How to Inspect the Crawl Space Soil Vapor Barrier
While the inspector is in the crawl space they should check for the presence of the soil vapor barrier and determine whether it it is sealed or unsealed. Please review the entire procedure below.
NACHI SOP
International Standards of Practice for Performing a General Home Inspection
3.9. Attic, Insulation & Ventilation
I. The inspector shall inspect:
N/A
II. The inspector shall describe:
N/A
III. The inspector shall report as in need of correction:
IV. The inspector is not required to:
C. Move, touch or disturb vapor retarders.
Axium SOP Differences
Axium Requires: The inspector should be able to determine while inspecting the crawlspace if a soil vapor barrier is present and if it is sealed.
Tools Needed
No tools required to inspect the Crawl Space Soil Vapor Barrier.
Procedure
- While we are inspecting the crawlspace we will want to determine the presence of a soil vapor barrier and determine if it is sealed or unsealed. There is one picture required for this section and it should show the vapor barrier and also show if it is sealed or unsealed.
Common Defects
- There is no soil cover in the crawlspace.
- The vapor barrier in the crawlspace is damaged in areas.
Common Mistakes
- Not determining if the crawlspace vapor barrier is sealed or unsealed.
- Not checking the whole vapor barrier for any damage.
Report / Software
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- Unsealed: The floor of the crawlspace was covered with a plastic soil cover. Soil covers are installed to help minimize moisture evaporation into crawl space air from the soil. Edges at overlaps and the crawl space perimeter were not sealed.
- Sealed: The floor of the crawl space was covered with a plastic soil cover. Soil covers are installed to help minimize moisture evaporation into crawl space air from soil. Edges were sealed at overlaps and at the perimeter, which is typically done to help lower moisture and/or radon levels.
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- No Soil Cover: No soil cover was installed at the time of the inspection. Soil covers help reduce humidity levels in crawlspaces by limiting moisture evaporation into the air from soil. Reducing humidity levels can help the chances for mold growth and deterioration of structural components. A qualified contractor should evaluate and install a soil cover as necessary.
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- No Soil Cover: No soil cover was installed at the time of the inspection. Soil covers help reduce humidity levels in crawlspaces by limiting moisture evaporation into the air from soil. Reducing humidity levels can help the chances for mold growth and deterioration of structural components. A qualified contractor should evaluate and install a soil cover as necessary.
- Vapor Barrier Damaged: The crawlspace vapor barrier was damaged in some areas, which compromises its effectiveness in reducing moisture and/or radon levels. A qualified contractor should evaluate and repair or replace as necessary and according to current standards.
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