Help on Tele2, tariffs, questions

Vapor barrier for external walls wooden house needed when insulating with mineral wool. This insulation is very susceptible to moisture. Due to its high hygroscopicity, it is able to accumulate water. At the same time, the heat-shielding properties of the material are significantly reduced. To prevent unpleasant consequences It is necessary to protect the mineral wool from moisture on all sides.

Why do you need a vapor barrier?

To protect against water from the outside, wind and waterproofing is used. It prevents the insulation from weathering and exposure to precipitation. An air ventilated layer approximately 50 mm thick is also usually provided, which allows dangerous condensation to be removed from the surface of the insulation.

But when designing the walls of a house, it is necessary to take into account that moisture can also come from inside the building. This is especially true for wooden structure or any other built from vapor-permeable materials (for example, frame). To protect against moisture from the inside, a vapor barrier is used. It is needed to prevent the movement of vapors inside the walls of the house and prevents the mineral wool from gaining moisture.

Which material to choose

On construction market presented big variety materials for vapor barrier installation of wooden or frame house. All of them are divided into two large groups:

1. films;
2. membranes.

Also appeared new material, which is coating insulation. He is liquid rubber. The solution consists of polymers and is used in a liquid state. After application, the surface must be allowed to dry. The result of the work will be a film that is impermeable to vapor or liquid. But such vapor barrier is not applicable for the walls of a wooden or frame house. It will become a modern alternative to conventional materials when constructing a building made of brick and concrete.

For this case, traditional insulation is needed roll materials. Before starting work, you need to find out how films differ from membranes, and what is better to make a vapor barrier when insulating with mineral wool.

Vapor barrier films

The use of materials of this type has become popular quite a long time ago. As the most simple option builders use the usual polyethylene film. In this case, polyethylene can be smooth or perforated. Experts recommend using the first type for the vapor barrier. The thickness of the material must be at least 0.2 mm. For vapor barrier of house walls, it is recommended to choose two-layer films.

Polyethylene materials have enough a large number of shortcomings. Disadvantages include:

• low tensile strength, the material is easy to damage during installation;
• low service life;
• preventing air movement (a greenhouse effect is created), it is necessary to pay increased attention to the ventilation of the building.

If holes or cracks appear in the film during installation, the protective ability will be significantly reduced. For this reason, it is necessary to carry out work carefully even with reinforced films. The advantage of polyethylene is its low cost and high availability (you can purchase it at almost any hardware store).

The second option for films is polypropylene. They are similar in appearance and properties to polyethylene, but do not have a number of disadvantages:

• increased strength;
• increased service life;
• resistance to overheating;
• reduced risk of cracks.

Disadvantages include higher cost and the same low air permeability as propylene.

The vapor barrier of the walls of a wooden house made of polypropylene can have a special anti-condensation coating. On one side, the material has a rough surface. Moisture is retained here and then evaporates. When using such a film, it is necessary to ensure a gap between the wall and the interior cladding of the house.

For premises where it is required to provide increased efficiency to preserve heat, films with an aluminum layer are often used. Such materials are able to reflect heat back into the building, thereby providing high thermal insulation. This vapor barrier is suitable for the walls of a bathhouse or sauna.

Vapor barrier membranes

The best option for protecting insulation from moisture from the inside would be vapor barrier membrane. It is important not to confuse it with other materials with similar names:

• vapor diffusion membrane;
• superdiffusion membrane.

These materials are used only for waterproofing and are attached to the outside of the insulation. They are designed to prevent moisture from entering the insulation, but do not prevent the movement of steam. This feature is necessary to ensure that vaporous liquid does not accumulate inside the mineral wool. When installing waterproofing instead of a vapor barrier, serious problems may arise during the operation of the building.

The vapor barrier membrane will not only protect the insulation from moisture, but will also allow the house to “breathe”

Many companies are involved in the production of vapor barrier membranes. They are often found in the product range of companies involved in the production of mineral wool or waterproofing protection. The material is a non-woven fabric and has the following positive characteristics:

• a reliable barrier to steam dangerous to the insulation;
• good air permeability, does not lead to a greenhouse effect in the building;
• safety for human health;
• environmental friendliness.

The disadvantages include the relatively high cost. When choosing which membrane you need, you should pay attention to its strength. There are types that do not have good resistance to tearing; they must be installed especially carefully.

When laying, it is important to strictly monitor which side of the material is facing the insulation. The manufacturer's recommendations must be strictly followed.

Installation technology

When building a wooden house, vapor barrier is attached from the inside, and wind and waterproofing is attached from the outside. An exception may be in cases where the insulation is fixed on the side of the room. But this option is undesirable for new construction. This is due to the fact that it is warm according to the rules insulating material must be secured on the cold air side. You can deviate from this only if there are compelling reasons.

