Vapor barriers keep mold and rot from growing inside buildings by preventing condensation and moisture from accumulating and causing damage to the structure's building materials. If you are building a home in a particularly humid climate, a vapor barrier can be an extremely important source of protection against problems caused by excessive moisture.

On which side of the wall does the vapor barrier belong?

It is necessary to install a vapor barrier on the warm side of your insulation in order to prevent warm, moist air from condensing on a cold surface inside your wall in order to prevent condensation from forming. In cold climates, the vapor barrier should be installed on the inside of the insulation for the majority of the year.

Is it necessary to install vapor barrier basement walls?

A vapor barrier should not be used in a finished basement. If you have a fully stocked bathroom, which generates a lot of humid air, this is a recipe for disaster. Rigid foam board on the inside, such as the kind you have, is the best type of insulation.

Is it necessary to use plastic behind drywall?

The absence of poly beneath drywall causes water vapor to hit the drywall and diffuse through to the drier (in summer) indoor air. By installing a sheet of poly over that area, you are preventing the drying mechanism from working, allowing water that gets into walls to remain there longer and cause more damage.

Do you seal the edges of the vapor barrier with tape?

The use of high-performance tape to seal the seams of the barrier helps to ensure a continuous air barrier that reduces moisture intrusion and accumulation within the wall system. The use of CI in conjunction with a properly sealed vapor barrier is critical in the construction of an energy-efficient, long-lasting, and healthy building.

When it comes to vapor barriers, what is the difference between them and a moisture barrier?

Moisture barriers have the function of assisting in the prevention of water from entering the interior of the wall cavity. Vaporizable barriers, on the other hand, are essentially barriers that prevent water vapor from entering a home's interior from passing through the wall and condensing on the warm side of the insulation.