International Compliance Association (ICA) Home Inspector Practice Exam

Which material is commonly found in crawl spaces?

1. Plywood

2. Insulation

3. Visqueen

4. Concrete

The correct answer is: Visqueen

Visqueen, which is a brand name often used to refer to polyethylene sheeting, is commonly found in crawl spaces primarily as a moisture barrier. The purpose of using Visqueen in crawl spaces is to prevent moisture from the ground from entering the space above, which can help mitigate the risk of mold growth, wood rot, and structural damage. This material is typically laid over the ground in the crawl space to create a barrier between the soil and the indoor environment. Understanding the function of Visqueen can help home inspectors identify whether this moisture control measure is properly installed in crawl spaces. Other materials, such as plywood and concrete, may be present in a crawl space for structural purposes or flooring, while insulation is used to improve energy efficiency but does not serve the specific moisture barrier function that Visqueen provides.