Over 17 million Americans live in mobile homes — properties that require the same level of protection from moisture, pests, and gas from under the soil. Installing a vapor barrier under mobile homes is one of the best tools that homeowners can use to protect their homes and the air inside.
The U.S. The Department of Housing and HUD requires plastic sheeting to be installed underneath mobile and manufactured homes, although state and local governments may not require it.
Contact our experts today at 760-388-6294.
What is the Best Vapor Barrier for Underneath My Mobile Home?
The environment of the location of a mobile home determines the type of vapor barrier and the installation method.
For sunny, warm environments, the best vapor barrier might be white or reflective to control the temperature of the mobile home. Cooler, dryer environments may require thicker sheeting to protect against inclement weather. Vapor barriers for underneath mobile homes should be at least 6 mil thick.
Use the chart below to compare vapor barriers used in crawl space encapsulation.
Additional Products Used in the Crawl Space
Delta®-Drain is a drainage board used in waterproofing applications to allow water to flow away from the building foundation. It can be used as a drainage mat underneath the floor vapor barrier in a crawl space.
Vapor Tape is a heavy-duty, weather-resistant tape often used to seam large panels of poly sheeting together for vapor retarders, crawl space liners, covers, and other liner applications.
2-Sided Butyl Tape is an insoluble tape with an aggressive adhesive that bonds plastic sheeting to porous surfaces such as concrete in crawl spaces.
Ratchet Fasteners are heavy-duty nylon with a 1/4″ diameter, flat white head, and conical tip. Ratchet fasteners are used to attach vapor barriers to the foundation wall.
How To Install a Vapor Barrier Plastic Sheeting in a Mobile Home?
Condensation builds on a home when warm, moist air moves into cool, dry air. A vapor barrier must be installed on the warm side of a building. If done improperly, adding a vapor barrier to the underside of a mobile home can make condensation worse instead of better.
A vapor barrier should be installed by either attaching the plastic sheeting to the bottom of the wooden floor joists or on the ground. It is crucial that there are no punctures or air leaks in the plastic sheeting or the vapor barrier is compromised. To prevent punctures, avoid stapling the sheeting, and instead, rely on Vapor Tape to install plastic sheeting on the floor of a mobile home.
Experts to Help You Find the Best Vapor Barrier for Your Project
As an Americover customer, you will receive the personalized support of a dedicated account manager to simplify the ordering process and ensure the best solution for every one of your projects. Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and fulfill orders Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. If you would like to speak with a representative, call us at 760-388-6294 or contact us.