should cover the top of the concrete block pier support in the crawl space.

Wrong - A vapor barrier should cover the top of the concrete block pier support in the crawl space.
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Wrong - Class I vapor retarder over framed basement walls can cause condensation, mold, and rotting because plastic prevents drying to the inside; the outside should have waterproofing and vertical drainage, and the framing should be spaced from the wall.

Wrong - Class I vapor retarder over framed basement walls can cause condensation, mold, and rotting because plastic prevents drying to the inside; the outside should have waterproofing and vertical drainage, and the framing should be spaced from the wall.
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Wrong - Crawl space floor is missing a vapor barrier.

Wrong - Crawl space floor is missing a vapor barrier.
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Wrong - Debris and potentially hazardous wiring are littering the crawl space floor, which also should be covered with a vapor barrier.

Wrong - Debris and potentially hazardous wiring are littering the crawl space floor, which also should be covered with a vapor barrier.
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Wrong - Duct insulation and vapor barrier do not cover all of the flex duct.

Wrong - Duct insulation and vapor barrier do not cover all of the flex duct.
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Wrong - Flashing tape was not pressure adhered to the housewrap; pressure sensitive tape must be rollered for proper adhesion.

Wrong - Flashing tape was not pressure adhered to the housewrap; pressure sensitive tape must be rollered for proper adhesion.
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Wrong - Lack of a weather-resistant barrier allowed water to get behind the siding and rot the framing in this corner rim joist area.

Wrong - Lack of a weather-resistant barrier allowed water to get behind the siding and rot the framing in this corner rim joist area.
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Wrong - Lack of house wrap or weather resistant barrier lead to significant water damage behind the brick veneer.

Wrong - Lack of house wrap or weather resistant barrier lead to significant water damage behind the brick veneer.
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Wrong - Missing house wrap contributed to water damage of fascia boards.

Wrong - Missing house wrap contributed to water damage of fascia boards.
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Wrong - Nailing pattern on roof underlayment is erratic and excessive, house wrap should overlap seam, metal step flashing will need to be installed at roof-wall junction.

Wrong - Nailing pattern on roof underlayment is erratic and excessive, house wrap should overlap seam, metal step flashing will need to be installed at roof-wall junction.
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Wrong - Polyethylene sheeting should be lapped up sides of walls and pillars and taped

Wrong - Polyethylene sheeting should be lapped up sides of walls and pillars and taped
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Wrong - The fiberglass blanket insulation has no perforated vapor retarder, does not cover the entire basement wall, is not sealed at the edges, and is not installed over rigid foam.

Wrong - The fiberglass blanket insulation has no perforated vapor retarder, does not cover the entire basement wall, is not sealed at the edges, and is not installed over rigid foam.
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Wrong - The ground of the crawlspace should be covered with a vapor barrier that extends up the sides of the crawlspace.

Wrong - The ground of the crawlspace should be covered with a vapor barrier that extends up the sides of the crawlspace.
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Wrong - The vapor retarder does not completely cover the pier block and is not sealed to the post; the support strapping pinches the flex duct.

Wrong - The vapor retarder does not completely cover the pier block and is not sealed to the post; the support strapping pinches the flex duct.
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Wrong - Water proofing barrier is not laid flat against foundation wall.

Wrong - Water proofing barrier is not laid flat against foundation wall.
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Wrong – If a wall vapor retarder is needed, as in this cold-climate home, openings in the vapor retarder should be sealed with tape.

Wrong – If a wall vapor retarder is needed, as in this cold-climate home, openings in the vapor retarder should be sealed with tape.