Butyl Tape Install w/ Crawl Space Vapor Barrier & Christmas Fasteners

Looking to upgrade your crawl space vapor barrier installation? Look no further! 🌿✨ Dive into our comprehensive guide, "Butyl Tape Install w/ Crawl Space Vapor Barrier & Christmas Fasteners," and learn how to achieve a watertight seal with ease. 🛠️🔍 Discover the step-by-step process of using butyl tape alongside Christmas fasteners to secure your crawl space vapor barrier effectively. 💡🏠 Our expert tips and techniques will ensure a seamless installation, protecting your home from moisture and mold. 🛡️💧 Whether you're a seasoned DIYer or new to home improvement projects, our video provides invaluable information to help you create a healthier living environment. 😌🏡 Don't let crawl space moisture wreak havoc - watch now to master the art of butyl tape installation and keep your home dry and protected! 🎥💦 Remember to share your thoughts and questions in the comments below - let's work together to create healthier, more comfortable homes! 💬🛠️ #ButylTapeInstallation #CrawlSpaceVaporBarrier #DIYHomeImprovement #HomeMaintenance 🌿✨
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[@tituschalk]

About to undertake this job at the weekend. Thanks for sharing your knowledge for those of us who can’t afford the pros.

[@Cracked1ce]

Awesome! I am not installing a vapor barrier. but this gives me a great idea for attaching the poly bubble insulation (reflectix) to my metal garage doors. this tape is cheap and plus the fasteners means it should be securely attached to my doors! Thank you for the video!

[@stang1966gt]

Great stuff! Just did this with your Ninja tape. Stuck very well to the blocks.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Glad it helped! Thanks for watching! We hope you have a happy & blessed day!

[@jaybuilder8298]

Dang Tennessee has it all everything good and everything nice good food good people super nice places. I want to go there and visit

[@JohnSmith-4U]

Best informational channel ever

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

John, we're glad you find these videos helpful. We appreciate you watching and hope you have a happy and blessed day.

[@ShopperPlug]

6:50 - I was about to say that the these tapes will eventually peel out on its own for various reasons but drilling those plastic screws fasteners is a smart way to keep things in place for long term.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thank you for watching this video. If you need crawl space butyl tape please check out our store: goo.gl/M3khJ5

[@redferngrows3917]

you used a wood bit on the concrete block?

[@kelliez9991]

Our sill plate is only a strip of sheet aluminum! Our house was built in the 50’s

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Yikes!

[@MrTlgsr]

Once again another great video from Crawlspace Ninja. You may would want to consider making a video on installing Styrofoam insulation with the vapor barrier. (just a suggestion)

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Hey, just seeing this. Thank you for your comment and video suggestion. We actually have a similar idea on our list of videos to make. Hopefully we'll get around to it one of these days.

[@patrickhobbs8201]

Which side of the barrier would the insulation be installed?

[@cliffthewise]

Hi CSN, Is there a recommended method for attaching the vapor barrier right above the foam board? I want to get the board as close to the 3" line as possible. I saw in one of your other videos where it looked like the ninjas just rolled it over the top of the foam board. Does it need to be sealed to the block to be affective? Thanks for all you do!

[@christophersines8238]

I assume one could also use a shop vac with a soft brush head for cleaning the brick.

[@zekegold]

Very informative video Crawl Space Ninja. I have a question do I need to pin up the vapor barrier with stakes so it doesn't move when I pour concrete on it? I read somewhere that the vapor barrier can actually curl up to deform the concrete. Is it true or not? Thank you

[@towandabrown3120]

Looks good compared to my 125 yr old stone walls which are covered in dust,dirt, and ? Plus I'll be on my belly trying to do this.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Yikes! That sounds like a hard project!

[@swanhomes1148]

Hey Pal, thanks for all the great info. Quick question, what is the best method for attaching Vapor to 2lb spray foam? Thanks for the advice, and keep producing videos!!! 💪🏻💪🏻

[@devonrogers9509]

Gotta cut 6 inches of spray foam off under the sill plate. Then fasten your material to the block up there, caulk it with waterproofing construction sealant.

