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Editor's Notepad
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Are you asking for problems if you put a plastic vapor barrier in your walls?
comments (1) September 24th, 2012 in Blogs
Scott Gibson, contributing writer
Few building science topics have been hashed over in as much detail as the use of a polyethylene vapor barrier (or, more properly, vapor diffusion retarder). But the complex dynamics of moisture movement inside building cavities continues to prompt questions.
Writing from Chicago, Ed says he understands that the improper use of a vapor barrier can prevent walls from drying out and, as a result, promote mold and rot. But in a Q&A post at GreenBuildingAdvisor, Ed poses the question in reverse: Will the lack of a vapor barrier lead to problems when the house is built with standard construction techniques and no special efforts to make it airtight?
As is often the case, there's more than one way of approaching the subject.
Even though poly vapor barriers are installed far less frquently than they once were, they're still a proven way of keeping moisture out of the walls as long as they're installed correctly, says one reply to Ed's query.
Others would argue differently, suggesting that poly is not suited to Chicago's climate and that better strategies are available for controlling moisture in walls and ceilings.
That debate is the subject of this month's Q&A Spotlight.
posted in: Blogs, insulation, water and moisture control
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Comments (1)
Posted: 4:29 am on May 15th
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