What is a Class 1 Vapor Retarder? | Crawl Space Waterproofing | Charlotte NC

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sealtechwaterproofing.com WHAT IS A CLASS 1 VAPOR RETARDER?

A vapor barrier can be any sheet or material that offers considerable resistance to the passage of water vapor. And these products are widely used in construction to prevent interstitial condensation. However, vapor barriers are not impermeable to water vapor because their purpose is to slow down moisture in the soil from getting into areas like crawl spaces.

VAPOR BARRIERS

Vapor barriers are sheets of plastic (polyethylene) whose purpose is to retard or prevent the diffusion of water vapor in a wall, ceiling, or floor during cold climates. Unfortunately, many traditional vapor barriers can cause problems as they can also prevent the evacuation of moisture that may have accumulated in an insulated area.

WHAT IS VAPOR DIFFUSION

Vapor diffusion is the movement of water vapor molecules through porous materials (wood, insulation, or concrete) because of pressure differences. Vapor pressure differences are due to air water vapor content and temperature. And these vapor pressures can be professionally calculated.

TYPES

The International Residential Code (IRC) defines vapor retarders as Class I, II, or III based on how permeable they are to water vapor. Therefore, the lower the permeability, the less water vapor will pass through the vapor retarder.

Class I Vapor Barriers are permeability vapor retard 0.1 perms or less). Ofter, th polyethylene (Visqueen) o unperforated aluminum f Therefore, Class I Vapor B very restrictive to moistur transmission. These barrie for structures with metal does not allow enough dr outside. CLASS I VAPOR BA

For further information, call your trusted experts on crawl space waterproofing in Charlotte, NC.

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