Vapor Barrier Bathroom Interior Walls

Avoid adding interior vapor barriers where the outer wall construction already includes a material with vapor barrier properties.

Vapor barrier bathroom interior walls.

The vapor barrier should be on the inside between the insulation and drywall. Vapor retarders are there to slow the diffusion of moisture so the building inspector is off base argues senior editor martin holladay. A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall ceiling or floor during the cold winter. Interior walls normally interior walls do not require a vapor barrier but there are some situations where it is highly recommended.

Use appropriate tape to adhere two pieces of vapor barrier and edges to avoid moisture entry to the back walls. The traditional approach to preventing water vapor from penetrating walls in homes is a 6 mil polyethylene vapour barrier or vapor barrier for our southern neighbours. Between tub and shower sinks and toilet a bathroom has a high potential for water damage not only from leaks of liquid water but also from water vapor that can collect inside exterior walls and condense. In areas with high humidity such as greenhouses rooms with spas or swimming pools and bathrooms vapor barriers are often recommended.

Interior bathroom and kitchen walls for example are areas. A vapor barrier s job is to keep water vapor in humid air from diffusing through one side of a wall and finding a cool surface inside the wall. Most authorities recommend vapor barriers in certain situations. 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.

It s usually a thin layer of plastic that sits between the drywall and the studs. Use a minimal amount of staples to secure the vapor barrier to the walls studs. Not every wall does. If the tub shares this exterior wall i would put vapor barrier behind it if you can as the plastic tub surround will not give you a vapor barrier i don t think.

After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder sometimes called a vapor barrier if you need one. 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. A vapor or moisture barrier is a layer of protection that is designed to act as a waterproof shield helping to keep condensation away from wood insulation and other mold prone materials that are located behind the drywall. There is no need to vapor barrier the non exterior walls.