WhiteCap 12‑Mil Crawl Space Vapor Barrier

Description

A musty crawl space does not just smell bad. Excess moisture fuels mold, wood rot and high energy bills. Our WhiteCap 12 mil Woven Vapor Barrier is the same liner professional crews have relied on for years. It is light enough for one person to handle, yet tough enough to shrug off sharp gravel and foot traffic. Bright white on both sides, it brightens the crawl space and makes future inspections simple.

Why Encapsulate Your Crawl Space?

Most homes sit over bare soil that continually releases moisture, radon gas and musty odors. In warm months that damp air migrates upward, feeding mold spores, warping hardwoods and forcing your HVAC to work harder. In winter it condenses on framing, setting the stage for wood rot and higher heating bills. A full crawl space encapsulation, ground liner sealed to walls, taped seams and controlled ventilation, blocks that vapor path and transforms the space into a clean, dry buffer.

Key Benefits of Encapsulation

• Healthier indoor air – Up to half the air on the first floor originates in the crawl space; sealing reduces mold spores, allergens and radon.
• Lower energy costs – Drier air is easier to heat and cool; many homeowners report 15‑20 % savings.
• Stronger structure – Dry joists and sill plates resist rot, termites and corrosion.
• Pest deterrence – A bright, sealed liner removes the damp habitat insects and rodents love.
• Higher resale value – Inspectors and buyers see a clean encapsulated crawl space as a premium upgrade.

Why Pros Pick WhiteCap 12 mil

• Full 12 mil Thickness – True 0.012‑inch gauge tested across the sheet.
• Cross‑Woven Strength – Rip‑stop weave gives twice the puncture resistance of common 6 mil plastic.
• Low Perm Rating (< 0.1) – Helps keep soil gases and moisture out of your home.
• Bright Finish – Improves visibility when you are working and deters pests.
• Virgin Polyethylene – No recycled fillers, odors or pinholes.
• Made in the USA – Quality you can trust, backed by a 20‑year limited warranty.

Key Specs

Installation Tips

Step by Step Encapsulation Guide (pdf, 656Kb)

1. Remove sharp debris and smooth the soil.
2. Unroll the liner with at least 6 in overlaps.
3. Seal every seam with WhiteCap Seam Tape.
4. Carry the liner 6 in up block walls and fasten every 18 in with Christmas‑tree anchors.
5. Finish the wall edge with butyl termination tape for an airtight seal.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is 12 mil thick enough?

For most crawl spaces, yes. Choose our 20 mil version if you store heavy items or have jagged rock.

What is the difference between woven and string‑reinforced liners?

Woven liners are one solid sheet. String‑reinforced products can separate over time and sometimes give off odor.

Can I run this on the walls?

Yes. It is light enough to handle overhead while retaining high tear strength.

Does it help with radon?

A properly sealed vapor barrier reduces soil gas entry and complements active radon systems.

Suggested Accessories

• WhiteCap Seam Tape – 4 in × 180 ft
• WhiteCap Butyl Termination Tape – 2 in × 50 ft
• Ground Anchor Liner Stakes – pack of 100

Additional information