[@21gonza21]

Thanks for this video, I was wondering how high the vapor barrier goes along the perimeter

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

We normally take the vapor barrier just under 3 inches below seal plate.... that is code in TN.... so we always recommend checking local code.

[@marcusmumphrey6995]

Do you think I could use that tape on osb sheathing seams?

[@LTCJWE]

I have an 8 foot cinder block wall and placed vapor barrier up to 6 feet, used Xmas tree tabs along the top leaving 2 ft top exposed. Question: Should I used the Xmas tree tabs along the bottom or perhaps middle to secure the vapor barrier to the block more evenly & securely & eliminate air gaps?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

We would only attach fasteners at the top. The more holes in the plastic, the more of a chance of moisture to escape.

[@robertcook9416]

Does this work if the crawlspace walls are concrete rather than cinder block? And is the process the same?

[@xiomaraabrego9089]

How long is a roll of each of these tapes?

[@twowander2470]

So, we just had major mouse problems in our batting and removed everything. Now I'm going through DIY encapsulation. My question is, do I NEED vapor barrier if I seal the vents and install a dehumidifier??? I'm in NE Tennessee. Thanks Ninja, great videos and website.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Great question! The vapor barrier reduces the amount of moisture that evaporates from the ground, so YES you NEED the vapor barrier. Without a vapor barrier you risk the dehumidifier running continually and never shutting off

[@twowander2470]

Right on. Watched some more of your videos and that's what we figured, just finished installing. Thanks again!@@CrawlSpaceNinja

[@vidmantassurna299]

Hi, I just started DYI project in my crawl space. I did order vapor barrier from you guys and I really like it! My question is about butyl tape on concrete walls because it didn't stick to all of the walls really good but we were able to put plastic and secure with Christmas pins. So is it ok if you have a little gaps between butyl tape and a concrete wall?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Yes, the butyl tape is not meant to be a long-term solution because we have found that over time, adhesives always fail. We recommend using it so you're more easily able to get the vapor barrier attached to the wall when using the Christmas tree fasteners.

[@rsaybe1]

Great educational information for the diyer as with all your videos. I have a question, when attaching the vapor barrier onto the foundation walls, can I also use my Ramset cobra along with 3/4 in drive pins with washers into that 2 in butyl tape as opposed to drilling the holes and then inserting the christmas tree fasteners? Would seem much easier as opposed to all that drilling.. My foundation wall is solid poured concrete from 1956 and not cinderblocks so I believe the wall should withstand the powder actuated load.... Please let me know your thoughts and or suggestions on this. Thanks again...

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

We actually use a similar process with a Hilti gun, masonry nails, and washers when we do our encapsulation jobs, so if you'd rather do that instead of using the butyl tape and christmas tree fasteners you can!

[@rsaybe1]

Thanks so much for your response. If I was to use the butyl tape and shoot the masonry drive pins with the washers directly centered into that butyl tape, would I no longer need to use any caulking adhesive to seal the top of the vapor barrier onto the foundation wall? Will the butyl tape create an adequate or sufficient seal or would I still need to use a caulking adhesive or construction adhesive?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

The butyl tape will be enough. It is not required to have the vapor barrier sealed to the wall, only attached.

[@mercurad]

Hi there. Because of the way my crawlspace is dug out, I need to go about halfway up the walls. I was thinking of going fully up the walls (minus a termite inspection gap) regardless, just in case I decide to add a dehumidifier in the future. If I don't add a dehumidifier, by covering more of the walls am I effectively making the crawlspace more humid because the walls can't breathe as much? I have vents and would keep them open. We do currently have moisture issues down there, mainly from grading and downspouts issues which I am fixing. But it's Georgia and a relatively humid area.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

You could end up trapping the humidity. We suggest a dehumidifier in all crawl spaces since humidity is such a stubborn issue to tackle without one.

[@Former11b]

If I have a tall curtain wall, say 5’ high, and I do the vapor barrier up 3-4 feet up the wall, would you recommend doing a second row of tape closer to the bottom of the wall to keep it from pulling away when laying the floor vapor barrier?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

To eliminate gaps in coverage, a crawl space vapor barrier should be overlapped and taped. Under your home, the plastic extends around footings and piers and to the edge of the walls.

