Characteristics:
Despite the fact that the very name “vapor barrier” suggests that the film does not pass steam, this material is not completely sealed, the pores existing in the structure of a vapor barrier film are allowed only 0.5g/ m²/ in 24 hours.
All the main parameters inherent in a vapor barrier film are collected specifically in order for this material to become the most reliable barrier in front of water steam, which inevitably arises indoors and spoils the internal structures and thermal insulation, creating an adverse environment that contributes to the appearance of dampness and, as a result, the fungus.
As a rule, a vapor barrier film has a bright yellow color, but there are exceptions – films of green and blue. In addition, there are special vapor barrier films, reinforced with a fiberglass grid, various plastics or a thin layer of aluminum foil, which are aimed at additional heat reflection, which slightly increases indicators as thermal insulation and wind insulation.
Application:
Most often, vapor barrier is needed in cases where the insulated attic is created. Such a film is laid between plasterboard slabs and a special insulation, so that the vapor barrier film can easily delay all the water vapor, which appears inside the attic and the whole house. This allows you to significantly extend the total service life of all roofing coatings, beams and the heat -insulating layer. In addition, the vapor barrier film is used when creating an insulating layer on the flat surfaces of the roof.
In those houses that have a frame type of structure (steel or wooden), the film is laid both in the ceilings and in the walls themselves. It is also worth remembering that in a brick house there may also be wooden floors, which also need protection, in this case, the film is used in their lower part. An important point is the vapor barrier of light frame partitions, which can have a soundproof layer of cotton wool and separate unheated rooms and rooms from those that have heating (vapor barrier in such cases is made from the room that has heating).