Vapor barrier tape and its types. Vapor barrier tape for windows: technical characteristics Vapor barrier tape for windows

To protect the installation seams in window openings from exposure to moisture, use a vapor barrier tape. It is made from butyl rubber or aluminum. This material glued to damp mounting foam at the seams, extending the life of the windows.

Is it worth spending money on protecting window seams?

When installing a window in an opening, remember that its service life is related to how competent the installation is. Even the most quality designs will not be used long time if the installation was performed incorrectly. Due to improper work, moisture will gradually penetrate the walls, leading to the destruction of building materials and the spread of mold.

When installing the frame, consider several important points:

  • WITH inside we make the premises more dense layer mounting solution (for example, foam).
  • To ensure high-quality sealing of all gaps, we use three-layer protection - the outer material protects from the effects of precipitation, the middle layer is responsible for thermal insulation, and the coating inner surface- for vapor barrier.

Vapor barrier provides reliable protection a thermal insulation layer against condensation, which is present not only in the bathroom, but also in an ordinary room. In the process of finishing window slopes stick a special tape. The principle of vapor barrier is based on blocking the contact of moisture with polyurethane foam, forming an average protective layer. Materials with low elasticity and air and water permeability are suitable for these purposes. . When installing windows, you cannot save on vapor barriers. Such neglect will lead to rapid wear of frames, plaster and finishing materials.

To protect the seam, special vapor barrier tapes are usually used. They come in a coiled and compressed sponge-like material. Absorbing moisture, the material swells, sealing all existing cracks. Vapor barrier tape For plastic windows has a number of advantages:

  1. 1. isolates moisture;
  2. 2. It is consumed economically, with virtually no waste;
  3. 3. does not emit toxic substances;
  4. 4. Easy to stick;
  5. 5. has long term operation.

Classification - what characteristics to pay attention to

Moisture insulation tapes are available with one or two strips of adhesive. The second option allows you to process the window-wall joint more efficiently. The material is classified according to periods of use:

  • summer (air temperature – 5-40 °C);
  • winter (temperature below 5 °C).

Depending on the nature of the surface being treated, the tapes are produced in various sizes, making it possible to isolate any seams. When choosing a material, keep in mind that it must exceed the width of the gap by 4.5 cm. For work on the outside of the building, tapes made of foam materials are suitable, which will ensure reliable sealing.

Moisture Insulation Tape

Adhesive finishing material, made of butyl rubber, is intended for processing window, balcony, door frames and connections between panels. There is a non-woven layer inside it. After gluing, such a strip is primed, plastered, wallpapered or painted. There is a full-butyl vapor barrier tape made using the Robiband system. It provides more high-quality processing assembly seam.

Metallized vapor barrier material used for gluing seams with joints in rooms with high air humidity - bathrooms, baths, saunas. A layer of glue over the entire surface in this form greatly simplifies the work process. Manufacturers produce metallized tape different widths. When selecting material, add 45 mm to the seam width.

The tape, which has a protective strip of polypropylene, withstands mechanical stress well. In addition, it does not react with acids, organic solvents and alkalis.

We understand the variety of types of tapes - VS or GPL?

First on the list is PSUL (pre-compressed self-expanding sealing tape). It ensures a high-quality fit of the window frame or door frame to Wall. This tape is used for vapor barrier of external joints and seams.

The next material is vapor barrier BC. It is used to seal seams when dry finishing is performed. For example, under sandwich panels, drywall, plastic surfaces And so on. The tape has a layer of adhesive across its entire width - this property greatly simplifies the installation process. There is an improved version - BC+. It is supplemented with anti-adhesive film. This additional coating ensures strong adhesion of the insulation to building materials.

Robiband tape VM for vapor barrier – next quality option material for processing seams. It is used for interior work, and wet is applied on top plaster mortar. Vapor barrier VM+ is a more complicated option with better performance characteristics.

The last type is GPL (water vapor barrier material). It is made from foamed polyethylene High Quality. The tape has one laminated side, as well as an additional metallized layer. Its second surface is completely covered with glue. This tape is universal, that is, it can be used for all types of work. Its variety is GPL-S tape, which has similar characteristics.

How to glue insulation - we work without errors

Vapor barrier material not only provides protection from moisture, but also has an alternative property when applied correctly - sound absorption. Vapor barrier tape is applied to the seams in one piece; there should be no breaks. Before starting work, measure the length of the surfaces to be treated.