Before starting work on insulating the walls of a wooden house, it is necessary to clean the outside surface of dirt and dust. To secure the vapor barrier material, you will need to prepare metal staples or nails. All fasteners must be protected from corrosion by a zinc coating.

To glue the joints of the material, you need a special tape. When installing film to save Money Construction tape is often used.

When installing films and membranes outside and inside the room, several rules must be followed:

• The canvases are attached to the wall in any direction, with the pattern facing towards themselves;
• the overlap of one canvas on another should be at least 10 cm;
• the width of the tape for gluing joints is at least 10 cm;
• near window openings it is necessary to provide a small margin taking into account deformations (it is a fold);
• next to the cones, the material must be reliably protected from sunlight (polyethylene is especially unstable to it).

The vapor barrier of the walls of the house is secured with staples to the cleaned surface. After that, frame slats are installed on the material for sheathing and installation of insulation. Proper protection of mineral wool from all types of moisture will extend the service life of the entire building.

To protect the walls of the house from destruction under the influence of moisture and steam, they are insulated with special materials. Such measures are most necessary in dry and warm rooms. A vapor barrier for the walls of a wooden house is needed when insulation is installed outside the building to prevent steam from escaping. If you neglect this stage, dampness will accumulate on the wood, which will lead to damage to the material.

In what cases is vapor barrier necessary?

Many during construction wooden houses they ask the question why vapor barrier of walls is needed, because wood breathes, and therefore moisture will not accumulate on the walls.

Moisture can come to the material from which the walls are made both from outside and from inside the building. This is especially true for houses made of wood and frame buildings. Steam settles on building materials, which leads to mold and gradual destruction of the structure.

When to install a vapor barrier on walls:

• If the walls from the inside of the room are insulated with mineral wool or other heat insulator that can absorb moisture and, if there is an excess amount of it, lose its properties.
• The walls of frame buildings are made in the form of a sandwich, consisting of a frame into which insulation is inserted. If you do not lay hydro- and vapor barrier layers, building materials will soon collapse under the influence of moisture.
• Ventilated facades must include a vapor barrier layer in their design. It will protect the walls from blowing and moisture. During installation, you need to leave a ventilation gap, thanks to which settled moisture will evaporate from the surface.

In addition to installing a vapor barrier layer, you need to take care of installing constantly functioning ventilation.

Characteristics of vapor barrier materials

Here you will find information on which vapor barrier to choose for the walls of a frame house and a timber building. Before making a decision, you need to study the characteristics of existing materials.

№	Type of vapor barrier	Characteristics
1	Polyethylene film	Used for waterproofing premises. Since it does not allow air to pass through, it is better not to use it as a vapor barrier layer. Fastening is carried out with care, since the film is easy to damage. To prevent polyethylene from bursting during seasonal temperature changes, it is mounted without tension.
2	Polypropylene film	More durable than polyethylene. It contains cellulose fibers that prevent the formation of condensation.
3	Aluminum foil laminated polyethylene, aluminum foil	When the thickness of the aluminum layer is more than 0.02 mm, not only vapor barrier is provided, but also heat saving is increased due to the fact that the aluminum layer repels heat back into the room.
4	Mastics	Refers to coating vapor barrier. Apply to the wall before finishing. The material is low cost and easy to use. It allows air to pass through, but is an obstacle to the passage of steam. Capable of providing a healthy indoor microclimate.

Vapor barrier materials are able to redirect the flow of vapors in the air to exhaust ventilation ducts. The membranes do not allow excess moisture to pass through, but dry air passes through them freely.

The most optimal material for vapor barrier of walls of frame and wooden houses is membrane film or mastic. You need to choose a vapor barrier with a long service life and high insulating characteristics.

Is a vapor barrier necessary when insulating walls with polystyrene foam?

There is debate among experts about whether vapor barrier is needed frame walls indoors, if heat insulators that do not allow moisture to pass through are used as insulation for a frame house: expanded polystyrene, polystyrene foam, ecowool.

The structure of a frame house should consist of the following elements:

• exterior decoration;
• hydro- and wind insulation;
• a thermal insulation layer of at least 150 mm in thickness between the frame posts;
• frame;
• the vapor barrier layer is secured to the frame posts and strapping onto building staples using a stapler;
• interior decoration.

If you do not use a vapor barrier layer, the dew point may shift to the level between the main component of the walls and the insulation. Consequently, condensation will accumulate under the heat-insulating layer, which over time will lead to the formation of mold and the resolution of the walls.

