Is the Plastic Under Your Mobile Home Damaged? Your Vapor Barrier May Need Attention
If you have ever looked underneath a mobile home, you may have noticed a large sheet of plastic covering the ground.
That plastic is part of the vapor barrier in the crawl space.
Many homeowners do not think about it until they see a tear, a section hanging down, or an area that is no longer covering the ground properly.
A damaged vapor barrier is worth paying attention to because the crawl space underneath your mobile home is exposed to moisture vapor from the soil and changing conditions over time.
What Is a Vapor Barrier Under a Mobile Home?
A vapor barrier is a material installed over the ground in the crawl space underneath a mobile home.
Its purpose is to help reduce moisture vapor coming from the soil into the crawl space.
The barrier needs to remain in reasonable condition to do its job effectively.
Over time, however, the material can become damaged.
Why Does a Mobile Home Vapor Barrier Get Damaged?
There is no single reason a vapor barrier becomes damaged.
Some common causes include:
Age and normal deterioration
Animals getting underneath the home
Work being performed in the crawl space
Tears from movement or contact with objects
Previous repairs
Damage around access areas
Sections becoming loose or separated
Other conditions underneath the home
In some cases, the damage may be easy to see. In others, it may not be noticed until someone gets underneath the home.
What Does a Damaged Vapor Barrier Look Like?
Homeowners may notice several different signs when looking underneath their mobile home.
A vapor barrier may have:
Tears or holes
Sections that are sagging
Areas that have pulled apart
Exposed soil
Loose or displaced sections
Damage caused by animals or debris
Areas that are no longer properly covering the crawl space floor
Not every damaged area requires the same type of repair.
The condition and extent of the damage should be considered before deciding whether repair or replacement makes sense.
Does a Torn Vapor Barrier Need to Be Replaced?
Not necessarily.
A small damaged area may be repairable, while a vapor barrier that has extensive deterioration or damage may require replacement.
That is why it is helpful to have the crawl space looked at rather than assuming you need a complete replacement.
At Desert Mobile Home Services, we can evaluate the accessible area and determine what type of vapor barrier work may be appropriate.
Why Should You Not Ignore a Damaged Vapor Barrier?
The crawl space is easy to forget because it is not part of your everyday living space.
You may not notice a problem until the next time someone needs to access the area underneath your home.
A damaged vapor barrier can also be an indication that the crawl space needs a closer look.
For example, if animals have damaged the barrier, there may be other areas underneath the home that should be checked. If the barrier was damaged during previous work, other components may also need attention.
Looking at the entire accessible area can provide a better understanding of what is actually happening underneath the home.
Vapor Barrier Problems Can Be Part of a Larger Crawl Space Issue
The vapor barrier is only one part of what is underneath a mobile home.
While looking at the barrier, other accessible components may also need attention, such as:
Insulation
Support piers
Ductwork
Crossover ducts
Tie-downs
Crawl space vents
Access areas
Debris
This is one reason crawl space maintenance should not be limited to what is easiest to see.
Vapor Barrier Repair in Arizona
Arizona homeowners may not think about moisture underneath their mobile home because the climate is generally dry.
However, dry weather does not mean the crawl space should be ignored.
The ground underneath the home can still produce moisture vapor, and the condition of the crawl space can change over time.
Keeping the vapor barrier in good condition is one part of maintaining the area underneath your mobile home.
Can You Repair a Vapor Barrier Without Replacing Everything?
In some situations, yes.
The appropriate approach depends on the condition of the existing vapor barrier and the extent of the damage.
A localized problem may be handled differently from a barrier that is extensively damaged or deteriorated.
Instead of automatically replacing everything, it is better to have the existing barrier evaluated and determine what the crawl space actually needs.
When Should You Have Your Vapor Barrier Checked?
Consider having the crawl space looked at if:
You can see tears or holes in the barrier
Parts of the barrier are hanging down
Soil is exposed in areas that should be covered
You have noticed animal activity underneath the home
The barrier looks old or deteriorated
You are buying an older mobile home
You are already planning crawl space repairs
You simply do not know what condition the vapor barrier is in
You do not have to wait for a major problem before checking underneath your home.
Vapor Barrier Repair and Replacement by Desert Mobile Home Services
Desert Mobile Home Services provides mobile home vapor barrier repair and replacement throughout Arizona.
We can evaluate the accessible crawl space and determine whether the existing vapor barrier can be repaired or whether replacement is more appropriate.
If other crawl space issues are found, we can also discuss related services such as insulation work, support pier adjustments, releveling, tie-down installation, skirting, ductwork repairs, crawl space cleanout, and access hatch work.
Our focus is on the area underneath your mobile home and the repairs it may need.
Do Not Forget About the Space Under Your Home
You may never think about your vapor barrier until something goes wrong.
But the area underneath your mobile home is part of the home too.
If you see a torn, sagging, loose, or damaged vapor barrier, do not simply cover it up and forget about it.
Have the area looked at so you know what condition it is in and what, if anything, needs to be repaired.
Need mobile home vapor barrier repair or replacement in Arizona? Call Desert Mobile Home Services at 833-922-2257 to get started.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the plastic under a mobile home?
The plastic covering the ground underneath many mobile homes is part of the vapor barrier system. It helps reduce moisture vapor coming from the soil into the crawl space.
How do I know if my mobile home's vapor barrier is damaged?
Look for tears, holes, sagging sections, exposed soil, separated areas, or other sections that are no longer covering the crawl space properly.
Can a mobile home vapor barrier be repaired?
Yes, depending on the condition and extent of the damage. Some damaged areas may be repairable, while a severely deteriorated barrier may require replacement.
How often should a mobile home vapor barrier be replaced?
There is not one replacement schedule that applies to every mobile home. The condition of the existing vapor barrier, the crawl space, and the extent of any damage should be considered.
Does Desert Mobile Home Services repair vapor barriers?
Yes. Desert Mobile Home Services provides vapor barrier repair and replacement for mobile homes throughout Arizona.
Do you inspect the whole mobile home?
No. Our inspections focus on the crawl space and accessible components underneath the mobile home rather than providing a general whole-home inspection.
