Vapor Barrier Bathroom Interior Walls

A vapor barrier s job is to keep water vapor in humid air from diffusing through one side of a wall and finding a cool surface inside the wall.

Vapor barrier bathroom interior walls.

Most authorities recommend vapor barriers in certain situations. This is an ideal building practice in the extreme northern communities of canada less so as you come further south. When a vapor barrier is on the side of a wall where the dry air is i e outside in winter or inside in summer moisture problems can occur. There is no need to vapor barrier the non exterior walls.

A vapor barrier reduces the movement of water vapor by diffusion. Use appropriate tape to adhere two pieces of vapor barrier and edges to avoid moisture entry to the back walls. Interior walls normally interior walls do not require a vapor barrier but there are some situations where it is highly recommended. After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder sometimes called a vapor barrier if you need one.

Use a minimal amount of staples to secure the vapor barrier to the walls studs. A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall ceiling or floor during the cold winter. A vapor or moisture barrier is a layer of protection that is designed to act as a waterproof shield helping to keep condensation away from wood insulation and other mold prone materials that are located behind the drywall. Not every wall does.

Between tub and shower sinks and toilet a bathroom has a high potential for water damage not only from leaks of liquid water but also from water vapor that can collect inside exterior walls and condense. Vapor retarders are there to slow the diffusion of moisture so the building inspector is off base argues senior editor martin holladay. Interior bathroom and kitchen walls for example are areas. Whether or not you need a vapor retarder hinges on three main factors your climate your home and the location of the wall you re insulating.

The vapor barrier should be on the inside between the insulation and drywall. The traditional approach to preventing water vapor from penetrating walls in homes is a 6 mil polyethylene vapour barrier or vapor barrier for our southern neighbours. Avoid adding interior vapor barriers where the outer wall construction already includes a material with vapor barrier properties. It s usually a thin layer of plastic that sits between the drywall and the studs.