Features of vapor barrier of a wooden house

Rules for vapor barrier of a wooden house:

• a wooden house must stand for a year, after which measures are taken to isolate the wood from destruction under the influence of humidity;
• vapor barrier can be laid in several layers, their total thickness should not exceed 4 mm;
• stripes roll insulation overlap by 150-200 mm;
• joints are insulated with special self-adhesive tape or metallized tape when using foil insulator;
• the vapor barrier layer is installed only on one side; double insulation leads to rotting of the walls and accumulation of moisture in the insulation;
• when building a house from round log You don’t have to leave a ventilation gap between the wood and the film; it won’t fit tightly anyway due to the rounded shape of the wood;
• when constructing walls from logs rectangular shape that do not have bends, a ventilation gap must be provided (slats are stuffed onto the log, to which a vapor barrier is attached).

According to these rules, both new and old houses made of wood are insulated.

If you neglect the stage of installing a vapor barrier, this can lead to fungal infections of the walls and further destruction building materials.

Installation of vapor barrier in a wooden house

If the house is built from chopped logs or carriage, the wood has a natural moisture level. The walls are drying out in this case long term up to 5 years. At first the year goes by the most active loss of moisture. The walls shrink, the material deforms, and cracks form.

The first year after the construction of the walls, all work is stopped and they wait until the structure shrinks. After 12-15 months, a vapor barrier is laid for the walls of a wooden house from the outside or inside. It allows you to preserve insulation and wood and extend their service life.

External vapor barrier

Vapor barrier film, double-sided bitumen roofing felt, mastic or foil material are used as materials for external insulation.

Unlike the walls brick house Wood buildings have high vapor permeability.

For external insulation, membranes are attached to the wall surface. A sheathing is mounted on top, between which thermal insulation is laid. The final stage is the exterior finishing.

When using multifunctional membranes with hydro-, steam-, and wind protection functions, the film is laid between the heat-saving material and the facade cladding. Be sure to leave a ventilation gap.

Internal vapor insulation

How to properly lay insulating material so that it works:

• the film is installed more bright side to the insulation;
• the fleecy side should be outside the thermal insulation;
• foil materials are secured with an aluminum layer inside;
• When working outside, the smooth side should be turned towards the insulation, and the rough side towards the street.

Material with vapor barrier properties is placed between the insulation and the finishing finishing raw materials. Install a sheathing that provides a ventilation gap. A membrane film or other material is attached to the beam using a stapler.

Vapor barrier of a frame house

Vapor barrier of the walls of a frame house will protect building materials from destruction and extend the durability of the building. Insulation occupies 70% of the wall area, so it is very important to protect it from moisture.

The structure of the walls of a frame house should have the following structure:

1. Exterior finishing (siding, block house, wooden lining or other material).
2. Membrane hydro- and wind insulation. Between her and facing material There must be a ventilation gap so that trapped moisture evaporates.
3. Wall frame with seal installed inside.
4. Vapor barrier of frame walls with membrane or mastic.
5. Wooden sheathing.
6. Finishing material.

Vapor barrier membranes are considered the optimal material for creating a protective layer. They have a fairly high cost, but pay for themselves during operation.

The vapor barrier of frame walls from the inside should be as tight as possible. If holes are made in the material for sockets, switches, or ventilation, their edges are sealed with sealant or special tape.

You can see in more detail how a vapor barrier is installed in the video:

Properly performed vapor barrier will extend the life of the building and maintain a healthy microclimate in the room. Using the instructions described in this section, even a beginner without experience in construction can insulate the walls of a room from moisture.

The advantages of a wooden house include a unique microclimate. This is explained by the ability of wood to absorb excess moisture and release it when the air in the room is dry. Also via wooden walls There is a constant exchange of air - it is easy to breathe in the house.

If the house is built from dry rounded logs or laminated veneer lumber, and the thickness of the walls is sufficient to retain heat inside the building, then it does not need additional thermal insulation. In the case where construction was carried out from lumber natural humidity, or if the wall thickness is insufficient, installation of external or internal insulation.

In order not to nullify the benefits of a wooden house and not to provoke wood rotting, you should carefully consider the choice thermal insulation material. It must allow air to pass through, so it is recommended to choose mineral (basalt) wool, which is not subject to biological destruction.

Due to the fibrous structure mineral wool capable of absorbing moisture. This causes:

• sharp decline thermal insulation properties material, freezing;
• deformation of the insulation (when wet, it wrinkles and slides down);
• rotting of wooden walls in contact with moistened thermal insulation;
• dampness and damage to the interior finishing.

To prevent moisture from entering the insulation, it is necessary to protect it with a special barrier made of film with appropriate properties. Let's consider what a vapor barrier should be for the walls of a wooden house.

Vapor barrier materials

Depending on the chosen insulation option, the vapor barrier is installed outside the house or inside the room. It is important to choose a material with optimal performance qualities so that the house is warm and comfortable, the insulation cake lasts a long time, and the wooden walls are not damaged by fungus.

