Plastic Vapor Barrier Bathroom Wall

Complete air blockage is essential to provide a satisfactory moisture barrier and will also maximize the wall s energy efficiency.

Plastic vapor barrier bathroom wall.

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. A vapor barrier reduces the movement of water vapor by diffusion. Even if you use plastic vaper retarder over insulation and then drywall over it you can still trap moisture between the layers because that is where condensation starts when the temp on the interior side is greater than the temp in the wall cavity opposite sides of that vapor retarder.

Illustration by ian worpole. Plastic specifically 6 mil polyethylene plastic is. After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder sometimes called a vapor barrier if you need one. Holes in the vapor barrier that allow humid air through may allow a lot more water vapor into an assembly than the vapor barrier is stopping.

Without a vapor barrier in place condensation inside the walls could ruin the insulation and promote the growth of harmful mold and bacteria. Install vapor barriers after the bathroom s plumbing electrical and insulation are complete. Seal all wall cracks and holes in the wall being vapor proofed to block air gaps. 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.

Liquid barriers may also be used to prevent moisture from getting into the walls. 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 type of insulation needs a vapor barrier. They are required beneath your.

Plastic sheeting is used because of its low level of water permeability. But if it does the barrier should face inside in northern heating climates and outside in humid southern climates. Vapor barriers sheets of plastic or kraft paper keep water vapor out of the wall cavity so the insulation stays dry. 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.

It s also a relatively easy option for diyers. Not every wall does.