[@DraithVicious]

Is there a type of caulk that would work better or just as good as the tape? This tape sticks very well to the plastic but even after brushing the concrete with a wire brush it doesn't seem like it's sticking quite as well and is leaving a few air gaps where it doesn't want to stick.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

You can use our Spray Foam! - diy.crawlspaceninja.com/spray-foam/

[@jwb0323]

We have a crawl space that is about 20 x 12 and 6 ft high. The basement hvac has a duct that heats or cools that area. There is gravel on the bottom and a plastic barrier on top of that gravel but it doesn’t go up to the walls. Can we put storage bins on that plastic or should we elevate On a pallet or something similar ? Should we replace the barrier with one long enough to go on the wall? We’re in Ohio and it’s not really damp in there we also run a dehumidifier

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

We recommend an underlayment if possible when plastic sits on gravel. Here is a video we did, "Tips for Storing Items on Vapor Barrier" kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWaliJ-njr2Fnasfeature=shared I hope that helps and thanks for watching.

[@whitneydigital]

Also, if you attach the vapor barrier above foam board and have a 3 inch gap for termites, that means you leave a 5 inch gap when installing foam board, to accommodate the 2 inch butyl tape? Thnx!

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

see below

[@stevenv2190]

I have blown-in insulation on my crawlspace walls and noticed it in my crawlspace sill areas - any recommendation on removing it prior to having a company to encapsulate my crawlspace? Termites had a field day with my house lately.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Yes, we have that here too. Seems to be something builders did a few years ago, but I don't see it that often anymore. I'd remove all of it. Renting an insulation vacuum could help.

[@Rprecision]

We dont have termites and building code does not specify for climate zone 5. Would you take the VB to the pressure treated Sil plate ?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

We would still recommend it because of the potential of termites.

[@hopalongjohnny9797]

How high should I use the vapor barrier if I’m not Encapsulating the crawl space? I’ve got a little mold issue and the vapor barrier is pieced together. I would like to after the mold is removed and protected, move the material up on outer walls a bit.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Code wants it to be attached to the foundation walls at least 12 inches up.

[@melmartinez7002]

What about with foam insulation? Behind or in front of the barrier? And does the foam have to stop 3 inches below the sill as well?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

You would want the vapor barriers placed on top of the foam after it has been secured to the wall. You would definitely need to stop 3 inches below the sill for the termite gap. We hope this helps. Let us know if you need anything else. Thanks for watching.

[@gefflynn7171]

Do you have a vid using a powder gun to install the vapor barrier! How long should nails be? washer / no washer.... Installed insulation with Ramset Cobra Plus MAN WHAT A TIME SAVER!!! Just trying to cut my DIY labor time down ... xmas trees is a whole lot-a-drillin'! >;-/ Peace

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

For vapor barrier we use half inch and yes we use washers. Yes using a mechanic way to attaching is much faster!! here is a video on how to attach plastic to pillars that shows our hilti gun kzbin.info/www/bejne/eHrVe4CmdsZqnrM

[@scottsmith5490]

We had our crawl space incapsulated, but they didn't use Butyl tape at the top. They just doubled up the vinyl and put christmas tree fasteners every 3-4 feet. Without pulling it all down and installing butyl, is there anything you would recommend to seal the top of the vinyl to keep vapors and gases from getting into the crawl space? Gorilla tape or something like it?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Well we normally use butyl tape if you are doing it all by your self to hold the plastic up, and then we do recommend Christmas tree fasteners. Even when we mechanically attach the plastic it is not completely sealed, thats why we use an active ventilation system to remove any gases if there are any.

[@1215DayTrading]

would you say the 2inch is stickier than the 1 inch butyl tape? I tried the 1 inch on a project and it seemed to not want to stick very well. I even cleaned the surface and rolled it

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

I wouldn't necessarily say it's stickier, but it does have a lot more surface area to grip to.

