As beautiful as the great outdoors can be, you don't want the weather outside to follow you home. However, if your house isn't equipped with vapor barrier insulation, you could be dealing with an excessive amount of humidity and condensation inside. To learn more about this type of insulation and whether your property would benefit from it, review the guide below.

What Is Vapor Barrier Insulation?

This type of insulation is essentially a paper-thin film of plastic, which is used with insulation to build a wall. Often made of polyethylene, vapor barriers prevent water vapor in the cold winter air from penetrating a house or building, therefore preventing interior moisture buildup. Depending on your building's other components, such as the presence or lack of cladding, you might need a Type 1 or Type 2 barrier, the former being most restrictive to the transmission of moisture.

Which Homes Should Have It?

To determine your need for this type of insulation, you'll need to find out what climate zone your house is in. Those in sections 4C through 8 have a mixed or cold climate, which requires the addition of vapor barrier insulation. Almost all areas of Alaska are in section 7, with some in section 8.

Additionally, buildings with exteriors made of absorptive materials, such as fiber cement, brick, wood, or stone, are more likely to retain moisture and could benefit from a vapor barrier. It's also important to know that if you're adding a wall to the interior of your home, you may not need a vapor barrier, as only the exterior walls demand this extra protection.

Whether you’re working on a renovation project or building a home from the ground up, turn to Alas-Co General Construction in Anchorage, AK, for high-quality vapor barrier insulation. They have over 30 years of experience providing a wide range of insulation products, whether you need acoustic, spray foam, or fiberglass batting. They can also perform thermal tests to analyze the temperature transfer throughout your property. To learn more about their offerings, visit their website or call (907) 522-2297.