Need For A Vapor Barrier Industrial Roof System

That means that when we use a vapor retarder in a roof system it s also acting as an air barrier.

Need for a vapor barrier industrial roof system.

Another option for the roofing system is to recognize a hardboard or sheathing layer can be a vapor open air barrier. Whether or not you need a vapor retarder hinges on three main factors. The need for use and design of a vapor retarder in the design of a roof system used to be a hotly debated topic. This vapor if left unchecked can wet the insulation and over time will reduce the r value of the insulation and lead to mold.

A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall ceiling or floor during the cold winter. Vapour retarders are designed to intercept the flow of water vapor into the insulation where it can reduce the insulation s thermal resistance form a source of leaking water and possibly destroy the insulation itself. Not every wall does. When discussing air barriers roofing membranes and the building envelope another important topic comes to mind.

The caveat is that the vapor retarder needs to be sealed at all perimeters and penetrations and tied to the wall air barrier so air does not bypass the vapor retarder layer. Carlisle boasts the industry s most comprehensive line of air and vapor barrier products including self adhering sheet membranes spray and roller applied air vapor barriers and fluid applied vapor permeable air barriers. The vapor barrier protects the roof insulation from the vapor included in the interior air. It appears now when vapor retarders are needed more than ever the design community seems to have lost interest which is not good considering how codes and standards altered through concerns for energy savings have changed how buildings are designed constructed and operated.

This threat of condensation creates the possible need for another roof system component. A vapour barrier is an important component in building construction. There is often confusion between air barriers and vapors retarders. A loose laid vapor barrier is just a big sheet of 6 mil plastic that is rolled out prior to the insulation layers.

Options for above and below grade applications are available. A vapor barrier can be loose laid or fully adhered. Its purpose is to help prevent water vapour from reaching building walls ceilings attics crawlspaces or roofs where it can condense and cause building materials to rot or grow mould. That reduction of air and moisture infiltration can then help improve roof longevity.

About air vapor barriers. A vapour retarder or vapour barrier. After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder sometimes called a vapor barrier if you need one. The air barrier system is the primary air boundary that separates indoor conditioned air and outdoor unconditioned air.