If you need to keep moisture, pests, and other debris out of your crawl space, you should consider making a crawl space cover.
Not only can a crawl space cover help you save money in the long run, but it can also help you make sure your crawl space stays free of any potential hazards.
In this article, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of creating a crawl space cover, from gathering the necessary materials to properly securing the edges of the plastic.
We’ll also discuss the benefits of having a crawl space cover, as well as some maintenance tips to keep your cover in good condition.
Read on for all the details!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Making a crawl space cover is a relatively simple task.
Start by measuring the opening of the crawl space to get the correct size for the cover.
Then, cut a piece of plywood to fit the opening, and cover it with plastic sheeting to help keep moisture out.
Secure the cover to the frame of the opening with screws, and you should have a functional, weather-proof crawl space cover.
Benefits of Covering a Crawl Space
Covering a crawl space can provide a number of benefits and help protect your home from moisture, pests, and other debris that could cause damage or create an unhealthy environment.
By using a plastic sheet to cover the opening, you can effectively keep out pests, pests eggs, and moisture, while also reducing air infiltration.
Additionally, a crawl space cover can help to reduce energy costs by keeping heat in during the winter and keeping out hot air during the summer.
Furthermore, the cover can help protect your home from flooding by preventing water from entering your crawl space and potentially damaging your home.
Lastly, a cover can help to reduce noise from outside sources, ensuring a quieter home environment.
By taking the time to cover your crawl space, you can reap numerous benefits and enjoy peace of mind knowing your home is protected.
Materials Needed for Making a Crawl Space Cover
Creating a crawl space cover can be a simple and straightforward task, but you will need to make sure that you have all the right materials before you get started. The materials youll need in order to make a crawl space cover include: a sheet of plastic, either clear or opaque, depending on your preference; a staple gun; weatherproof tape; and heavy-duty tape or sealant.
Starting with the sheet of plastic, it is important to make sure you measure the dimensions of your crawl space before purchasing the plastic.
Knowing the exact dimensions will ensure that you buy the right size sheet of plastic and that it will fit snugly into the opening.
Once you have the plastic sheet, youll need to secure it to the frame of the crawl space opening using a staple gun.
Make sure to evenly space out the staples around the perimeter of the plastic sheet to ensure a secure fit.
Next, youll need to use weatherproof tape to seal any gaps and reinforce the plastic sheet.
Weatherproof tape is designed to resist moisture, so it is perfect for keeping moisture and pests out of your crawl space.
Finally, youll need to use either heavy-duty tape or a sealant to secure the edges of the plastic and ensure a tight fit.
With these materials, you will be able to easily make a crawl space cover that will protect your home.
Make sure to follow the steps outlined above to ensure that your cover is effective and secure.
Measuring the Crawl Space
When it comes to creating a crawl space cover, the first step is to measure the dimensions of the crawl space.
This is important in order to make sure that the cover will fit properly.
You will need to measure the length, width, and height of the space in order to purchase the appropriate materials.
Additionally, it is important to consider any obstructions or irregularities that may be present in the crawl space.
If there are any, you may need to make adjustments to the measurements in order to ensure that the cover fits properly.
When measuring the crawl space, it is important to use a tape measure that is long enough to reach all the way across the space.
Additionally, you should measure in multiple places in order to ensure accuracy.
If you are not confident in your measuring abilities, it may be a good idea to enlist the help of a professional contractor to ensure the measurements are correct.
Once you have taken all the necessary measurements, you can move on to purchasing the materials needed for the cover.
Attaching the Plastic Sheet to the Frame
Attaching the plastic sheet to the frame of the crawl space is an important step in creating a cover that will keep moisture, pests, and other debris out of your home.
You will need a sheet of plastic, either clear or opaque depending on your preference, and a staple gun to secure the plastic sheet to the frame.
Begin by measuring the dimensions of your crawl space to ensure you get a sheet that fits perfectly.
Once you have the plastic sheet, place it on the ground in front of the frame.
Then, carefully lift it up and drape it over the frame, making sure its centered.