The pasting process consists of several steps:

  1. 1. Clean the window opening from dirt, dust and debris.
  2. 2. Before installation, remove the PVC window and wipe with a dry cloth.
  3. 3. Place the structure in place and mark the places where the tape is attached on the frame and wall.
  4. 4. The tape is attached to window frame before applying foam along the seam.
  5. 5. Take out the structure and stick a vapor barrier on its surface around the perimeter.
  6. 6. Before replacing the window, remove the remaining protective film from the adhesive surface.
  7. 7. When gluing the material, do not allow wrinkles to form. This defect will allow drops of liquid to pass under the vapor barrier, impairing performance.

To window design has served for a long time, its installation must be carried out with strict adherence existing technology. Outer material for steam, heat and water insulation it is necessary to glue after polyurethane foam completely polymerizes. We process the seam under the window sill last.

If the tape is glued under a layer of plaster, then it must have a special layer that will ensure strong adhesion to building material. Uneven joint between wall and window frame cover it with a flashing, and a vapor barrier is glued onto it. The use of building materials for wall decoration is permissible only if the requirements for water permeability are fully met.

If metallized tape is used for vapor barrier, then additional reinforcement may be required when applied to a rough surface. To enhance the adhesive effect, use self-adhesive tape with one or two strips of glue. It is additionally used to process vapor barrier joints, eliminating and smoothing out defects (places of peeling and wrinkling) formed during the work process.

"Robiband" is a trademark under whose name high-quality components and sealants for windows are produced. Robiband window tapes allow you to quickly, reliably and efficiently seal window installation joints, seams adjacent to sheet roofing materials, as well as protect thermal insulation materials from negative impact moisture and provide vapor barrier.

For convenience, practicality and efficiency, vapor barrier tapes are produced in rolls of different widths. Window openings, after the frames are installed, may have different way finishing, so Robiband tapes are produced both for dry finishing and for further painting and plastering.

Basis vapor barrier tape is aluminum foil reinforced with synthetic thread with an adhesive layer applied (can be single- or double-sided) thanks to which you can easily, accurately and quickly fasten the tape. To make adhesion better, one side of the tape is reinforced non-woven material. It protects the insulation from excessive saturation with moisture on one side and at the same time does not allow moisture from the installation seams to pass into inner part window slopes.

It is necessary to prepare the surface for applying tape only if the surface begins to crumble a little or become absorbed. In other situations, before applying the tape, it will be enough to simply remove construction dust and other contaminants from joints and crevices.

Window tapes trademark Robiband easy to use, characterized by high technology, performance characteristics, durability and endurance, despite different climatic conditions. In our online store you can buy reliable and practical vapor barriers window tapes, at wholesale and competitive prices.

Helpful information

Installation of PVC windows involves the use of special insulating materials. This category includes mounting foam for PVC windows and tape. Each of these materials has a specific purpose. As a rule, the tape serves to isolate seams from dust and moisture, preventing the formation of fungus and mold in the joints. In turn, the foam compensates for the effects of temperature changes and provides reliable sound insulation.

Mounting tapes for windows

The tape is selected taking into account its functional purpose. We offer mounting tape for plastic windows, buy for any task - for sealing ebbs or slopes, window sills or window openings. We recommend paying attention to the PSUL feed.

At a relatively low cost, it has excellent performance parameters, reliably protecting seams from dust and moisture. In addition, its installation is carried out without special tools. The self-adhesive surface adheres tightly to the base without much effort.

Mounting foam for windows

Insulating windows with polyurethane foam has recently become especially important. By correctly installing the window unit, you can significantly reduce heat loss. Naturally, the effectiveness of such insulation is determined by the properties of the material. And here the question usually arises: polyurethane foam for PVC windows - which is better? Basically, the insulating characteristics depend on the components included in the foam, as well as on the production technologies used by the manufacturer.

Buy PSUL in Moscow

Our category is represented by the German company Bauset, which has been one of the leading manufacturers in Europe for many years. If you follow the manufacturer's instructions, the consumption of polyurethane foam on the window is minimal - at low costs you can reliably seal the window unit and extend its service life. In the adjacent sections of the catalog you can find everything necessary tools to carry out work.

