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A vapor retarder is defined as a material or system that adequately retards the transmission of water vapor under specific conditions. Building occupants, certain appliances, plants, and plumbing equipment generate moisture that is carried in the air as vapor. It is important to control water vapor movement in homes. A vapor retarder helps prevent water vapor from condensing to liquid water within the structure. Liquid water can accumulate inside exterior walls and in roof and attic spaces. If enough water is present, wood rot and decay can cause significant damage. The kraft facing on insulation is a vapor retarder. It can reduce moisture movement through your walls, floors, and ceilings. Call the local building permitting office to find out about the local building codes and practices with regard to the need for vapor retarders.
Insulation Facing, Kraft 1/4 inch Plywood (douglas fir, exterior glue) Insulation Facing, Foil Kraft Laminate Vapor Retarder Latex Paint, 0.0031 inch thick 0.002 inch Polyethylene Sheet 0.004 inch Polyethylene Sheet 0.0006 inch Polyethylene Sheet Aluminum foil 0.00035 inch thick Aluminum foil 0.001 inch thick
Not Vapor Retarders Perm Rating
1.0 0.7 0.5 0.45 0.16 0.08 0.06 0.05 0.01 50 30 5.5 to 8.6 3.3 1.9
3/8 inch gypsum Wall Board (plain) 4 inch Unfaced Mineral Wool Typical Latex Paint 0.002 inch thickness 4.4 lb/100ft2 Asphalt Saturated Sheathing Paper 1/4 inch Plywood (douglas fir, interior glue)
Class I - Very low permeability vapor retarders - rated at 0.1 perms or less. Sheet polyethylene (visqueen) or unperforated aluminum foil (FSK) are Class I vapor retarders. Class II - Low permeability vapor retarders - rated greater than 0.1 perms and less than or equal to 1.0 perms. The kraft facing on batts qualify as a Class II vapor retarder. Class III - Medium permeability vapor retarders - rated greater than 1.0 perms and less than or equal to 10 perms. Latex or enamel paint qualify as Class III vapor retarders.
1, 2, 3, and 4 Marine 4
All wall assemblies Vented cladding* over OSB Vented cladding* over plywood Vented cladding* over fiberboard Vented cladding* over gypsum Insulated sheathing with R-value 2.5 over 2x4 wall Insulated sheathing with R-value 3.75 over 2x6 wall
Vented cladding* over OSB Vented cladding* over plywood Vented cladding* over fiberboard Vented cladding* over gypsum Insulated sheathing with R-value 5 over 2x4 wall Insulated sheathing with R-value 7.5 over 2x6 wall
Vented cladding* over fiberboard Vented cladding* over gypsum Insulated sheathing with R-value 7.5 over 2x4 wall Insulated sheathing with R-value 11.25 over 2x6 wall
7&8
Insulated sheathing with R-value 10 over 2x4 wall Insulated sheathing with R-value 15 over 2x6 wall
* Vented Claddings include vinyl lap or horizontal aluminum siding installed over a weather-resistive barrier, typically housewrap or 15 lb. building paper, or Brick veneer with a minimum space of 1" between the brick and the weather-resistive barrier.
Climate Zones
NAIMA has developed a map showing thermal recommended levels of insulation for various climate zones. They are based on recommendations from the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and the International Energy Conservation Code (IECC). The IECC is the model building code for the United States. To learn more about recommended levels of insulation, click here.
About NAIMA
NAIMA is the association for North American manufacturers of fiber glass, rock wool, and slag wool insulation products. The NAIMA "About Insulation" section contains a wealth of information and guidance on many insulation products and their application in the residential, commercial, mechanical and industrial insulation industry as well as specification, codes and standards, and related industry issues such as energy-efficient construction of today's homes and buildings. If you do not find what you are looking for, please contact us.