Gaps, tears, sloppy seams, and slits in the barrier material allow humid air to slip through the barrier. Department of Energy says poor installation can reduce a barrier’s effectiveness by as much as 40%. How Important is the Installation of Vapor Retarders?Ī vapor retarder installed incorrectly cannot fulfill its mission. Damp or soggy insulation causing reduced thermal performance.Rust and corrosion of metal framing and cladding.Poor indoor air quality and possible sick building syndrome.Discoloration of interior walls or ceiling.Drips from the ceiling into the interior.Left unchecked, moisture build up problems include: Is Building Condensation a Serious Problem?Ĭondensation buildup in walls and ceilings is both annoying and destructive. A vapor retarder material that breathes allows any collected moisture too slowly and harmlessly evaporate.Ĭonsequently, breathable fabric vapor retarders beat plastic or vinyl barriers, which cannot release water vapor. However, vapor retarders do not seek to eliminate all air leakage, since that can trap moisture in your walls and ceiling. While vapor retarders also reduce some air leakage into the building, their main function is condensation protection. Insulation vapor barriers seek to eliminate outside air from penetrating the building envelope. The process of water vapor passing through building materials is called “vapor diffusion.” Is it a Vapor Retarder or an Air Barrier?ĭo not confuse vapor retarders with air barriers. Insulation vapor barriers - better described as vapor retarders - reduce the amount of water vapor entering your wall and ceiling cavities. Have you seen how your iced tea glass sweats on a hot summer day? Unfortunately, sweat may also form around your air conditioning ducts- and inside your walls- without a good insulation system. When that happens, the water contained in the air returns to its liquid state. Water vapor in the air condenses wherever very cold air meets very warm air. Will the building interior be climate controlled? Structures with cooled and heated interiors have a greater need for energy-efficient insulation.However, you should generally insulate enclosed commercial metal buildings. What is the end use for your structure? Sheltering livestock in open-sided farm buildings will not need insulation.What is the climate like where you are building? Areas with extreme heat, cold, or humidity may require upgrade insulation.Three things determine your metal building insulation needs: People ask, “Should I insulate my new steel building? And do I need to include a vapor barrier?” There is a lot of confusion about metal building insulation today. The Pros and Cons of Vapor Retarders in Steel Buildings
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