Vapor retarder

Vapor retarder

Layer that inhibits vapor diffusion through a building envelope. Examples include polyethylene sheeting, foil facing, kraft paper facing on batt insulation, and low-permeability paints. Most building codes define a vapor retarder as 1 perm or less, with many common vapor retarders being significantly less than 1 perm.

vapor retarder

1. A membrane covering the outer surface of an insulated cold water pipe that is used to prevent moisture from penetrating the insulation and reaching the pipe. 2. A layer of material or laminate used to reduce, appreciably, the flow of water vapor into a roofing system.