Chloe Zhang
Mobile homes are prefabricated houses manufactured off-site and transported to their final location. They are constructed using 2x4 stud construction for exterior walls, with variations in stud size to meet specific needs, such as thermal requirements and wind durability. The interior walls of mobile homes often feature a wallpaper-like coating called VOG, which is lighter and easier to install than drywall. Underneath a mobile home, there is typically a plastic wrap, commonly known as a belly wrap or belly board, that seals off the underside of the home. This plastic wrap is made of a thin, flexible, and durable material called Polyethylene, which is approximately 6 mil thick.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Thickness | 6 mil |
| Common Names | Visqueen, Belly Wrap, Belly Board, Bottom Board |
| Material | Polyethylene |
| Properties | Thin, Flexible, Durable |
| Uses | Barrier for vapour, dust, or moisture, Cover for protection during transport, Landscaping base |
| Wall Construction | 2X4″ stud construction, with variations in stud size to meet specific needs |
| Wall Material | VOG (vinyl-on-gypsum), a wallpaper-like coating that is lighter and simpler to install than drywall |
| Alternative Wall Option | Seamless textured drywall (tape-and-texture) for a more traditional and modern appearance |
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What You'll Learn
- The plastic sheeting under mobile homes is called 'belly wrap' or 'bottom board'
- It is commonly made from polyethylene
- It is used to keep out moisture, insects and rodents
- A plastic sheet vapor barrier is required under a mobile home to avoid moisture problems
- A 6 mil plastic sheeting can be used to cover a mobile home during transportation
The plastic sheeting under mobile homes is called 'belly wrap' or 'bottom board'
The plastic sheeting under mobile homes, commonly known as "belly wrap" or "belly board", is also referred to as "bottom board" within the manufactured home industry and by the US Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD). This plastic covering, typically made of polyethylene, serves as the first line of defence against ground moisture, insects, and rodents. It is designed to keep the underside of the home neat and dry, preventing moisture accumulation and potential pest infestations.
Belly wrap, or bottom board, is usually attached to the bottom of a mobile home during the manufacturing process. It is fastened to the sides of the home, often secured to the steel I-beams, and may sag slightly between them. Over time, the belly wrap can develop leaks and holes, leading to water accumulation and potential pest issues. Therefore, regular inspections and maintenance are crucial to ensure the effectiveness of the bottom board.
When leaks or damage occur in the plumbing or underside of the home, it becomes necessary to access the area beneath the belly wrap for repairs. To do so, an X is cut directly below the access point, creating four flaps that simplify the repair process. After repairs are completed, the flaps can be taped or stapled back into place, sealing the area and providing long-term protection.
The polyethylene sheeting used for belly wrap is thin, flexible, and durable. It is recommended to keep extra polyethylene sheeting on hand for quick repairs, as leaks and tears can develop over time. Alternatively, Tyvek home wrap can be used as a substitute for polyethylene sheeting in repair scenarios.
In addition to the belly wrap, mobile homes may also have a vapour barrier or moisture barrier installed. This additional plastic sheet laid on the ground provides further protection against water vapour and moisture, contributing to the overall defence system against the elements.
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It is commonly made from polyethylene
The plastic sheeting used under mobile homes to create a moisture barrier is commonly made from polyethylene. This plastic wrap, often referred to as "belly wrap" or "belly board", is used to seal off the underside of the home, typically attaching to the steel I-beams. It is important to keep out moisture, insects, and rodents, and to prevent plumbing leaks.
Polyethylene is the most common type of consumer plastic. It is durable, recyclable, and classified into 4 or 5 categories. The higher the density of polyethylene, the stronger the material. For example, low-density polyethylene (LDPE) is ductile and used for shopping bags, plastic bags, and clear food containers. Medium-density polyethylene (MDPE) possesses more polymer chains and is found in gas pipes, screw closures, and carrier bags.
High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a more rigid form of plastic sheeting used in products such as plastic bottles, water and sewer pipes, and folding chairs. Ultra-high-molecular-weight polyethylene (UHMWPE) has a very high abrasion resistance due to its long polymer chains. This variety of polyethylene is used in applications requiring high durability, such as snowboards and boats.
The polyethylene sheeting used in mobile homes is likely a thin, flexible, and durable variety, similar to the kind used in construction. This plastic sheeting is commonly used to wrap houses during transportation and as a protective cover for flooring. While it may resemble black trash bags, it is thicker and more durable.
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It is used to keep out moisture, insects and rodents
The plastic sheeting used under mobile homes is commonly known as "belly wrap", "belly board", or "bottom board". It is typically made of polyethylene, a thin, flexible, and durable material. This plastic covering is essential in maintaining a clean, dry, and pest-free environment under manufactured homes.
