According to Oxford Learner’s Dictionary, the definition of the word “choice” is “an act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities,” and the latest Google statistics show that the average adult makes between 33,000 to 35,000 total choices each and every day.
the definition of the word “choice” is “an act of selecting or making a decision when faced with two or more possibilities,”
We all know that life is about choices. Whether it’s the choice to hit the snooze button for a few extra minutes of peaceful rest before we start up for another busy day or perhaps it’s a choice whether to book the window seat instead of the aisle seat on your next flight? Any way you look at it, we are all responsible for making choices, some of which may be obvious and straightforward while others may require more thought, knowledge, and well sought-after advice to ensure that we make the right choice.
In building construction, we know that the purpose of a vapour barrier is to control the movement of moisture passing through a structure. This could be a wall system in your home or moisture emitting from the ground and choosing the right vapour barrier for your application does not need to be a difficult or complex decision.
First, you must understand what it is that you need to accomplish by carefully evaluating the job requirements. Locations where the indoor and outdoor temperatures vary dramatically will typically need vapor barriers installed.
Geographical locations that experience colder climates will require a different installation approach than those with hot and humid climates. Furthermore, vapour barrier for walls, ceilings, attics and floors may require different types of vapour barriers with different permeability ratings and different installation methods too.
All vapour barriers are classified by their permeability, which is measured in units called “perms”.
Class I : Less than 0.1 perm (e.g., polyethylene sheeting, rubber membrane, sheet metal and glass). Is considered impermeable and best for cold climates where moisture control is critical.
Class II : 0.1 to 1.0 perms (e.g., kraft paper, asphalt-coated paper, plywood) Suitable for regions with moderate moisture issues as these vapor barriers are semi-permeable, allowing some moisture to pass through.
Class III : 1.0 to 10 perms (e.g., Latex or enamel paint, Gypsum board and Fiberglass Insulation) Vapor barriers in this class are the most permeable
So, if you’re insulating an interior wall in a climate that experiences cold winters, you will need to choose a vapor barrier like Super Six that offers a very low perm rating (less than 0.1 perm) to install to control the movement of moisture thus reducing the risk of condensation forming in your wall system.
It is a known fact that moisture is one of our home’s worst enemies, and having the protection of a correctly installed vapour barrier in your home will mitigate the risk of mold growth, formation of spores, wood rot, metal corrosion, and will ultimately reduce the chance of moisture-related damages that could occur in your walls. In this situation, a great choice would be to install 6 mil polyethylene film vapor barrier known as Super Six.
The situation could be where you are sourcing a product for your construction site that requires a high-strength, heavy-gauge vapour barrier that offers excellent puncture resistance and superior moisture transmission protection when installed under freshly poured concrete. Not to worry, there are specially designed vapour barrier’s available for this specific job application too. A great product to source would be Super Ten poly film which is manufactured in full 10 mil thickness and performs exceptionally well when installed over crushed aggregates or where sharp rocks are present.
Or perhaps you need a highly puncture resistant vapour barrier to encapsulate the crawl space in your home or cottage, designed for strength and integrity that will not deteriorate over time. A product that will assist to reduce unwanted humidity and improve air quality in your home and offer added protection against the threat of exposure from potentially harmful gases such as methane, radon, and other harmful VOCs emitting from the ground? This is where a Super15 poly film would be highly recommended, offering 15 mil protection to your home or job site.
When choosing your vapour barrier for your project, it is very important to know that building codes vary by region and the product that you choose may need to conform to a specific building code standard such as CGSB in Canada or meet National Building Code requirements. Always consult your local building codes before making a decision. In some cases, you may be required to follow certain installation guidelines to ensure compliance. If have any questions, you can always reach out to your Polytarp Products Product Manager where to source this information.
In the market today, there are many different vapour barrier products available for your home renovation or large-scale construction project that can purchased at local building supply dealers, home improvement and big box stores as well can be purchased online.
Whether any of these scenarios mentioned earlier may be the case for you, the good news is that there are many knowledgeable resources available that can assist you with making the right choice, an easy choice for your vapour barrier requirements.
If you’re still unsure about the right choice of vapour barrier for your application or unsure of any specific project requirements, it would be best to speak to a building professional or a local contractor first. Installing an incorrect vapour barrier product could end up costing you a lot more in the end than just time and money.
When selecting a vapour barrier manufacturer, choosing Polytarp Products ensures you’re partnering with a company that delivers reliable, high-quality solutions tailored to a wide range of construction needs. With decades of expertise in producing industry-leading vapour barriers like Super (6)Six, Super Ten, and Super15 poly films, Polytarp Products offers advanced protection against moisture, mold growth, and structural damage. Their products are designed to meet stringent regional building codes and provide superior performance across various applications, from residential walls to large-scale construction sites. Polytarp's commitment to innovation, durability, and safety means that you can trust their vapour barriers to safeguard your project, whether you're protecting a crawl space, laying down under concrete, or insulating walls in a cold climate.
Reading this blog, as well as choosing the right vapor barrier manufacturer are just one of your 33,000 choices that you will make today.