A wooden house does not need absolute insulation from steam passing through the insulation and walls during natural air exchange. Usage sealed materials with internal insulation it will lead to a “greenhouse effect” in the room.

Let's determine which vapor barrier material is best to choose. Three types of vapor barriers are used in construction:

• polyethylene film;
• mastic;
• membrane film.

Polyethylene film does not allow air to pass through, so its use inside the house is contraindicated - even with good ventilation, the room will be uncomfortable. Polyethylene promotes the settling of condensation, which can lead to damage to the finishing of the walls.

Popular advice is to perforate plastic film needle roller so that it allows air to pass through. But along with air, such a barrier will also allow water vapor to pass through, that is, it will not be able to perform its function. Polyethylene film is also not very suitable for external insulation, since the material loses strength under the influence of high and low temperatures.

Mastic that can allow air to pass through but retains steam is not suitable for wooden walls. This material is applied directly to building structures, and we need to protect the insulation from exposure to steam.

Vapor barrier membranes are characterized by a multilayer structure and the ability to retain excess moisture while allowing air to pass through. Membrane materials are suitable for internal insulation and can be used as part of an external thermal insulation “pie”.

Features of vapor barrier membranes

The membrane material is breathable and, to a certain extent, vapor permeable. This allows for normal gas exchange through the walls, taking advantage of the benefits of a wooden house. At the same time, the fiber insulation inside the room will be protected from excess moisture, which will require removal high-quality ventilation. At external insulation excess moisture escapes through the ventilation gaps.

When designing an insulation system, it is necessary to select a suitable vapor barrier material. Membranes differ in the degree of air and vapor permeability and in structure.

The inner side of the membrane may be roughened due to the inclusion of fibrous material. This side should be turned towards the insulation - in this case, excess moisture that has penetrated through the barrier will remain on the surface of the membrane and will not enter the heat insulator. Membranes with an anti-condensation surface are intended for use as part of the internal insulation of wooden walls.

The outside of the membrane can be foiled - the metallized layer reflects thermal radiation, which contributes to heat conservation. It is recommended to use a vapor barrier with a foil side when arranging wooden baths and saunas.

The material for creating a vapor barrier is selected taking into account the operational characteristics of the thermal insulation “pie”.

Sectional wall pie of a wooden house

The following are popular on the Russian market:

• “Megaizol A”, “Megaizol SD”, “Izospan A” (including with fire retardant additives) - for installation of the external thermal insulation system of a wooden house;
• “Megaizol V”, “Izospan V” - for internal insulation of residential and utility rooms;
• “Izospan” FD, FS, FX – for rooms with increased requirements for thermal insulation efficiency (baths, saunas, etc.).

Indoor installation

When protection is needed for the insulation inside the house, the membrane material is attached over the sheathing, between the elements of which slabs of mineral wool insulation are inserted. Pay attention to the manufacturer's instructions to ensure that the membrane is secured with the correct side facing in.

The canvases are attached with an overlap (at least 2 cm), carefully seal the joints with aluminum tape. To securely attach the membrane to the sheathing, use construction stapler with staples. The film should not sag, have breaks or gaps. Particular attention is paid to securing the material around the perimeter to minimize the possibility of moisture penetrating under the membrane.

Installation outside the house

When insulation is installed outside a home, a vapor barrier separates the insulation from the wood wall. On flat (timber) walls, in order to remove the moisture that the wood will let through, you need a sheathing of slats 25 mm thick. It is filled in increments of 80-100 cm and a membrane or other material is attached on top to prevent steam from penetrating into the insulation.

Insulation of the walls of a wooden house from the outside

A vapor barrier is attached to a log wall without additional sheathing - ventilation ducts The hollows between the logs serve. The film on the outside of the building must be installed without sagging. To determine which side of the membrane faces the insulation, follow the manufacturer's instructions.

A lathing is attached on top of the vapor barrier, in the cells of which mineral wool is placed. Then you need waterproofing, on top of which external finishing.

Please note: as a vapor barrier when insulating a house from the outside, it is allowed to use waterproofing materials that do not allow steam to pass through - roofing felt, polyethylene, foil. When choosing which material to use, cost and durability are considered.

When is it necessary to insulate a wooden house?

Installation of external or internal system insulation is needed if the house is built from unseasoned wood. In this case, shrinkage occurs over several years and is accompanied by the appearance of cracks between the links of the frame. Additional thermal insulation is also required for old houses or those with insufficient wall thickness.

When choosing which insulation option to prefer, please note that when indoor installation The heat insulator places increased demands on the vapor barrier - it must allow air to pass through. It is important to install the multilayer membrane on the correct side.

If you have any doubts about the choice of vapor barrier materials for the walls of your home, you can always contact the experienced specialists of the Marisrub company, who will provide professional advice and carry out work on external or internal finishing.

