Answer:

2. Why don't all homes have moisture barriers-What is it?

A home only needs a moisture barrier if a moisture reading by a professional equipped to do so finds that the moisture content under the home is over 19% Humidity on a regular basis. This means that the reading is accurate, i.e. not after a rainstorm or when the humidity is 100% outside.

In many homes in Wayne County there is also a trivial amount of water standing by the crawlspace door or by the edge of the foundation after a hard or long rain. This does not, by itself, mean that a moisture barrier is needed under the home. Many builders will put sand in the crawlspace so a homeowner will not see this, but, it may still be there if one digs under the sand.

A moisture barrier blocks humidity that occurs naturally in the ground. This humidity causes mildew and mold to grow on floor joists and allows termites to eat more wood without having to go back in the ground for water. A properly installed moisture barrier consists of a waterproof material that is sealed together and sealed to the inner foundation walls. This means more than simply rolling plastic out and overlapping it. At a minimum, it should be duct taped together all the way down. I would suggest that your moisture barrier be installed by a certified pest control professional and MyGoldsboroAgent would be glad to recommend one of these to you.

Weldon Williford, Broker,REALTOR

MyGoldsboroAgent.com