One of the primary functions of the belly wrap is to keep out moisture. Plumbing leaks from toilets, showers, bathtubs, sinks, or water heaters can result in water pooling at low points in the belly wrap, potentially leading to the development of mold and mildew. The polyethylene sheeting acts as a moisture barrier, preventing water damage and the associated issues of mold and mildew growth.
Belly wraps also play a crucial role in pest control, specifically in deterring insects and rodents. Rodents, such as mice, are a common issue in mobile homes, as they can enter through small gaps and crevices, attracted by food sources and trash. The belly wrap acts as a physical barrier, sealing off the underside of the home and preventing rodents and insects from gaining access. Additionally, the polyethylene material is more resistant to chewing by rodents compared to other materials.
To further enhance the effectiveness of the belly wrap in pest control, it is recommended to regularly inspect and repair any cracks or holes. This is particularly important as rodents can fit through very small spaces, and even a gap the width of a pencil is sufficient for entry. Proper waste management practices, such as sealing trash bins tightly and regularly disposing of garbage, can also help deter rodents and insects.
In summary, the plastic sheeting under mobile homes, known as belly wrap, is essential in maintaining a dry and pest-free environment. It acts as a moisture barrier and helps keep out insects and rodents, contributing to the overall comfort and safety of the residents.
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A plastic sheet vapor barrier is required under a mobile home to avoid moisture problems
Moisture is a common problem for mobile homes, particularly those in rainy climates or with certain soil types. When the ground under a mobile home is wet, water vapour can accumulate in the crawl space and rise up into the home, slowly damaging the structure over time.
To avoid this, it is highly recommended to install a plastic sheet vapour barrier under a mobile home. This is a requirement of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and manufacturers' installation manuals when the crawl space is enclosed by skirting or other materials. The HUD requirement has been in place since October 20, 2008. An exception is allowed when the home is installed in an area with dry soil conditions, and it is not required to be retrofitted to an existing home.
The plastic sheeting used under mobile homes is called Polyethylene, a thin, flexible, and durable material. It is also commonly referred to as "belly wrap", "belly board", or "bottom board". This plastic covering is often called "Visqueen", and it is used to wrap houses, protecting them during transportation and creating a moisture barrier when laid on the ground.
When installing a plastic sheet vapour barrier, it is important to grade the site so that water drains away from the home on all sides. The installer should also prepare the site so that water flows from the high end to the low end under the home, rather than sitting on top of the vapour barrier. This can be achieved by using a ground cover of crushed stone and plastic over the stone. Additionally, gutters and downspouts can help control overall moisture problems by directing rainwater away from the home's foundation.
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A 6 mil plastic sheeting can be used to cover a mobile home during transportation
When transporting a mobile home, it is critical to wrap the modules in plastic sheeting to protect the structure during transit. A 6 mil plastic sheeting can be used for this purpose, as it is thick and durable. It can be used to create a barrier against vapour, dust, or moisture, and to protect the sides of a mobile home from wind damage during transportation.
Also known as Visqueen, this polyethylene sheeting provides 1600 square feet of protection. Despite resembling black trash bags, it is thicker and more durable. It can also be used to create a moisture barrier on the ground. Alternatively, string-reinforced plastic sheeting offers excellent rip-resistant weather protection. For added durability, Americover recommends 10 or 12 mil thickness for wrapping modular homes. Thicker sheeting is not pliable enough to wrap tightly around building structures.
The plastic sheeting used under mobile homes, often referred to as "belly wrap," is typically made of polyethylene. This thin, flexible, and durable material helps keep out moisture, insects, and rodents. It is important to inspect and maintain the belly wrap to prevent plumbing leaks, as water can pool and cause mold and mildew issues. Repairs to the belly wrap can be made by cutting an "X" at the desired access point, leaving four flaps that can be easily repaired afterward.
Overall, 6 mil plastic sheeting is a suitable option for protecting a mobile home during transportation, providing a durable barrier against potential damage.
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Frequently asked questions
The plastic sheeting used under mobile homes is called Polyethylene and is described as thin, flexible, and durable. Another source describes the plastic sheeting used to wrap houses as 6 mil thick.
The plastic wrap that seals off the underside of a mobile home is commonly called "belly wrap", "belly board", or "bottom board". The manufactured home industry and the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) refer to it as "bottom board".
The plastic wrap, or belly wrap, keeps out moisture, insects, and rodents. It also serves to make the underside of the home appear clean and neat.
The large majority of manufactured homes use VOG, a wallpaper-like coating that is lighter and simpler to install than drywall. Seamless textured drywall known as tape-and-texture is another option for mobile home walls.
Yes, mobile homes have insulation in their exterior walls. The amount of insulation depends on the location of the home and its energy rating.
