Homeowners often ask if a vapor barrier is necessary for optimizing attic insulation and protecting their homes from moisture-related damage. The answer, however, isn’t one-size-fits-all.

If you are constantly dealing with mold, moisture and musty smells in your home, be it in the bedroom, basement, or crawl spaces, you could benefit from a vapor barrier, professional contractors say.

In these settings, moisture must be managed a little differently. Vapor barriers are a crucial part of any moisture management system in a crawl space and are not difficult to install. If you're ...