Understanding How Vapor Barrier Insulation Works

As their name suggests, vapor barriers are manufactured to be barriers against vapor—mainly, the moisture present in air in humid areas. When properly installed, vapor barrier insulation impedes moisture from coming into contact with your walls, thus protecting them from potential water damage, and mold and mildew growth. Installing vapor barrier insulation properly can be a tricky thing. When in doubt, your best bet is to enlist the help of a skilled professional who specializes in vapor barrier and attic insulation.

What Vapor Barrier Insulation Is

One of the most common types of insulation used in homes and buildings is fiberglass batt insulation—a cotton-like material of varying depth depending on its R-value that is available as pre-measured and cut sheets or as a packaged roll. In dry climates, this kind of insulation works well on its own. In areas where humidity levels are high, moisture retardant materials are absolutely necessary. Vapor barrier insulation is essentially standard batt insulation with a moisture-negating lining, customarily made of polyethylene, attached to one of its sides.

How Vapor Barrier Insulation Works

Vapor barriers are commonly used when exterior walls of buildings are framed. Indoors, vapor barrier insulation protects interior walls from excessive moisture. It is particularly useful in areas of the home where moisture levels are high such as bathrooms and basements. In renovation situations, vapor barrier insulation should never be installed over existing insulation because this could create an issue where moisture becomes trapped between the old and new layers.

Vapor Barrier Insulation in Attics

Since warm air rises, attic spaces can potentially harbor stagnating vapor. If you’re planning an attic insulation installation, make sure that there is adequate ventilation in the space to allow for air movement. Use vapor barriers wisely, especially if you intend to finish the attic to create usable living space.

In the past decade, Atticare has provided topnotch commercial and residential services to our customers that include attic and crawlspace insulation, rodent control, air duct repair, and vapor barrier insulation in San Francisco. Contact us today at 1-866-692-5449 and let us know what we can do for you.