Description
A musty crawl space is more than an unpleasant smell. Too much moisture can lead to mold, wood rot, and higher energy costs. The WhiteCap 12 mil Woven Vapor Barrier is the same liner trusted by professional crews for years. It’s lightweight enough for one person to install but durable enough to resist sharp gravel and regular foot traffic. Its bright white surface makes the space look cleaner and makes future inspections easier.
Why Encapsulate Your Crawl Space?
Many homes sit above bare soil that constantly gives off moisture, radon, and musty odors. In the summer, that damp air rises into your living space, which can trigger mold growth, damage wood floors, and strain your HVAC system. In winter, the moisture condenses on wood framing and increases the risk of rot and higher heating bills. Crawl space encapsulation blocks these problems and turns your crawl space into a clean, dry buffer that protects your home.
Key Benefits of Encapsulation
Let’s go over the key benefits of crawl space 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, reducing strain on your HVAC system. 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 that insects and rodents love.
- Higher resale value: Inspectors and buyers view 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
| Specification |
Detail |
| Thickness |
12 mil (0.012 in) |
| Material |
Virgin woven polyethylene |
| Roll Sizes |
4 ft × 200 ft (800 sq ft) ·
6 ft × 100 ft (600 sq ft) ·
12 ft × 100 ft (1,200 sq ft) |
| Color |
Bright white both sides |
| Perm Rating |
< 0.1 (ASTM E96) |
Encapsulation Installation Tips
Take a look at our Step by Step Encapsulation Guide (pdf, 656Kb) and follow these simple steps:
- Remove sharp debris and smooth the soil.
- Unroll the liner with at least 6 in overlaps.
- Seal every seam with WhiteCap Seam Tape.
- Carry the liner 6 in up block walls and fasten every 18 in with Christmas‑tree anchors.
- Finish the wall edge with butyl termination tape for an airtight seal.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “12 Mil” mean, and is that thick enough for crawl spaces in humid climates?
The term “12 mil” refers to the thickness of the liner (0.012 inches). For many regions, a 12 mil woven liner offers good durability and moisture protection. However, in extremely wet or rocky soil conditions, you may want to go with heavier liners or reinforced options.
How does the WhiteCap Woven 12 Mil Liner compare to cheaper plastic sheeting?
The WhiteCap woven liner is stronger and more tear-resistant than basic polyethylene sheeting. Its woven reinforcement helps resist punctures from stones, sharp debris, and movement, making it more reliable long term in Southern or coastal crawl spaces where moisture and pests are common.
Is a 12-mil woven liner enough, or do I need to encapsulate my crawl space?
A 12 mil liner can be part of an effective moisture control system. If your crawl space has high humidity, standing water, or vents that let in moisture, full encapsulation (including wall barrier, sealing vents, and possibly adding a dehumidifier) may be necessary. The liner will help, but controlling all moisture sources yields the best results.
Suggested Accessories