Replacing windows in a residential or commercial space is always accompanied by the protection of the weakest components of the structure: the seams between the frame and the wall. It is produced by filling the space between the window opening and the frame using polyurethane foam. This material has excellent sound and heat insulation qualities. However, with insufficient or incorrect protection under the influence of moisture and ultraviolet radiation, the foam begins to collapse and lose its original properties.

To avoid this, you need to take measures to seal the seams and protect the filler. To do this, waterproofing is used on the outside, which prevents natural precipitation from getting on the porous insulation, while on the inside, a vapor barrier for PVC windows is used, which protects the foam from the effects of water vapor.

The structure of vapor barrier for a plastic window is shown

What should the vapor barrier be like?

Vapor barrier prevents moisture from the air in the room from being absorbed into thermal insulation material. Vapor permeability coefficient of vapor barrier internal seams for PVC windows should be no more than 0.01 mg/(m*h*Pa).

To protect joints use:

  • silicone;
  • backing cords;
  • Lena PSUL;
  • butyl rubber tapes;
  • reinforced foil.

PSUL tapes are designed to create an assembly seam with natural ventilation.

The choice of vapor barrier should be made taking into account subsequent finishing. So there is material for dry construction (plasterboard, plastic), wet plaster, available separately to protect joints wooden windows V wooden houses, for internal and external use.

The tape can be either single or double adhesive

Butyl rubber tapes are similar to self-adhesive foam rubber, but with a protective impregnation. With their help, all seams between the window and the wall of the house are sealed efficiently. Also, a vapor barrier for windows can have either one adhesive side or two.

Vapor barriers for PVC windows are distinguished by seasonal periods:

  1. warm season with air temperatures from 5 to 35 degrees above zero;
  2. winter period with temperatures below zero.

Read more: Why are plastic windows harmful?

Vapor barrier prevents the destruction of polyurethane foam under the influence of moisture, prevents the appearance of damp corners in window opening, the appearance of fungus and drafts.

If you don’t do a vapor barrier and slopes, there may be fungus

It should be noted that the price of vapor barrier for PVC windows is absolutely adequate and affordable to everyone. Very small costs for hydro and vapor barrier will increase the service life of windows, and protect the house from drafts and mold in the corners.

Installation of vapor barrier for windows

Below are general rules installation of vapor barrier for PVC windows, since each individual type of tape may have its own characteristics:

  1. The window frame and opening are cleaned of dirt and dust.
  2. The window is inserted into the opening without fixation; the places where the vapor barrier is attached are marked on the plastic.
  3. The window is removed and a vapor barrier is glued to the marked places.

Concealed installation is carried out before the voids are foamed. The outer tapes are glued only after the mounting foam has completely dried. In any case, the vapor barrier tape is glued to the window in a continuous layer.

Do not forget that the choice of tape largely depends on the type of subsequent finishing. It is very important to use materials that comply with all moisture-permeable characteristics.

Where can I buy? Prices

You can buy vapor barrier for PVC windows at any hardware store. If you have to replace windows in your home, consult with repairmen which vapor barrier is best for you to choose, taking into account the final finishing of the walls.

True professionals will give you practical recommendations. But, if you come across “experts” who insist that using vapor barriers for windows is unnecessary, kick them to the curb. Someone's incompetence can later bring you a lot of problems with dampness and drafts.


Joints and seams of any structure are the most vulnerabilities. The same can be said about windows installed in a window opening. It is the installation seam that will be the weakest point in the entire structure. Through a poorly laid seam, heat can escape, moisture and extraneous sounds from the street can penetrate, and finally, condensation, which forms when the temperature differs, will accumulate inside the insulation and deteriorate its characteristics, leading to destruction. The description of the characteristics of the assembly seam and the technology of its installation is given special attention in GOST. At the moment, GOST 30971-2012 is in force.

Features of the technology. Why do you need a vapor barrier tape?

According to GOST, the installation seam must be three-layer. Each layer performs its own function:

  1. The middle layer - the main one - provides heat and sound insulation due to its porous structure.
  2. The outer layer protects from moisture coming from the street (it removes it) and from UV rays.
  3. The inner layer is a vapor barrier. Essentially, it traps heat in the house and prevents steam from accumulating in internal space premises, penetrate into the insulating layer.

