Vapor Barrier Installation
Moisture control is critical in commercial construction to protect structural components and indoor air quality. Vapor barrier installation is one of our specialties, particularly for new commercial builds or renovations where controlling moisture vapor transmission is necessary. A vapor barrier is a material layer (often a thick plastic or foil sheet, or a specialized coating) that prevents water vapor from passing through walls, floors, or ceilings. In commercial settings, proper vapor barriers are crucial for foundations, crawl spaces, interior partitions in humid environments, and building envelopes where moisture drive could lead to condensation within assemblies.
United We Build provides vapor barrier solutions tailored to your project’s needs:
Below-Grade and Foundation Vapor Barriers
We install heavy-duty polyethylene sheeting under concrete slabs (vapor barrier underlayment) and on foundation walls to prevent ground moisture from migrating up into the building. This is essential in warehouses, hospitals, and any facilities where moisture could damage flooring, goods, or equipment. We ensure seams are properly overlapped and sealed with tape or mastic, and that the barrier is continuous around pipe penetrations or column footings using appropriate boot seals. By doing so, we greatly reduce the risk of slab moisture issues, which can otherwise cause floor covering failures or mold in floor finishes.
Wall and Roof Vapor Barriers
Depending on climate and building design, we install vapor barriers (or vapor retarders with specific perm ratings) on the correct side of insulation in wall assemblies. For example, in colder climates, an interior vapor barrier behind drywall can stop warm, moist indoor air from reaching cold sheathing where it could condense. In hot-humid climates, an external vapor barrier may be used instead. Our team understands building science principles and will follow project specifications or provide guidance to ensure the vapor barrier is placed effectively to avoid trapping moisture where it shouldn’t be. We use materials like foil-faced insulation batts, vapor-barrier paints, or dedicated vapor retarder membranes, taping all seams tightly.
Crawl Space
Encapsulation
For buildings with crawl spaces, we can encapsulate the crawl space by lining the ground and walls with a vapor barrier, sealing out dampness from the earth. This works in conjunction with proper ventilation or dehumidifiers to create a dry crawl space, which helps protect the wood framing above from rot and prevents musty odors or mold from infiltrating occupied areas.
Specialty Vapor Barriers
In facilities like laboratories, pools, or food processing plants where high humidity is generated inside, vapor barriers in walls and ceilings (paired with proper insulation) are vital to contain that moisture and prevent structural decay. We have experience applying vapor barrier coatings on concrete or masonry surfaces and installing sheet membranes in these demanding environments.
Proper vapor barrier installation can save building owners from a host of problems: it prevents mold growth inside wall cavities, preserves the integrity of insulation (keeping its R-value effective), and stops corrosion or decay of structural elements due to hidden condensation. Our installation practices follow ASTM standards and local codes for vapor barriers. We also coordinate with HVAC professionals because humidity control is a holistic effort – combining barriers with adequate ventilation/conditioning. United We Build will make sure your building’s vapor barriers are correctly installed and continuous, giving you a robust defense against moisture migration. The result is a building that’s drier, healthier, and more durable over the long term, with lower maintenance costs due to moisture-related damage.