[@tatjanadunce162]

Hello, my 1954 house has a solid concrete foundation. Worried about potential structural damages that drilling of so many 1/4" holes could cause. Is it safe? Do you have some references on this topic?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

The insulation and encapsulation method shown in this video may be a more viable option for your situation: kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKvWmKmhn7d7nLM

[@lucian5304]

I'm installing a vapor barrier do I have to use the fastners or can I just use the tape to hold the barrier against my blocks?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

We recommend using the fasteners. All adhesives eventually fail so mechanically attaching the vapor barrier is the best way to go. This tape is good to help position the vapor barrier on the wall until you are able to get the fasteners installed.

[@BrannanMcDougald]

I purchased some Black Butyl Rubber Peel & Stick Double Sided EPDM Seam Tape thinking it was the right product. But It is not sticking at all to the concrete. I messaged the seller and they recommended "latex or solvent bonding adhesive." I can't tell if they mean use that instead or with the butyl tape. Do you know what I should specifically get to salvage all the tape I've purchased and make it stick to the concrete? Thanks.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Sorry to hear you are having issues, we would suggest that you adhere it and then use some Christmas tree fasteners in order to insure that the barrier stays put

[@fastrivers812]

Any disadvantage/advantages to using cleats over christmas tree fasteners?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

The preferred method is Christmas tree fasteners since it is not as noticeable and do not cause large holes

[@An0nymous_L0gic]

Several questions, sir ninja: 1) do you always prefer butyl tape to caulk? 2) are the hilti nails better performance than Christmas fasteners, or are they just quicker? 3) do you like the strips you can use with Christmas fasteners? i think they're called tack strips I'm doing a friends crawlspace and want to know as much as possible. thanks : )

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Answers : 1- Yes, Butyl tape works specially if you are by your self you don't have to wait for caulk to dry and you can still put up the plastic 2- mechanically attached is better if you have it available, but the Christmas tree fasteners work well. specially if you dont want to buy a hilti gun.. 3- Anything that can help you adhere the plastic will be beneficial. Hope this helps!

[@kingbee4474]

​@@CrawlSpaceNinja When replacing the vapor barrier, what happens to the butyl tape? Can the new barrier stick to the old tape? Does new tape adhere to the old tape or can it even be removed?

[@kingbee4474]

​@@CrawlSpaceNinja how often does a 6mil barrier need to be replaced? Is it ok if I secure it to the walls with butyl tape without fasteners?

[@jordanwills582]

Where do you get the Hardcast 2" butyl tape you use in this video? I can't find it anywhere, even on your website.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

+Jordan Wills - Sorry about that. Here is a link: crawlspaceninja.com/product/foundation-seam-tape-butyl-tape-2-inch/

[@markvigneaux3246]

I live in central MA. Where can I get either of those butyl tapes locally? I have painted cinder blocks in the area I'm doing. will the tape stick to that?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Mark, we're not sure where you can purchase those butyl tapes locally, but we do have them available online for you to order and have directly to your home: diy.crawlspaceninja.com/tapes/ We hope this helps. Thanks for watching & have a happy and blessed day.

[@1215DayTrading]

what size drill bit do you use for the Christmas tree fastener?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Hello, the Christmas tree fastners we sell on our DIY Store fit a 1/4" hole. You can review all of the product information here: diy.crawlspaceninja.com/christmas-tree-fasteners/

[@specialkrat797]

Should there be any type of caulk applied to the top of the vapor barrier? Like leave 3/8 inch above the butyl tape and then run a bead of caulk in this space and push the VB into the caulk?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

If you're installing a radon mitigation system, yes it needs to be sealed. Otherwise, building code just requires vapor barrier to be mechanically attached to the foundation wall in an encapsulation. You can definitely add the caulking if you'd like to. The caulk will likely need to be replaced/resealed after some time.

[@specialkrat797]

@@CrawlSpaceNinja Thank you for the reply and just encapsulation so I will forgo the caulk at the top. I am using the crawlspaceninja membrane, butyl tape, seam tape and christmas trees. Look to your site and KZbin videos for information and thanks for that!

[@bobkoontz5814]

How well does this work on concrete block? My area does not permit use of cinder block.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

We've been made aware that while "cinder block" is a common term used in our area, concrete block is what is commonly used. This should work well for you. We only caution using on brick foundations.