High-quality vapor barrier for the walls of a wooden house is a must. Global and domestic manufacturers of building materials offer a huge number of types of materials with extremely high quality for vapor barrier. How not to get confused in such a wide range and choose exactly what you need - recommendations from construction technology experts.

Why do you need a vapor barrier?

Why is a vapor barrier needed? wooden house? The answer is simple and clear: only thanks to the vapor barrier in frame house you can create the ideal atmosphere in the room, i.e. optimal combination humidity and heat.

The vapor barrier device is a flat installation building elements houses an additional layer of special vapor barrier material. Depending on the purpose of the room (i.e., a residential building or an unheated outbuilding), a vapor barrier layer can be laid from the inside of the building or from the outside of the walls.

Is a vapor barrier necessary to ensure longer operation of the building? Absolutely yes! Natural processes of human life, as well as external natural phenomena, lead to an increase in air humidity in the house.

• This moisture penetrates either through interior decoration walls of the room (wallpaper, plaster, etc.), or from the street into the house (for example, during periods of precipitation, drop in temperature, etc.) and is delayed by the wooden sheet from which the house is built. Excess condensation accumulates on the surface of the wood, which leads to irreversible consequences: rotting of the wood, the development of fungal microorganisms there, etc.
• The use of vapor barrier neutralizes all of the above factors. Operation without vapor barrier wooden log house will be no more than 50 years, and if the vapor barrier from inside and outside the house is done efficiently and in accordance with all construction and repair rules, the house will last for centuries!
• Another purpose of thermal vapor barrier is to preserve the insulation of the house. A special material that is highly porous and perfectly absorbs moisture, which leads to its weight and gradual deterioration. Vapor barrier utafol, rockwool or other analogues do not allow air masses with a high vapor content to reach the insulation, which ensures its safety and normal temperature and climate conditions in the room.

Pros and cons of vapor barrier

The properties of vapor barrier materials are different: there are advantages, but there are also disadvantages.

The undeniable benefits of vapor barrier of premises include:

1. A layer of vapor barrier in a frame house will become an additional insulation for the walls, and will also protect the insulation itself (mineral, basalt wool etc.) from moisture accumulation and destruction;
2. Covering the attic, roof or walls of a house with a hydro vapor barrier is an excellent fire-fighting agent;
3. Internal and external installation vapor barrier not only significantly extends the service life of the building, but also carefully takes care of the health of the residents of the house. Installing a vapor barrier on the walls of a wooden house utilizes excess moisture, which means it prevents the development of mold and fungus on wood, which are considered the most dangerous provocateurs of allergies, upper respiratory tract diseases, etc.

The only disadvantage of vapor barrier in a frame house can be considered that this gasket material has many types, the characteristics of which are very different. For example, Izospan vapor barrier, which has a warranty of more than 50 years, can completely correct the fragility of operation and the low technical strength of a water vapor barrier made from a conventional film.

Which side to lay the vapor barrier on?

To understand how to properly install a vapor barrier, you need to know some of the features of this material. Almost always (with the exception of polyethylene film) vapor barrier material is produced in the form of a multilayer one.

Each layer is responsible for implementing certain tasks: either retaining moisture and evaporating, or blocking the access of moisture to the main building materials of the house (frame, insulation, etc.). This is why it is important to consider which side to lay the material when installing a vapor barrier.

1. Good vapor barrier materials are vapor condensate film (a combination of viscose and cellulose) and a membrane (double-sided diffusion). The sides of such a vapor barrier: one is perfectly smooth, the other is rough. It is clear that the installation is carried out with the rough side towards the direction of moisture entry (i.e. when finishing the attic interior: the rough side into the house, and the smooth side towards the street; or for working on the facade of the house - vice versa).
2. If a foil vapor barrier is used, the purpose of which is to reflect heat flows, then such a reflective vapor barrier has a metallized layer, which must be placed in the direction of the flow of heat rays.

Which side should the vapor barrier be laid?

Types and types of vapor barrier

When choosing a specific material to implement vapor barrier tasks, you should answer the following questions::

1. Where do you plan to lay it? this material? This can be the roof, walls, floor and ceiling of the attic, exterior decoration of the house, as well as for a barn, bathhouse, summer kitchen, garage, etc.
2. Special purpose? The purpose of use can be either simply for moisture insulation (from the inside or outside?), or for additional wind and heat insulation.
3. Price? The price range of vapor barrier materials is designed to suit any budget, and everyone can choose an affordable type.

Film

This vapor barrier product is the most inexpensive, but also the most short-lived. Easily damaged by mechanical impact, low temperatures. Absolutely impermeable to moisture, i.e. isolates building materials from damage by moisture, but, at the same time, prevents the slightest air exchange.

