The function of insulating material in construction is far from last. Despite the improvement of the characteristics of finishing materials, only reliable and durable insulators can save the house from heat loss and the harmful effects of moisture. At the same time, traditional heat insulators are gradually losing relevance against the background of increasing requirements for the operational qualities of buildings. Their place is occupied by a hydro-vapor barrier film, which also contains thermal protection, but does not allow its overmoistening. In fact, it is a multifunctional protective barrier, with which you can protect the structure from cold and moisture.
What is hydro vapor barrier?
The concept of hydro vapor barrier is complicated by the functions of the material, which may bear such a name. In the usual view, this is the membrane that is used to provide protection for the heat insulator. The most important thing is the phenomena and influences from which it protects. Depending on the application, it can be steam, moisture, cold, wind, etc. The composition of the hydro vapor barrier film also varies - in this regard, profiled and flat membranes can be distinguished. The first are made of polyethylene in the form of sheets with round or square protrusions resembling spikes. Flat membranes are not only made from polyethylene. Polyolefin and even polyvinyl chloride are also used in production. The result is a film whose thickness does not exceed 2 mm. Usually in the arrangement of roofs and finishing materials a flat film with a thickness of less than 1 mm is used, and thicker membranes are used to protect the foundation.
Water vapor barrier characteristics
Technical data regarding the vapor barrier properties differ depending on the specific material. For example, it is worth considering the characteristics that the Izospan hydro-vapor barrier film has. This is one of the most, according to reviews, popular materials on the Russian market in this segment:
- Material of manufacture: 100% polypropylene.
- Tensile load transverse / longitudinal, N / 5 cm: 107/130.
- Vapor permeability, Ξ΄: not less than 7.
- UV stability: period 3-4 months.
- Water resistance: water column at least 1000 mm.
- Temperature range in which the use of the material is allowed: from -60 to + 80 ΒΊC.
The use of material in roof insulation
Typically, in the design of roofing pies, hydro vapor isolators act as a direct barrier against moisture, and also provide wind protection. This is just the case when insulators have high demands on strength and durability. As a rule, a waterproofing film for a roof is laid on a heater without a ventilation gap. This decision is due to economic feasibility in the form of lower costs for the installation of the crate between a separate heat insulator and the membrane. Windproof films with the effects of vapor and waterproofing can be used as roofing layers in roof structures with different slopes, since fixing is provided on top of the rafters above the insulation. The resulting coating acts as an insulating element for the supporting structure, protecting it from the penetration of under-roof condensate, as well as from wind, rain and snow.
Use in frame wall insulation
Installation of the main walls of the construction of the house also involves the provision of steam and waterproofing. In this case, the film protects the material from atmospheric moisture, gusts of wind and powders. But there is, as evidenced by the reviews of the masters, another important function that a waterproofing film should have for roofing and frame walls is the ability to remove fumes from fibrous insulation material.
Installation of the film is carried out under the outer skin of the house from the outside of the heat insulator. It is desirable to mount it throughout the frame on top of the insulation in a horizontal position. The joints are overlapped with a calculation of 10 cm. The final fixation is performed by a stapler. It is important to note that when performing further finishing, a ventilation gap of about 3-4 cm should be left. It is necessary to ensure the removal of moisture.
Hydro and vapor barrier of interfloor ceilings
The material should be laid between the ceiling finish and its rough surface, as well as on the floor beams on top of the insulation. In this case, an increased clearance of up to 20 cm is also made. To ensure the tightness of the barrier, the hydro-vapor barrier film for the floor is additionally fastened with a special tape. Such material is also supplied by insulator manufacturers and serves as a connecting element.
It is important to note that if the rooms connected by an insulated interfloor overlap have different temperature regimes, then it is necessary to select insulation material with advanced functionality. So, in addition to hydro and vapor barrier, it is necessary to provide for the ability of the barrier to reflect heat fluxes. For example, hydro-vapor barrier film, which is planned to be laid in the attic or attic, should have similar qualities.
Hydro and vapor insulation of internal walls
When insulating the frame walls from the inside, two tasks are performed: vapor barrier and preventing the spread of unsafe insulation particles through the living quarters. Membranes are fixed on both sides of the insulation to the supporting bases in the form of racks and beams. Also, if possible, a hydro-vapor barrier film can be attached to the surface of the rough finish. Installation is again carried out using a stapler or galvanized nails. But in this case, the overlap should be at least 15 cm. If you plan to further finish the walls with clapboard or plywood, then the insulation can be fixed using vertical wooden battens that have undergone antiseptic treatment. Also, between the finish and the membrane, a 3-4-centimeter gap is maintained.
How to choose a suitable hydro vapor barrier?
In the matter of the choice of any insulating material , the importance of the structure that is planned to provide this protection is increasing. That is, for a start, threats to the place of application are determined, and then a hydro-vapor barrier film is acquired. How to choose this material is a difficult question, it should take into account several points. First you need to determine the origin of the membrane itself. Usually it is polyethylene. It is advisable to choose a perforated film, since it is the most durable. With skillful installation, it can be used to provide a durable and effective barrier to moisture and winds.
If tensile strength is not a fundamental criterion, then a flat hydro-vapor barrier film may be suitable. The price in this case will be low - a roll can be purchased for 1000-1200 rubles. If a reinforced film with a metal layer is purchased, then you should be prepared to give 2000-3000 rubles for it. But with its help it is possible to effectively ensure not only functional isolation, but also durable.
Reviews of hydro vapor barrier
More recently, builders and architects sought to eliminate the negative factors from which hydro vapor barrier is used by choosing certain materials for structures and decoration. But this approach significantly limits technological solutions. The use of insulating membranes, in turn, practically does not entail such effects for the home. This, in particular, is confirmed by the Tyvek solid hydro-vapor barrier film, reviews of which note the benefits of its use. Reducing the moisture content in the space between the finish and the rough coating, coupled with maintaining the integrity of the heat insulator, is only part of the advantages that were provided by the insulator.
Conclusion
For all its popularity, membranes for hydro and vapor barrier are still a relatively new invention. Insulation was the first of this group of materials on the market, but its use in rooms with high humidity was ineffective and necessitated another protective layer - this is how the hydro-vapor barrier film appeared. How to choose a suitable membrane and how to install it correctly - these are the main issues that consumers face. And manufacturers of these materials are working hard on them, improving both performance and styling techniques. At this stage, companies can offer highly efficient insulators that can not only keep the insulation from moisture, but also provide a stable barrier to precipitation and wind.