Vapor Barrier

Moisture is one of those unseen threats that can quietly wreak havoc on a building. Left unchecked, it leads to rotting wood, mold growth, electrical failures, and even serious structural damage. All it takes is one bad leak to cause thousands in repairs, and if moisture continues to creep in over time, it can slowly break down a building from the inside out. But here’s the thing—moisture doesn’t just come from the usual suspects like leaky roofs or heavy rainstorms. It can also creep in from below, seeping up from the ground and into a building’s crawl space. And because…

In the construction industry, underslab vapor barriers play a pivotal role in protecting buildings from moisture intrusion, soil gases, and other external elements that can compromise the integrity of the structure. With a plethora of product choices, it can feel daunting to know which product will best fit your project. The mil thickness of a vapor barrier is often considered one of the primary indicators of its performance and durability. However, not all mil thicknesses are created equal, especially when comparing different product’s engineering, such as if polar or non-polar molecules were used, like EVOH (Ethylene Vinyl Alcohol) resin or…

There is much debate over the role and merit (as well as need) for vapor barriers within varied sects of the construction industry—however, there is a simple truth no matter what side of the discussion you happen to find yourself on. Ultimately, the systems under your building and above the concrete slab need protection, too, and simply leaving HVAC systems, wiring and plumbing, or the framework itself exposed offers far too much room for error—and seriously tempts Murphy’s Law. There is no sense in leaving the fate of your building up to chance, because let’s face it—damage can occur above…