Thus, compliance with the seam construction technology is necessary to prevent moisture penetration, condensation formation, and improve heat and sound insulation properties. Refusal to install insulating layers will reduce the cost of installation and construction by about 15-20%, in general, but GOST does not allow such cases.

Classification of vapor barriers for windows

To install a PVC window, vapor barrier tape in a wide variety of varieties and diffusion vapor-permeable tape are used.

Tapes can have one or two adhesive surfaces. The first ones are installed on the frame itself, the second ones can be installed in the window opening, gluing them to the wall and to window profile. The range is divided into winter and summer options. Summer ones are intended for installation at temperatures from +5 degrees to +35 degrees, winter ones - for installation at temperatures of +5 degrees and below. Moreover, when installed in winter time It is necessary to warm up the surface of the window opening.

The tape should be approximately 5 cm larger than the width of the mounting seam.

Based on the material used, there are two types of tapes:

  1. Butyl rubber tape with a reinforcing layer of non-woven fabric, designed for sealing joints.
  2. Metallized tape, intended for installation in damp rooms.

Types of tapes

The functionality of the tapes is different, therefore, when installing windows, different varieties are used depending on the purposes at each specific stage. A review of the tapes should be carried out.

Material of manufacture

Where is it used?

Properties

Peculiarities

PSUL

Polyurethane

Used when organizing a ventilated assembly seam from the outside. Allows high-quality sealing of joints.

Acts as a sound insulator when glued to the lower surface of the ebb.

Provides a tight fit of the frame to the wall.

It is necessary to unwind the tape (it is supplied rolled into rollers) immediately before installation. Over time, it expands and loses its sealing properties. The width of the PSUL tape must exceed the width of the installation gap.

Non-woven material. BC+ – foil.

Used during installation internal slopes. Combines with plastic, plasterboard, protects against condensation.

Prevents moisture from the insulation used to insulate slopes, in particular mineral wool.

BC+ has a double-sided adhesive layer. Is an effective vapor and heat insulation

There is an adhesive layer across the entire width.

BC+ is thicker than BC.

Non-woven material. VM+ – foil.

Used when finishing internal slopes, but under plaster.

Prevents condensation from penetrating mineral wool insulation. VM+ has an adhesive layer on both sides.

Provides adhesion to plaster.

VM+ is more resistant to moisture.

It is made of foamed polyethylene, which is laminated on one side with a metallized film. On the other side there is an adhesive layer applied.

Combines the properties of several tapes. Has increased elasticity, mechanical strength and resistance to aggressive chemicals.

May not adhere well to gas and foam concrete.

A thicker layer of foamed polyethylene is used than GPL. Metallized layer based on polyurethane film.

Universal tape. Used for heat, hydro and vapor barrier.

The difference from GPL tape is that there is an additional adhesive strip on the metallized film side. The tape has the best thermal insulation characteristics. Effectively reflects heat.

Quite voluminous, which is inconvenient when finishing slopes.

Diffusion tape

Polyester fabric with self-adhesive strips based on butyl rubber.

Used to seal the installation seam on the ebb side.

It is vapor permeable from the inside and has waterproofing properties from the outside.

Resistant to UV rays.

Butyl rubber mounting tape

Butyl rubber

Installed between the window sill and insulation.

Protects against blowing.

There is a self-adhesive layer.

Installation procedure for vapor barrier tape

The vapor barrier tape is installed after completing the preparatory procedures: dismantling the old window, cleaning the opening from debris, dust, sealing and leveling large irregularities.

  1. The window opening is wiped with a dry cloth and the window structure is pre-installed. In the process, the future location of the PSUL vapor barrier tape is marked.
  2. The window is removed from the window opening and a vapor barrier tape is glued to the frame with a distance of 5 mm from the markings. In the corners, the tape is glued end-to-end, for which the tape is initially cut off with an allowance that will be used for fitting. The surface must be degreased and dust free.
  3. Tape for slopes is glued to the side profiles and the top. leave an overlap of about 10 cm.
  4. Install a window. Foam the seam.
  5. The installation seam is covered from the outside with diffusion tape.
  6. Before installing the ebb, PSUL is glued lengthwise to its lower surface.
  7. A metallized vapor barrier tape is attached to the seam at the bottom of the window on the inside.
  8. The tape on the window sill is glued last.