Vapor barrier

[John Verderber Jr]

I have just purchased a mobil home 16'X80'. The company installed the plastic after the home was set up. the barrier does not go end to end or cover all the groung in places. Can you please give me information on the proper installation of the vapor barrier. Before the home is set? After the home is set? Should it be pinned by the skirting ?

Thank you
John V.

[rmurray]

Usually the vapor barrier on the ground covers the whole area under the home..even taped to the blocks....

Skirting is a good idea...but not required by the set up manual and not always included in the sales price..

[John Verderber Jr]

Thank you for your help.I understand that the vapor barrier should completely seal off all of the underside of the trailer to be effective. Is this correct? Also,should the vapor barrier be pinned under the bottom edge of the skirting?
PS
I'm sure glad I found this web site. I have read and learned a LOT about mobile or manufactured home.

THANK YOU.

John

[rmurray]

My suggestion is to get your set up manual that came with the home...Read it and be sure the dealer is doing everything that is mentioned....Footings size and location per the manual..(depends on the soil)...blocking requirements, anchoring...If the home is set to the specs..you should have no problems...

Be sure there is plenty of ventaltion in the skirting...and that dryer is vented outside of the skirting..

[Galen]

I would just like to echo Murry - ensure to set up your home to factory specs and ensure there is plenty of ventilation!

[Clarence Bedillion]

Will you please advise when (Year) that vapor barrier was a requirement for mobil homes.

Thanking you in advance

Clarence Bedillion

[rmurray]

The HUD code became effective with the 1976 model year...At that time the first set up manuals were required...Almost all manufacturers had the vapor barrier requirement...Mostly it was not enforced until the last few years since there has been more concern in the building business about mold and moisture problems...If you still have your set up manual and it calls for a barrier..It should have been done when the home was set...Moisture problems are like high blood pressure...the silent killer...problems can be festering for years before they become apparent.....

[Roy T. Bonney]

Ground vapor barriers are either reccomended or required by each manufacturer, but the trigger for the requirement or reccomendation is the skirting. Often times a code section is dependent on another requirement being met. In this case, skirting must be installed. It is the formed crawl space that we are trying to keep dry. This issue comes to us via the ANSI A225.1 standard.