Have you ever heard of a vapor barrier? If not, then we’re happy to give you a brief education about them! Vapor barriers are essentially a layer between the inside and outside of your home that is designed to control moisture in your home by preventing the transfer of vapor.
Vapor barriers are available as membranes or coatings, and they come in a lot of different materials. They can be as lightweight as a coat of paint, or they can be as significant as concrete blocks or bricks. There are special ratings applied to materials that indicate how much permeation the material will allow. Vapor barriers become less necessary or even a bad idea in warmer climates, like in the south. Too many layers of vapor barriers can actually trap moisture in the building, which is a bad thing. If you have questions about the vapor barrier(s) on your home, it’s important to consult a professional since the topic can become pretty complicated.
