Ground Vapour Barrier

 

A surprising amount of moisture is released from the ground, even where the ground doesn’t seem especially wet.

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On average, 0.4 litres of water can evaporate from 1m² of ground in 24 hours – that’s 60 litres per day on average for a 150m² house. If this moisture accumulates under a house, it can cause damage outside and inside the building and affect the health of the occupants.

 

A good way to reduce moisture levels is to install a ground vapour barrier over the ground under a house. This vapour barrier will restrict the evaporation of moisture from the ground into the subfloor space.

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Reasons to install a ground vapour barrier:

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• Healthier Living: A ground vapour barrier can prevent up to 0.4 litres of daily water evaporation per square metre, reducing mould, mildew, and respiratory triggers such as asthma.

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• Asset Protection: Managing rising damp prevents wood rot, timber warping, and preserves the thermal performance of underfloor insulation.

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• Heating Efficiency: Dry subfloors lower interior condensation, making the home easier and cheaper to heat during winter.

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• Pest Control: Lower humidity makes subfloor spaces less hospitable to insects and rodents.

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• NZ Rental Property Compliance: Ground moisture barriers are legally required for most New Zealand rental homes with enclosed subfloors under the Residential Tenancies Act and Healthy Homes Standards.

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