
Written by Jackie Edwards
Vapor barriers are having a moment in the spotlight. With their capacity to prevent moisture entering structures like historical buildings, green roofs, cold storage facilities, swimming pools and data centers. Vapor barriers have made immense contributions over the ages in protecting our structures from environmental extremities and capturing our market for approximately US$24.2 billion in 2023 and US$45.1 billion all around with growth of 6.4%. They also lend us ideal working conditions when sought after within data centers or storerooms.
You are about to explore the innovative applications of vapor barriers that offer breathtaking results by keeping away unwanted moisture yet maintaining desired temperature & humidity levels — perfect for any structural stability you seek!
Evolution of Vapor Barriers: From Origination to Modern Applications
The history of concrete has laid the foundation for modern U.S. cities, dating back to the 1950s, during times when builders used fiberglass batts with kraft facing on one side. They directed it toward the inside of buildings, serving as simple insulation.
During the late 1960s, vapor barriers witnessed major progress in terms of building codes. The Uniform Building Code (UBC) mandated the use of vapor barriers not only in various climates but also spurred the evolution of this moisture-controlling methodology through technological advancements.
Innovative Applications of Vapor Barriers
While vapor barriers have evolved in terms of their applications over decades, here’s how they are used in the modern world to control moisture and prevent it from entering structures:
Contribution to Green Roofing
Urban life is transforming, and green roofs are leading this transformation. They cover a roof with vegetation, bringing both visual appeal and enormous benefits. Green roofs aid in countering the heat produced by urban areas. Green roofs’ biggest advantages rests in their ability to decrease stormwater runoff. But it’s not just about lush greenery atop buildings.
Underneath these verdant layers lies an unsung hero — the vapor barrier. The net average cost for such asphalt roofing cost ranges from $8,000 to $14,500 for 1,700 Sqft. But let’s not forget vapor barriers act like shields, protecting your building from harmful moisture that could seep into structural parts, causing potential damage over time. These little warriors also guard against extreme temperatures, helping maintain pleasant indoor environments throughout varying weathers — colder winters or hot summers!
Function in Cold Storage Facilities
Stepping into a cold storage facility, you may notice the chill in the air and products lined up for storage, considering 70°F outside the wall and 35°F inside. Vapor barriers play an essential part within these icy facilities. They serve to shield perishable items like food and pharmaceuticals from damage caused by moisture entering the building. The low-end cold storage starts from $300 but goes up with size and storage capacity.
Their role is warding off ambient moisture getting inside while preserving desired temperature and humidity levels inside these warehouses or storerooms. Vapor barriers are tirelessly working behind the scenes, thus promulgating the longevity and safety of every item stored there. Another addition to the list of innovative applications of vapor barriers.
Insulation for Swimming Pools
Talking about American culture, the swimming pool is a basic necessity. They serve as places of relaxation for families, but do you know that here, the vapor barrier helps us enjoy the pool experience by doing some incredible work behind the scenes?
In simple terms, the main job of this savior is to safeguard against moisture penetration into walls or floors around the pool. These barriers truly save us from unruly damage: dampness on walls, fungus growth, or even structural weakening — pretty scary stuff! It doesn’t end there… Vapor barriers also help in controlling temperature and humidity levels within that very space, which makes those cannonball jumps oh-so-joyous!
Data Defence for Data Center Efficiency
Data centers are much like the heart of our digital world. These big places need rigid control of their inner environment, especially keeping humidity as low as possible. Simply because any harm to these machines means bad news, this is where the unlikely yet innovative applications of vapor barriers come in handy – at data centers. They act like a shield preventing moisture from getting inside the building and causing potential damage to all those precious computers that make our everyday life go round.
According to ASHRAE, the recommended range temperature must stay between 18° to 27°C., which could only be attained with the help of a vapor barrier. Besides blocking unwanted moist air, vapor barriers also do an amazing task of helping maintain just the right temperature and humidity levels in such facilities, giving them ideal working conditions for top-notch performance.
The Future of Innovative Applications of Vapor Barriers
Vapor barriers are everywhere these days. They’ve found their way into some pretty unusual areas too. Consider green roofs — the kind with live plants on top. Vapor barriers make it happen effectively without letting moisture mess up the building underneath. Cold storage facilities are another surprising arena where vapor barriers shine. They step up and shield stored goods from damage due to moisture invasion. How about swimming pools and data centers?
In both scenarios, controlling humidity levels is crucial for different reasons, such as preventing rust or overheating electronic equipment. So, what next? As new advances arrive within tech industry circles and material science fields, experts bet there will be more unique uses for these remarkable protectors everywhere around us.
Trusted by Builders, Growers, and Distributors
Americover is the smart source for vapor barriers and polyethylene plastic sheeting. Trusted by contractors and distributors across the construction and agriculture industries, our American-made products combine reliability with quality and innovation.
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 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Standard Time. If you would like to speak with a representative, call us at 760-388-6294 or contact us.