Vapor Barrier For Concrete Slab

But they have also proven to be beneficial in reducing failures of moisture sensitive flooring materials adhesives and coatings caused by excessive emission of moisture vapor from concrete slabs.

Vapor barrier for concrete slab. Vapor and gas barriers. The other characteristic of a good vapor barrier that makes it effective is resistance to punctures and tears. Aci 302 1 which is an american concrete institute standard for slab construction was modified in the early 2000 s to reflect the change in the placement of the vapor barrier directly below the concrete if a low permeable membrane flooring was to be installed. Aci 302 1 guide for concrete floor and slab construction states that the minimum thickness of an effective vapor barrier is 10 mils.

Astm e 1643 standard practice for installation of vapor retarders used in contact with earth or granular fill under concrete slabs provides details but here are a few tips. Should you put a vapor barrier under concrete slabs. A vapor barrier should be used for all concrete floors and slabs that are going to receive an impermeable floor finish like epoxy laminate linoleum and wood or if the concrete floor will be used for any purpose where the passage of water vapor through the floor may create problems. The term vapor barrier is often used interchangeably with the term vapor retarder to describe all membranes used to resist water vapor transmission.

Vapor barriers come in two types 6 mil vapor barrier roll. Vapor barriers have been associated with certain concrete slab on grade problems including curling and cracking. Florprufe vapor barriers gcp lied slab vapor barrier by professional concrete floor problems building under monolithic concrete slab 10 and 15 mil underslab vapor barrier concrete vapor barriers ers. The use of underslab vapor barriers is the best method and most economical solution for controlling water vapor migration through concrete slabs.

To be effective a vapor barrier must be installed in a way that prevents any water vapor from getting to the slab. Uncontrolled water vapor through concrete slabs has cost building owners designers and contractors billions of dollars.