Plastic Vapor Barrier Bathroom Wall

It s also a relatively easy option for diyers.

Plastic vapor barrier bathroom wall.

After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder sometimes called a vapor barrier if you need one. Vapor barriers sheets of plastic or kraft paper keep water vapor out of the wall cavity so the insulation stays dry. Complete air blockage is essential to provide a satisfactory moisture barrier and will also maximize the wall s energy efficiency. Whether or not you need a vapor retarder hinges on three main factors your climate your home and the location of the wall you re insulating.

Use a minimal amount of staples to secure the vapor barrier to the walls studs. Not every type of insulation needs a vapor barrier. Use special sealing tape to join sheets if polyethylene sheets are being used. When a vapor barrier is on the side of a wall where the dry air is i e outside in winter or inside in summer moisture problems can occur.

Not every wall does. Plastic sheeting is used because of its low level of water permeability. Plastic specifically 6 mil polyethylene plastic is. Run the height of the vapor barrier from the top all the way down into the shower pan make sure not cut too short before the water barrier.

Install vapor barriers after the bathroom s plumbing electrical and insulation are complete. A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall ceiling or floor during the cold winter. Moisture barriers stop that water or vapor from getting any farther and potentially rotting your studs the drywall or greenboard installed behind the enclosure. Without a vapor barrier in place condensation inside the walls could ruin the insulation and promote the growth of harmful mold and bacteria.

Illustration by ian worpole. They are required beneath your. Do not install a vapor barrier over an existing plastic sheeting this will promote condensation. Liquid barriers may also be used to prevent moisture from getting into the walls.

Seal all wall cracks and holes in the wall being vapor proofed to block air gaps. A vapor barrier reduces the movement of water vapor by diffusion.