Vapor Barriers

Vapor Barriers Help in Waterproofing

Insulation is key to several building projects.  It keeps the temperature inside a structure stable and helps to reduce energy costs.  Insulation, however, needs to stay dry and thus needs a waterproofing system to help keep it that way.  For this, reason vapor barriers are used.  Vapor barriers, also known as vapor retardants, are used to keep water vapor away from insulation so that it can do its job more efficiently.

Vapor barriers are subject to certain requirements in order to ensure they will do their particular job properly.  For instance, some may need to be able to accommodate the natural shrinking and expansion of structures such as pipes.  They also may need to be able to withstand damage caused by people walking on them and chemicals dropping on them, for example.  Withstanding the heat it may come in contact with is also a consideration when choosing a barrier.  A contractor can explain more about other specifications and requirements that need to be considered when choosing barriers for various applications.

Plastics are commonly used to make up vapor barriers.  One example of this is PVDC film.  Barriers can also be manufactured with other materials such as in the case of laminated foil jacketing.