• The modern manufacturer produces different kinds films: single-layer, double-layer, and also different in thickness and density. There is a view waterproofing films, which cannot be used at all instead of vapor barrier: they allow steam to pass through perfectly, but retain water.
• A vapor barrier for a bathhouse can be equipped with a steam-condensate film, which will evaporate (return) the steam back into the room. A good choice for a bathhouse is a foil film type, which will allow you to maintain a high temperature in the bathhouse, reflecting heat rays back into the room.

Membrane

Diffusion (or vapor barrier), vapor diffusion, and superdiffusion membranes are created from polymer film and non-woven polypropylene. The last two types are only waterproofing agents, and only the diffusion membrane has the ability to provide vapor and moisture insulation.

Vapor barrier for windows in the form of a synthetic fabric of a diffusion membrane is characterized:

1. Excellent ability to pass air but retain steam;
2. The product is environmentally friendly;
3. It has high practicality due to long-term wear of the material.

The membrane can be single-sided or double-sided. Depending on this feature, installation will differ:

1. Vapor barrier for flat roof or another part of the house with a one-sided membrane, it is imperative to take into account how to properly attach such material (i.e. which side to turn it towards the insulation). The advice is simple: the smooth side should be pressed against the insulation, because... There is absolutely no steam passing through it.
2. When vapor barrier work for the attic is performed with a double-sided membrane, then choosing the correct side of installation is not important: this material will work in any case.

The only disadvantages of the membrane include the rather high cost of this material, although the long service life and ease of installation can confidently compensate for such issues.

Polymer varnishes

Many masters include special positive indicators of using this type:

1. Speed ​​and ease of work. Here the question will not arise: how to install vapor insulation from polymer paints and varnishes. The substance is applied to the surface in several layers and dries.
2. Polymer varnishes belong to the category of low-flammability and extremely resistant to acids and alkalis, as well as to UV irradiation;
3. 100% inert to the penetration of steam and moisture.

Coating vapor barrier is ideal for protecting windows, doors, walls, roofs and others from steam and moisture. wooden structures. The thickness of the paint layer determines the duration of the repair-free condition.

Roll materials

Some types of roll materials with vapor insulation function have already been described above - these are films and membranes based on polyethylene or polypropylene. It’s easy to understand how vapor barrier with roll materials differs from other types. Installation technology: in order to properly attach the vapor barrier in a roll, a sheathing design for the vapor barrier is required.

Materials in rolls are much easier to install on the surface and guarantee a more thorough seal. They are especially convenient to use for steam and thermal insulation of the roof (especially in the absence of insulation).

For example, a special type of combined material made of polypropylene or lavsan spunbond, laminated with a melt of polyethylene or polypropylene, is perfect solution for arranging cold roofs.

Installation technology

The selected type of vapor barrier material also determines the features of its installation technology.

1. If it is polyethylene or polypropylene in in roll form, then you can fix this material on the surface of the wooden (metal) frame with which the insulation on the ceiling/walls is sheathed using small nails with wide heads, staples or a construction stapler. Thin ones can be used wooden slats(or cardboard strips) that should be used to press the film against the frame slats.
2. The edges of the material overlap each other by 10-15 cm.
3. At the joints of the vapor barrier material, foil or regular adhesive tape for vapor barrier. Vapor barriers from rockwool, tyvek or another brand are accompanied by special recommendations to use only vapor barrier tape from these companies to secure joints.
4. For better sealing of the vapor barrier material, the edges adjacent to the door or window openings, to corners, ceilings, floors or places with complex terrain should also be taped.

Step-by-step DIY instructions

The installation diagram is simple and clear:

• Decide on the choice of vapor barrier material and calculate the required quantity;

• Mount the frame from wooden beams or metal profiles;

• Determine exactly which side the material should be mounted to the surface;

• Slowly and carefully attach the vapor barrier material to the prepared frame.

The final stage of vapor barrier repair will be the arrangement appearance surfaces.

Laying vapor barrier inside

From the middle of the room, the material is laid with the smooth side facing the insulation, and the rough side on the side of the room. Why should a vapor barrier in the form of a rolled polypropylene film or membrane be laid exactly this way: so that steam from the house does not penetrate the wooden walls and destroy them. And also to prevent heat from leaving the house along with the steam. In this way, the roof, walls, and ceilings are insulated/vapor-insulated.

On top of the steam insulator in the room they make finishing surfaces:

1. Primer;
2. Whitewash;
3. Wallpapering, painting or other interior decoration options.

Laying vapor barrier outside

A popular option for vapor barrier work outside the house is vapor barrier materials under the siding. There are quite a lot of varieties of siding - for every taste. These are plastic, wooden, polymer panels etc.