[@boulengerochromis]

Would it be worth sealing that first? Concrete sealer or elastomer paint?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Some sealers can keep the tape from sticking. I tried applying butyl to block that had a clear sealer that was applied by homeowner and it would not stick. Not sure what it was.

[@kennethhughley1611]

I'm looking for 66 feet of the two inch butylene tape. Where's a good source?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

I am not sure who has that exact length. We have butyl on our DIY store but it is 75 feet. diy.crawlspaceninja.com/butyl-tape-diy/

[@whitneydigital]

Would it be ok to kill 2 birds with 1 stone by having the plastic fasteners that I will be using to mechanically attach the foam board to the wall also attach the vapor barrier to the foam board? In other words, the plastic fastener will go through the VB and through the foam board and into the concrete wall.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Normally we do not do that because the fasteners are different..

[@OliverHoffmannDesign]

I've decided to encapsulate my crawlspace, and it has about 5' of cinder block wall that I'm not sure if I should paint first. I haven't seen you or anyone else comment on using Drylock paint on the wall before installing vapor barrier- is it a bad idea? Waste of time? I just think it would look better and add some moisture control. Will the butyl tape stick to it?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

We just did a video about that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/r5vXoIymZqdoock

[@OliverHoffmannDesign]

@@CrawlSpaceNinja Thanks for that! I really appreciate the amount and quality of information you put out.

[@mattmcshane2079]

Will the butyl tape stick to the block in cold weather ?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

It is more difficult to get to stick to cool block and cold block is very difficult to stick. Cold temperatures affect butyl tapes and spray foams. Extreme hot does as well.

[@NealB123]

Question -- my new home has a conditioned crawlspace with foam board insulation that extends almost to the top of the stem wall. The vapor barrier is attached to the foam board using double sided tape. There are no mechanical fasteners attaching the VB to the foam board. Can I drill small holes into the foam board and install christmas tree fasteners for a more durable vapor barrier installation? Thanks.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

What we normally do is attach the VB above the foam board, still keeping the 3 inches of space above. that way the foam board is bot punctured and the sealing process is more effective. Hope this helps!

[@jitone1]

So is butyl tape necessary

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Great question! Butyl tape is not a necessity, although, anyone that has ever installed vapor barrier will surely witness testify that it is, lol. Imagine holding the vapor barrier while using the nail gun to hold it to the walls, it is heavy and tiring. That's where the butyl tape gives such help

[@jackjones3657]

How do you know whether the vapor barrier will smell like cat urine?

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

We determined by years of experience with replacing the reinforced vapor barriers, that it is the cause for the odor. Great question! Thank you.

[@draino84]

How to fasten the barrier over foam insulation

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Thank you for your question! We use the same process as attaching the foam board to the foundation walls. You can purchase the Hilti DX 5-IE and the fasteners to attach vapor barrier to foam board right on our DIY Store: goo.gl/NX8LuL Watch how we do it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/fXqug3ywe8SYhZI

[@--jefferson1555]

What about painted (waterproofing paint) block? Do you have to wire brush the paint off?

[@twilde3754]

Can you use butyl tape on brick? Can you use Christmas fasteners on brick? Thank you!!!

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Yes you can!

[@tkatsk]

You just destroyed the drill bit.

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

Cinderblock will do it to ya. 🙂

[@jackpeters9048]

Funny, he's doing that while standing and having difficulty...try doing it on your back in an 18" crawl space....all you really need is 6 mill plastic over the soul. Covering the block is normally unnecessary....cover the soul, don't drape it up over your wooded members, and be happy...this is another blown way overboard industry to get a little deeper in your pocket...i

[@CrawlSpaceNinja]

It's true... you definitely don't need to use butyl tape, but it can be helpful if you are working by yourself trying to install fasteners. Building code requires vapor barrier to be mechanically attached at least 12 inches up the foundation wall in an encapsulated crawl space and it can more effectively reduce the amount moisture from the soil getting into the crawl space compared to just laying it on the ground and not taping seams or attaching it to the wall.