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» How to waterproof and vapor barrier a roof. What is the difference between vapor barrier and waterproofing: a review of technical and technological aspects. Insulation from Icopal Fel"X

How to waterproof and vapor barrier a roof. What is the difference between vapor barrier and waterproofing: a review of technical and technological aspects. Insulation from Icopal Fel"X

During construction modern house, you need to pay attention to the sequence of steam and waterproofing of the roof, which in turn saves energy and protects rafter system with insulation against moisture, throughout the entire life of the house. The main waterproofing materials for roofing, tested in practice, are roofing films: Fibrotek RS-2, Yutavek 115, Tyvek Soft and Delta. Such roofing films can and should be given preference. Based on experience, I would like to offer only the best waterproofing, vapor barrier and windproof membranes.

Many builders do not even know that when installing or installing façade design For example, for siding, two films are always used. This is a roof waterproofing that removes excess moisture from the ventilation space and a vapor barrier that reflects heat from inside your home. Steam and waterproofing for roofing is a standard that is established throughout the world and is also used in the climatic zones of Russia. Complex designs roofs, for example soft roofing, always require the presence of a competent roofing pie with a lower and upper membrane. Roofing films have different prices, depending on the area of ​​application. Cold roofing requires inexpensive films, but if you are insulating the roof, be sure to use a vapor barrier from the inside of the room, preferably with an aluminum layer, and use diffusion membranes along the top of the rafter system as waterproofing. In this way you will create a long-term, organized microclimate in the under-roof space of your building.

Functions of hydro and vapor barrier:

The main purpose of waterproofing is to let air through (breathe) and keep moisture out. As a rule, it is installed under the roof for ventilation of the under-roof pie. Vapor barrier - used to retain warm air in the house (reflects heat).

Using correct installation films, you keep the insulation dry, and the rafter system lasts much longer. Often waterproofing for the roof saves from heavy slanting rain, snow, drops of water still fall under the roof and simply flow into the gutter along the membrane.

Most reliable option, when the insulation is laid with a thickness of 100 mm, 150 mm, this leaves a ventilation gap of 50 mm between the insulation and the waterproofing. In this case, we recommend installing a waterproofing diffusion membrane with micro-perforation from the premium series, such as: Fibrotek RS2 PROF, TYVEK Soft, or YUTAVEK 115, which can also be laid with 200 mm insulation, without a ventilation gap. A film of this class perfectly ventilates the roof pie and provides good air exchange. As for facade insulation, for example, log siding, be sure to create a ventilation gap! You cannot fix siding directly to the film. Firstly, you will make a hole in it, and secondly, there will be no necessary ventilation. If you do not insulate the roof and walls, then you can install an inexpensive, economy-class reinforced waterproofing film such as: YUTAFOL D 96 Silver, Yutafol D110.

The concept of the roof crying:

Do not install cheap film together with insulation to avoid condensation, stains on the ceiling and expensive repairs!!! Today there is a very wide variety of hydro-vapor barriers and everyone wants to build their own house from QUALITY materials. Products costing less than one and a half thousand rubles will quickly fail - these materials do not perform their functions!!! For this money, you are likely to get only beautiful packaging. Buy roofing films only in specialized stores.


Bestsellers


Yutafol D 96 Silver is waterproofing and is a two-layer laminated perforated polypropylene film, has dimensions of 1.5 x 50 m and a density of 96 g/m 2. Manufacturer: Czech Republic roll 75m2 1395 RUR/piece

Yutafol N 110 Standard this is a vapor barrier that consists of three layers: a very durable perforated mesh, which is laminated on both sides with a vapor barrier polyethylene film, has dimensions of 1.5 x 50 m and a density of 110 g/m 2. Manufacturer: Czech Republic roll 75m2 2300 RUR/piece

Yutafol D 110 Standard This waterproofing film, which consists of three layers: a reinforced mesh made of polyethylene strips and perforated polyethylene on both sides. The film has dimensions of 1.5 x 50 m and a density of 110 g/m 2. Manufacturer: Czech Republic roll 75m2 2300 RUR/piece
Fibrotek RS-2 Prof superdiffusion four-layer polypropylene membrane. Provides waterproofing and wind protection of insulation in roofing and wall structures. The high vapor permeability of the material does not prevent the release of water vapor, preventing the formation of condensation. Film 50 x 1.5 m, density 105 g/m2. Manufacturer: Russia roll 75m2. 3600 RUR/piece

