In-wall vapor barriers play an important role in protecting homes against potential issues. But many of these benefits vary depending on the location of your property. Vapor barriers control the flow of moisture and air within the home and can be a fantastic option if you live in the suitable climate.
Here’s a closer look at the different climate use cases, as well as the best vapor barriers for walls that the Americover team recommends:
Purpose Of An In-Wall Vapor Barrier
Vapor barriers are mainly there to prevent water vapor from seeping into walls, ceilings, and crawl spaces. They block moisture that can lead to wood rot or mold growth when left unattended.
With that said, not all walls need a vapor barrier, and their necessity depends on a variety of factors. Always consult a professional familiar with local building codes before installation.
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In-Wall Vapor Barriers And Different Climates
Climate plays a major role in determining whether or not an in-wall vapor barrier is suitable for your home. Depending on the average temperatures and humidity levels where you live, a professional may recommend installing on either the exterior or interior side of your walls or possibly even not installing one at all.
Hot, Humid Environments
For areas with hot weather and high humidity, placing vapor barriers on the exterior side prevents outdoor humidity from making it into your home. This is because homes in these climates typically utilize air conditioning to make the inside cooler. As a result of that cooling, placing the barrier on the interior side of the wall would lead to unnecessary condensation. Placing the barrier on the exterior helps prevent this condensation from forming inside, thanks to the home’s framing and drywall acting as a buffer.
Cold, Arid Environments
In colder climates, vapor barriers on the interior side of the wall are the more intuitive option, as they help retain indoor humidity. With dry air outside and more humid air inside, these barriers help to maintain a balanced environment that better prevents moisture-related problems.
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Climates with both high and low temperatures
Areas experiencing temperature fluctuations throughout the year require extra care. It’s likely that these climates aren’t suitable for in-wall vapor barriers, as you could potentially cause condensation build-up as the seasons bring both hot and cold temperatures and varying levels of humidity throughout the year.
Best Vapor Barriers for Walls
Ready to get started? Here are the best vapor barriers for walls, handpicked by our team:
6 Mil White Dura-Skrim® Reinforced Plastic Sheeting
Dura-Skrim® reinforced plastic sheeting is durable, lightweight, and suitable for indoor use. The 6 mil white version meets ASTM E-84 standards and won’t contribute to smoke development during a fire.
6 Mil and 10 Mil Dura Skrim® Fire Retardant Reinforced Plastic Sheeting
This puncture-resistant construction film makes it onto our list of best vapor barriers for walls thanks to its reinforced polyester scrim that prevents tearing and the print identifying it as a fire retardant material. It also meets NFPA 701 building codes requiring flame-retardant materials, and is a great option for cold weather environments.
6 Mil, 8 Mil, and 14 Mil Tuff-Scrim™ Reinforced Poly Sheeting
Tuff-Scrim™ Fire Retardant Reinforced Poly Sheeting is one of our most robust vapor barrier options. By utilizing a three-ply laminate design that combines two layers of linear low-density polyethylene and a high-strength cord grid, it offers extremely durable protection against the elements. This makes it great for extra-humid environments.
Find The Best Vapor Barriers for Walls With Americover
As an Americover customer, you will receive the personalized support of a dedicated account manager to simplify the ordering process and ensure the best solution for every one of your projects.
Our friendly, knowledgeable staff is here to answer your questions and fulfill orders Monday-Friday from 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. For more information or a free sample, call us at 760-388-6294 or visit our Contact Us page.