The Best Vapor Barrier for Floor, Basement, & Walls

14 May 2023,

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The choice of a vapor barrier is essential to have a well-insulated and comfortable home.

Indeed, due to the Quebec climate, the installation of a quality vapor barrier is essential. This is to avoid problems with humidity, mold, and heat loss. In addition, it helps maintain good indoor air quality since it prevents condensation in the house.

In this article, Compare Home Quotes explores the different types of vapor barriers available and the criteria to consider when choosing the right one for you. You will discover the advantages of choosing a vapor barrier for the floor, basement, and walls of your home.

Compare multiple quotes using our short online form to find the best solutions at reasonable prices from insulation specialists in your area!

Why install a house vapor barrier in Quebec?

When building a house, it is important to have a vapor barrier installed. In fact, the Quebec climate can lead to humidity and condensation problems in homes. When these issues are left unresolved, they can lead to significant problems including structural damage and health issues due to mold.

You may also experience expensive heating and cooling costs.

A vapor barrier helps prevent moisture from penetrating the walls, floors, and ceilings of the house. It acts as an airtight and moisture-proof barrier between the interior and exterior of the home.

It also helps reduce heat and energy loss. Indeed, it maintains a thermal barrier between the inside and the outside of the house. As a result, it helps reduce heating and cooling costs.

Types of vapor barriers available on the market

In Quebec, there are several types of vapor barriers available on the market. Here are the main types of vapor barriers used in homes:

Kraft paper vapor barriers

This type of vapor barrier is made from Kraft paper reinforced with glass yarn. It is coated with a polyethylene coating to make it moisture-proof. Kraft paper vapor barriers are often used for walls and ceilings.

Polyethylene vapor barriers

These are made from moisture-proof polyethylene film. They are often used for floors and walls.

Aluminum vapor barriers

These are made from an aluminum sheet covered with a moisture- proof polyethylene film. They are often used for roofs and walls.

The criteria for choosing the best vapor barrier in Quebec

Choosing the best vapor barrier for the home depends on several important criteria. These are the things you need to consider when choosing a vapor barrier:

TYPE OF VAPOR BARRIER:

It is important to choose the appropriate type of vapor barrier based on the location where it will be installed. Kraft paper vapor barriers are often used for walls and ceilings. Conversely, polyethylene vapor barriers are more suitable for floors and basement walls.

MOISTURE RESISTANCE:

It must be moisture-resistant to avoid mold problems in the house. Some offer high humidity resistance.

WATER VAPOR PERMEABILITY:

The vapor barrier must allow the diffusion of water vapor. This is to prevent moisture from being trapped in the house and to allow adequate ventilation

TEAR RESISTANCE:

It should be tear resistant. This is to prevent damage during installation or during the useful life of the vapor barrier.

EASE OF INSTALLATION:

The vapor barrier should be easy to install to reduce installation costs.

Best Types of Vapor Barriers for Walls, Floors and Basements

Here are the best types of vapor barriers depending on the surface to be covered:

Polyethylene vapor barriers are often used for floors and basements. They are easy to install and moisture resistant. Finally, they are also affordable and available in a variety of sizes and thicknesses.

Extruded polystyrene vapor barriers are a more expensive, but stronger and more durable option than polyethylene vapor barriers. They are also very effective in thermally insulating the floor, especially in concrete.

Kraft paper vapor barriers are thicker than polyethylene vapor barriers and offer better tear resistance. They are often installed on the walls before the construction of the drywall. Finally, they are also a popular option for basements.

Other possible vapor barrier options in Quebec

There are other vapor barrier options you can consider. These are in the form of membranes:

For floating floors

They are specially designed for floating floors. They are easy to install and often have an integrated thermal insulation layer. Floating floor membranes are particularly suitable for wooden floors.

For basements

They are particularly ideal for basements. Indeed, they are easy to install and offer excellent resistance to humidity. These membranes also have an integrated thermal insulation layer to help maintain a constant temperature in the basement.

For walls

These are easy to install and offer excellent moisture resistance. The wall membranes also have an integrated thermal insulation layer to help maintain a constant temperature inside the house.

Professional installation of vapor barriers

We recommend that you hire a professional for the installation of a vapor barrier in your home. This type of work can be complex and requires expertise to be carried out correctly.

There are many specialized contractors in Quebec to help you. Before choosing a contractor, verify that he is qualified, has a good track record, and has liability insurance.

The cost of installing a vapor barrier depends on many factors such as the home’s size, the complexity of the installation, and the materials used.

The average cost runs from $2,000 to $4,000. Our partner contractors will be happy to provide you with a quote tailored to your needs, free of charge!

Just fill out the short online form on this page to connect with insulation specialists near you!

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