Is a ground cover vapor barrier (plastic sheet) required under a new mobile/manufactured home? (2024)

FAQs

Is a ground cover vapor barrier (plastic sheet) required under a new mobile/manufactured home? ›

That's why, since 2000, the U.S. The Department of Housing and HUD has recommended plastic sheeting to be installed for these types of structures. Simply put, installing a plastic vapor barrier under your mobile home is one of the most accessible tools available to protect you and your family from unnecessary risks.

Vapor Barriers are absolutely Necessary Under a Mobile Home, proper insulation and moisture control are vital considerations for maintaining a comfortable and structurally sound living environment.

Vapor or Moisture Barrier

A vapor barrier or moisture barrier is another plastic sheet that is laid on the ground to reduce water vapor from reaching your home. It can be any color but clear and black seem to be the norm.

In most cases, you need to put down a gravel base and seal the ground using a slab of concrete. After that, pour a layer of sand to make a grade. Make sure that you have enough space to build a foundation large enough to support the mobile home. The minimum width of the foundation should be 8 feet.

Belly board, also known as blackboard, shepherd board or a rodent barrier, is typically an asphalt-impregnated fiberboard, asphalt-impregnated fiberglass cloth, or heavy tar paper.

Vapor barriers can often double as added insulation, protecting buildings against excess cold and heat. Failure to use a vapor barrier can lead to higher energy costs and an ideal environment for mold and mildew growth.

Because a vapor barrier is a low permeable barrier, it keeps moisture from passing through. This is beneficial to keep moisture away from a dry surface but will trap moisture behind it if installed on a water-damaged concrete wall, causing the wall to fail further.

A vapor barrier should be installed by either attaching the plastic sheeting to the bottom of the wooden floor joists or on the ground.

Encapsulating or installing a vapor barrier in a mobile home with a dirt floor can help control moisture levels and improve the overall environment.

Best Mobile Home Underbelly Insulation: Fiberglass or Spray Foam. You don't want to deal with mold and mildew issues due to moisture under your mobile home.

How do you install a vapor barrier under a mobile home? ›

Unroll the vapor barrier material. Crawl under your mobile home by entering through the skirting. Staple the vapor barrier material to the wood floor joists of your mobile home with a staple gun. Pull the barrier tight to prevent air leaks.

Make sure the crawlspace has plenty of ventilation. Fill in any low spots in the crawlspace with sand. Cover the ground under the entire crawlspace with a layer of 6 mil or thicker plastic. Put a layer of sand on top of the plastic to hold the plastic in place and absorb any excess moisture.

As a baseline, you should consider placing a vent approximately every 8-10 feet around the mobile home's perimeter. This guideline ensures that there's consistent ventilation throughout the space below your home. Furthermore, it's crucial that the vents are distributed evenly, promoting uniform airflow.

Overall, there is no singular best foundation for manufactured or modular homes, as every individual has different needs for their home. However, a basem*nt foundation will provide you the highest return on your investment.

Gravel pad with black ABS pads is the cheapest foundation option for manufactured homes.

Permanent foundations must be con- structed of durable materials; i.e. concrete, mortared masonry, or treated wood - and be site-built. It shall have attachment points to an- chor and stabilize the manufactured home to transfer all loads, herein defined, to the under- lying soil or rock.

In the context of a mobile home, the vapor barrier is typically installed beneath the structure to prevent moisture from seeping into the home's foundation. This is crucial because excessive moisture can lead to a range of issues, such as mold growth, wood rot, structural damage, and decreased energy efficiency.

For double-wide or triple-wide mobile homes, the price range for vapor barrier replacement can be between $2,500 and $4,000, considering complete replacement and potential insulation installation.

Encapsulating or installing a vapor barrier in a mobile home with a dirt floor can help control moisture levels and improve the overall environment.

Oftentimes, moisture can seep through the dirt floor of your crawl space when you do not have a vapor barrier installed. Additionally, poor grading and improper vapor barrier installation can lead to rainwater leaking into your crawlspace, causing a huge standing water issue.