Insulation makes homes and buildings more comfortable and energy efficient, but it may also create another problem - condensation. Mold grows and wood rots where condensation occurs repeatedly or chronically. Vapor barriers help prevent these outcomes by introducing a moisture- and air-proof or resistant barrier or retarder between areas of sharply differing temperatures, most often at outside walls and attics.
We do not strictly control Google ad content. If you believe any Google ad is inappropriate, please email us directly here.
Vapor barriers are made of a number of different materials, such as plastic sheeting, treated Kraft paper, closed-cell foam insulation, even metallic foil. They are sold both separately and as part of insulation products.
Proper barrier installation is often a source of confusion. Does it face the inside of the home, with insulation against the elements, or is it better facing the outdoors? The correct answer depends on the climate where you live. Generally, where the need for winter heat is greater than the need for cooling in summer, vapor barriers should face indoors toward the living space. Where cooling needs are more important than winter heat, the opposite is true: the barrier belongs against the outside surface, with the insulation on its inside.
To be fully effective, a moisture barrier must be continuous, with no holes or tears in the material. For the same reason, the barrier should be taped around any protrusions such as electrical boxes and pipes.
[For more information on HHI see insulation, vapor barrier, and vapor retarder.]
HHI Error Correction Policy
HHI is committed to accuracy of content and correcting information that is incomplete or inaccurate. With our broad scope of coverage of healthful indoor environments, and desire to rapidly publish info to benefit the community, mistakes are inevitable. HHI has established an error correction policy to welcome corrections or enhancements to our information. Please help us improve the quality of our content by contacting allen@healthyhouseinstitute.com with corrections or suggestions for improvement. Each contact will receive a respectful reply.
The Healthy House Institute (HHI), a for-profit educational LLC, provides the information on HealthyHouseInstitute.com as a free service to the public. The intent is to disseminate accurate, verified and science-based information on creating healthy home environments.
While an effort is made to ensure the quality of the content and credibility of sources listed on this site, HHI provides no warranty - expressed or implied - and assumes no legal liability for the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information, product or process disclosed on or in conjunction with the site. The views and opinions of the authors or originators expressed herein do not necessarily state or reflect those of HHI: its principals, executives, Board members, advisors or affiliates.
