A vapor barrier is a plastic sheet placed between the layers of a wall to protect against vapor transmission and protect the interior of a structure. Why use a vapor barrier? A vapor barrier is a crucial part of any home trying to keep harmful moisture out. By blocking vapor from entering your home, you’re protecting it from many water-related issues that would undoubtedly result over time. Many homes utilize a vapor barrier to protect their structure and to let you know more, here is a list of common vapor barrier uses in your home.
On the outside
Many homeowners apply a vapor barrier to the sheathing underneath exterior siding. This creates a barrier between the siding and the exterior wall, stopping moisture from getting into the house from the outside.
In the attic
If your attic has exposed studs, you definitely need a vapor barrier. Even with exhaust fans, attics are much hotter and more humid than other places in your home. While exhaust fans get rid of much of the heat, they also bring in outside air, which adds moisture. Using a vapor barrier will protect your attic from moisture and keep it out of the rest of your home.
In the bathroom
Another room that has a lot of moisture and humidity in your home is the bathroom. No other room in your home deals with more water on such a regular basis and protecting your home from moisture also means protecting your bathroom. Using a vapor barrier in your shower protects your walls from moisture and keeps water in the shower where it belongs. When building or renovating a shower that uses fiberboard, put a vapor barrier between the wall studs and fiberboard to keep water in the shower and out of the wall.
In the basement
Many new homes are built with a vapor barrier installed on the outside of the foundation. Depending on where you live, this may be legally required, so make sure you know the law before continuing construction. A vapor barrier is used here to keep ground water from getting into the home via the basement walls and floor. A vapor barrier prevents water from making its way into the basement, which is why it is commonly used on basement walls.
The SANI-TRED Alternative
The downside of conventional vapor barriers is their composition. Conventional vapor barriers are simply rubber sheets put in place to block moisture. In the best circumstances, sheet vapor barriers do work, but they’re still just rubber sheets. They stretch, crack, and tear, which lets moisture in and require installation of a new vapor barrier.
SANI-TRED waterproofs and protects walls, floors, and other substrates without the complications you’ll find from conventional vapor barriers. Unlike sheet vapor barriers, SANI-TRED is an easily applied rubber membrane that, once applied, hardens yet maintains flexibility for the life of the surface. This vapor barrier alternative will protect your home from water and moisture transmission unlike any other vapor barrier you’ll find. No rubber sheeting, no breaks, rips, or tears, just quality moisture protection for an affordable price. Apply SANI-TRED products to dried concrete, let dry, and the area will be waterproof for life. Only with SANI-TRED, the best waterproofing material in the world today.