Can I use any plastic for a vapor barrier?
Can I use any plastic for a vapor barrier?
You can use plastic if you put polyethylene between your drywall and the wall studs. If you are framing out a below-grade basement, however, do not use plastic as a vapor barrier. Concrete tends to wick moisture, and if you cover insulated cavities with plastic they can become wet and optimal for mold growth.
What thickness of plastic do you need for a vapor barrier?
Vapor barriers should be at least 6 mil in thickness to effectively cover the area and create a moisture barrier. Triangle Crawl Space Solutions uses both a 6 mil material for simple vapor barrier installation and a thicker more durable 12 mil vapor barrier material depending on the budget and needs of the home.
What materials are used for vapor barriers?
There are a wide number of materials available to create effective vapour barriers, including:
- Elastomeric coatings.
- Aluminum foil.
- Paper-backed aluminum.
- Polyethylene plastic sheet.
- Asphalt-coated Kraft paper.
- Metallized film.
- Vapour retarder paints.
- Extruded polystyrene or foil-faced foam board insulation.
Is Tyvek a vapor barrier?
No, DuPont™ Tyvek® is not a vapor barrier. It is made with unique material science to keep air and bulk water out while allowing moisture vapor inside walls to escape.
Is roofing felt a vapor barrier?
Vapor barriers do exactly as their name suggests. They keep water vapor (and bulk water) from passing through them. Things like felt paper and house wraps essentially work best at keeping bulk water from getting into the wall and at the same time, allowing water vapor to pass through them to some extent.
What is the purpose of a vapor barrier?
A vapor barrier (or vapour barrier) is any material used for damp proofing, typically a plastic or foil sheet, that resists diffusion of moisture through the wall, floor, ceiling, or roof assemblies of buildings to prevent interstitial condensation and of packaging.
Do I need a vapor barrier?
There is no need to vapor barrier the non-exterior walls. If the tub shares this exterior wall I would put vapor barrier behind it (if you can) as the plastic tub surround will not give you a “vapor barrier” (I don’t think). If you have access it should be cheap and easy to just do the whole exterior wall.
What is 6 mil vapor barrier?
6 mil crawl space vapor barriers are mainly used for lining the walls and piers of your crawl space. While most people use 12 mil and 20 mil vapor barriers, if you have a small crawl space or small height in the crawl space, a 12 mil vapor barrier may be too big for you to use.
What is the best crawl space vapor barrier?
The first type and the most popular crawl space vapor barrier is the reinforced polyethylene plastic film. This engineered plastic film is the most widely used and the most durable, offering the longest service life and dollar for dollar your best value.