• You can combine façade insulation with wind, steam and moisture insulation using penoplex vapor barrier, i.e. using extruded polystyrene foam.
• If the choice fell on a vapor barrier film type, then it is worth considering that this material should be mounted with a rough (porous) surface to the insulation, and a smooth surface to the street. Film materials are also overlapped by more than 10 cm.
• All holes formed during installation, as well as the joints and edges of the canvas, are taped with tape. The top layer of the house façade is the exterior wall finishing made on top of the vapor barrier layer.

Manufacturers

In construction and repair companies specializing in work with vapor barrier materials, positive reviews characterized by vapor barrier rockwool, TechnoNIKOL, Izospan and Tyvek, Delta. These are materials from leading companies in the global building materials market, which have proven themselves to be of high quality, wide variety and affordable cost of their products.

A special word should be said about the axton vapor barrier: it is a diffusion membrane with excellent vapor permeability, wind and heat insulation. An analogue of such recognized types as vapor barrier Izospan or rockwool. Ideal for isolating steam and moisture from the attic, roof, etc.

Almost every manufacturer, in addition to a chic variety of products, also produces vapor barrier tape.

Insulation and vapor barrier of walls outside a wooden house, finishing with siding

Vapor barrier for walls is a solution to the problem of protecting a structure from the direct action of water vapor. Steam can degrade the performance of many building materials. It provokes the appearance and reduces the service life of structures. Therefore, laying a vapor barrier is an extremely important stage in the construction of various facilities.

Installing a vapor barrier on walls is especially necessary in rooms where there are simultaneously fairly warm temperatures and high humidity. An example would be basements that are heated. Steam is generated inside these structures, that is, warm air with small drops of water.

The directions of exit from the room for him are the ceilings and walls. Gradually, due to constant vapor formation, the surface of structures is destroyed, so vapor barrier is necessary measure during construction.

So why do you need vapor barrier for walls in buildings? It is this that creates an obstacle to the penetration of vapors, thereby preventing the destruction of the walls of the facility.

Vapor barrier may be required not only in basements and bathhouses, but also in many other structures.

Its device is advisable if the outside of the object is insulated with a material characterized by low diffusion resistance. It is worth understanding that there is no universal insulating material, and it is necessary to select a vapor barrier according to the object and the properties of its structures.

Where vapor barrier is required

There are a number of situations in which it is necessary to install a vapor barrier.

• These include the following:
• Multi-layer wall structures used in . Frame structures need to provide effective vapor barrier. The procedure for installing vapor barrier material in a frame house will be discussed in detail below.
• , the surface of the external walls requires a vapor barrier to provide protection from the wind. Vapor barrier materials make the air flow softer and make it more metered. This allows you to protect the outer insulating layer from overload. An example is brick wall, which is insulated with cotton-type material and then covered with siding. Thanks to the vapor barrier, a reduction in wall blowing is achieved. Ventilation gap allows you to remove excess moisture from the windproof surface.

An important factor that allows you to ensure an acceptable microclimate in any room, except for steam and thermal insulation, is functioning ventilation.

Vapor barrier materials

It is possible to install a vapor barrier using various materials. The very concept of “vapor barrier” does not mean that the barrier should completely block the circulation of steam. A modern vapor barrier membrane ensures a minimum air flow to prevent the greenhouse effect indoors.

The membrane retains excess moisture, and the air that was part of the steam is not capable of damaging walls and heat-insulating materials. Vapor barrier materials can redirect air flow to the system exhaust ventilation.

Can be installed on walls the following types vapor barrier materials:

• Polyethylene. It is a traditional material for creating a vapor barrier layer. Such a vapor barrier must be attached to the wall with care, without excessive tension. It is important that conditions are not created for the film to break through when the season changes. You need to understand that in the absence of perforation of polyethylene, this material limits the flow of both steam and air, which creates obstacles to creating a comfortable microclimate in the room. However, perforation no longer provides good vapor barrier for insulating material and walls. This type of vapor barrier is increasingly used in modern construction.
• Mastic materials. This material is applied to the wall, allows air to pass through and retains excess moisture. Wall treatment is carried out before finishing finishing manipulations are carried out. Mastic materials are relatively inexpensive and easy to use.
• Membrane films. This type of vapor barrier is the most modern. The film allows air to pass through and stops moisture. The material is characterized by the correct value of vapor permeability to ensure acceptable insulation properties. Even cotton insulation materials, when using membrane films as a vapor barrier, do not get wet, retain the ability for normal air exchange and do not lose their performance characteristics. Membrane vapor barrier materials are convenient to use for insulating both frame and wooden walls.

When choosing membrane films, there is often no need to install air gaps.