Secure the plastic sheet to the frame with a staple gun, evenly spacing the staples along the edges of the plastic.
Its important to make sure the plastic is tight and secure, so you may need to use a few extra staples to ensure a snug fit.
Once the plastic sheet is secured to the frame, use weatherproof tape to seal any gaps and reinforce the plastic sheet.
This will help keep moisture, pests, and other debris out of the crawl space.
Finally, use a heavy-duty tape or sealant to secure the edges of the plastic sheet.
This will help ensure a tight fit and will provide extra protection from moisture and other elements.
With these simple steps, you can easily make a crawl space cover that will protect your home.
Sealing Gaps and Reinforcing the Plastic Sheet
Creating a cover for your crawl space is an essential step in keeping moisture, pests, and other debris out of your home.
To ensure an airtight seal and optimal protection for your crawl space, you’ll need to take a few additional steps to seal up any gaps and reinforce the plastic sheet.
When you’ve stapled the plastic sheet to the frame of the crawl space opening, check for any gaps between the plastic and the frame.
If you find any gaps, use weatherproof tape to seal them up.
This will help prevent air leaks, which can allow moisture and pests to enter your crawl space.
Additionally, the weatherproof tape will provide extra reinforcement for the plastic sheet, helping it to withstand harsher weather conditions.
Once you’ve sealed all of the gaps, use a heavy-duty tape or sealant to secure the edges of the plastic sheet.
This will help to ensure a tight fit and provide extra protection from the elements.
Make sure to use a tape or sealant that can withstand moisture and temperature changes, as these can cause the plastic sheet to shrink or expand over time.
By following these simple steps, you can easily make a crawl space cover that will protect your home from moisture, pests, and other debris.
With a few simple steps, you can make sure that your home is safe and secure year-round.
Securing the Edges of the Plastic
Securing the edges of the plastic sheet is an important step in creating a crawl space cover.
It is essential to ensure a tight fit to keep moisture, pests, and other debris out of the home.
To do this, a heavy-duty tape or sealant should be used.
The heavy-duty tape or sealant should be applied along the edges of the plastic sheet and any gaps should be filled.
This will help ensure that the plastic sheet is firmly secured and will not move or come loose.
Additionally, the heavy-duty tape or sealant will help protect the plastic sheet from damage from the elements, such as wind and rain.
It is important to use a tape or sealant that is specifically designed for outdoor use and that can withstand extreme temperatures and weather conditions.
With proper application, the heavy-duty tape or sealant will ensure a tight fit and will help keep the crawl space cover in place.
Maintenance Tips for Crawl Space Covers
Once youve created a crawl space cover, its important to take the necessary steps to ensure that it remains secure and effective. To keep your crawl space cover functioning optimally, here are some key maintenance tips to follow:
Inspect the edges of your cover for any rips or tears.
If you find any, use a heavy-duty tape or sealant to repair them.
Check the plastic sheet of your cover for any signs of discoloration or deterioration.
If you notice any changes, replace the plastic sheet as soon as possible.
Periodically inspect the frame of the opening for any signs of wear and tear.
If you find any, use weatherproof tape or sealant to reinforce the frame.
Make sure that the plastic sheet of the cover is tightly secured with a staple gun and weatherproof tape.
Consider applying a sealant to the edges of the plastic sheet for an extra layer of protection.
Check the cover regularly for any signs of mold, mildew, or pests.
If you notice any, take the necessary steps to address the issue.
By following these maintenance tips, you can ensure that your crawl space cover remains secure and effective for years to come.
Take the time to inspect and maintain your cover, and youll have peace of mind knowing that your home is safe and secure.
Final Thoughts
Creating a cover for your crawl space is an important step in keeping your home safe and secure.
By following the outlined steps, you can easily make a crawl space cover that will protect your home from moisture, pests, and other debris.
Once the cover is installed, be sure to inspect it regularly and maintain it to ensure that it is secure and in good condition.
With this guide, you have all the tools you need to make your own crawl space cover and protect your home.
Now that you know how to make a crawl space cover, it’s time for you to get started!