Advantages of membrane materials

Membrane films are a priority when it comes to choosing a vapor barrier material. Mastics are in second place in terms of effectiveness, and polyethylene films in modern construction they are used relatively rarely.

The advantages of membrane films compared to other vapor barrier materials include:

• high operating efficiency;
• ease of installation;
• strength;
• good ability to repel moisture;
• ensuring the resistance of the wall surface to the proliferation of mold microorganisms;
• resistance to decay processes;
• environmental friendliness of the material;
• long service life - the film retains its original properties for 50 years;
• wide operating temperature range (from -60 to +80 degrees Celsius).

Thus, the advantages of choosing vapor barrier membranes are obvious, which determines their increasing popularity in the construction market.

Types of membrane materials

The range of materials for vapor barriers on the modern construction market is very wide. You should consider the types of membrane materials that have already earned their authority among consumers:

• Membranes that can be attached to the outside of the thermal insulation (it is external to the space of the room). These include the following brands: “Izospan A”, “Megaizol SD”, “Megaizol A”. These membranes are used to protect the outside of the walls of frame structures, timber, panel and combined buildings from a variety of atmospheric phenomena: wind, snow, rain.

The membrane must fit tightly to the insulating material, be securely fixed to the mounting structure, and have no sagging areas (they provoke popping noises during sudden gusts of wind).

• Membranes that can be placed on inside walls These include: “Megaizol V”, “Izospan V”. This type of membrane materials protects walls from fungus, condensation, and corrosion of structural elements. Also, such membranes prevent particles of insulating material from entering the space of the structure.
• Membranes including a reflective layer. These include: “Izospan FS”, “Izospan FD”, “Izospan FX”. They are used for the purpose of vapor barrier in premises such as saunas and baths.

It is necessary to select a material for vapor barrier strictly according to the purpose of use. This allows you to create optimal conditions to create a comfortable indoor climate.

Installation of vapor barrier film on walls

Installation of vapor barrier on walls is used in cases where mineral materials are used as thermal insulation. It is important to follow the correct installation order vapor barrier film.

It includes the following stages of work:

• The vapor barrier film must be positioned on the desired side, and then carefully and securely fastened to the sheathing. In this case, you need to work carefully so as not to damage the film.
• Then you need to carefully glue any possible cracks, as well as punctures and overlaps.
• Next, you need to install the sheathing using beams to create acceptable ventilation.
• Then the structure is covered with plasterboard, wall panels, other finishing materials.

Correct installation of the vapor barrier film will ensure a comfortable microclimate in the room.

You need to understand how to properly install vapor barrier in frame houses. To do this, you must first install the membrane on the required side, and then secure it to the racks with a stapler. Next, you should glue the joints using special tape or mastic.

When using ecowool, polyurethane foam, polystyrene foam as insulating material and provided there is an effective ventilation system, the vapor barrier layer in frame structure may not be required.

If there is still a need for vapor barrier, then one of two possible schemes should be used:

• The vapor barrier is sewn onto frame racks. How to attach a vapor barrier in this case? First, the film is fixed on the racks, after which the walls are lined with clapboard, plasterboard or other interior finishing materials. This option can be used in buildings used for seasonal purposes, which are not needed during the cold season. These include guest buildings, country houses, workshops. This option involves ensuring effective ventilation of the structure.
• It involves installing a layer of sheathing (horizontal or vertical) above the membrane. Lathing is necessary to ensure air gap from 30 to 50 millimeters from the wall surface. This option is advisable to use in permanent homes or buildings that require intensive use during the cold season.

The choice of installation scheme for vapor barrier in a frame house should be made based on the expected intensity and seasonality of use of the room.

Vapor barrier of walls in wooden houses

Designs from wooden materials require special vapor protection. Wooden houses are characterized high performance vapor permeability of walls in comparison with brick and stone walls. This indicator is determined by the thickness of the timber and logs, the presence of cracks, and the impermeability of the grooves to moisture and steam.

Glued laminated timber, which is used to build walls, must be dried in production to an acceptable humidity level. It should also have sealing grooves and low shrinkage. All this is necessary to limit the flow of steam into the insulation.

Timber or log walls with natural humidity levels are dried directly during use.

Due to shrinkage within 5 years, deformations and cracks appear on the walls. Logs and beams change their dimensional characteristics, the grooves lose their tightness.

Therefore, you should not carry out interior finishing for 5 years - this will not allow access to the grooves to restore the tightness. In such a situation, there are two options: either wait for the wood to dry completely, or organize a vapor barrier using membranes such as “Izospan FB”, “Izospan B”, “Izospan FS”.

The vapor barrier must form a single contour with the attic and basement floors of the structure.

Video

Studying the features of vapor barrier allows you to understand why the organization of this stage of construction is necessary. An incorrect order of activities can lead to a lack of comfortable conditions for living or working indoors.