SALE


Yutavek 115 is a three-layer polypropylene waterproofing, super-diffusion roof membrane Yutavek 115 is used to protect roofs and walls. It has excellent strength, which provides high-quality waterproofing ability. Yutavek 115 has dimensions of 1.5 x 50 m and a density of 115 g/m 2. Manufacturer: Czech Republic roll 75m2 4450 RUR/piece

Tyvek Soft is a single-layer non-woven high-strength polyethylene. Tyvek Soft waterproofing is resistant to atmospheric influences and has high vapor permeability. It has a wide temperature range of application and high resistance to tearing. Film 50 x 1.5 m and density 58 g/m2. Manufacturer: Luxenburg roll 75m2 5100 RUR/piece

Yutafol N AL170 is a four-layer reinforced polyethylene vapor barrier film for roofing and walls with a reflective aluminum layer. Its use prevents the penetration of steam into the wall structure, and the reflective ability (more than 95%) of the aluminum layer reduces heat loss. Size 50 x 1.5 m and density 170 g/m2. Manufacturer: Czech Republic roll 75m2 5450 RUR/piece

Tyvek Solid single-layer waterproofing non-woven polyethylene. Highly weather-resistant and, if necessary, laid directly on the insulation. Possesses wide range temperatures for use. Unlike Soft, Solid film has increased strength characteristics. Film 50 x 1.5 m and density 82g/m2. Manufacturer: Luxenburg roll 75m2 6550 RUR/piece

Tyvek DuPont Airguard SD5 is a two-layer film made of high strength non-woven polypropylene. Used as a vapor barrier highest category, which evenly removes from the room excess moisture without the risk of condensation. Airguard fibers control comfortable temperature and room humidity. Film 50 x 1.5 m and density 108 g/m 2. Manufacturer: Luxenburg roll 75m2 8400 RUR/piece

Delta-vent n is a three-layer polypropylene waterproofing, super-diffusion membrane, which is used for ventilated roofs and facades. Copes well with excess moisture and condensation. Delta vent N premium film. 5270 RUR/piece

Scotch SP-1 is a special double-sided adhesive tape for hydro and vapor barrier. It is used for hermetic connection of hydro- and vapor barrier films, as well as for organizing hermetic connections to wooden and metal structures roofs. Roll 25 meters. Width 20mm. 500 RUR/piece

Delta-multi-band m60 is a very strong one-sided tape for gluing joints of waterproofing and vapor barrier overlaps. It has an excellent adhesive base and is often used in the repair of roofing films. Roll 25 meters. Width 60mm. 1100 RUR/piece

Video instructions for installing TYVEK roofing film

The vapor barrier layer is one of essential elements roofing pie. It is necessary to protect thermal insulation layer and rafter system from excess water vapor. Steam from interior spaces the house always rises upward, passing through the insulation, it will cool down and settle there with condensation, and this in turn will lead to a decrease in the properties of the thermal insulation layer and swelling/rotting of beams and ceilings. But this will only happen if there is no vapor barrier film.

Choosing the best vapor barrier for the roof

  • single layer film- most often this is simple polyethylene film, the cheapest and most unreliable material. This is not the most durable material on the market.
  • reinforced - stronger material, due to the reinforcing middle layer - reinforced mesh. The top of this mesh was covered with polyethylene. This double-sided lamination ensures vapor permeability.
  • universal - it is unique in that it is suitable for all structures and works with all types of insulation.
  • unreinforced membrane is a multilayer material with high insulating properties, thanks to the foil layer, which copes with its functions perfectly.

Vapor control materials on the market

Hydro- and vapor barrier films Grand Line®

The line includes hydro- and vapor barrier films and superdiffusion membranes. Grand Line H98 film has a number of advantages - the laying pattern, installation side, and overlap boundaries are indicated on the roll. Made from primary raw materials.

Roof vapor barrier Folder

Folder products offer several types of material:

  • Folder Steam Regulator - this material can provide controlled vapor transmission, maintain the level of vapor barrier and allow excess moisture to pass through as much as possible.
  • Alum H90 is a reinforced film with a foil layer that allows you to retain heat in the room and at the same time remove excess moisture.
  • H98 - has a laminated layer, can be used with any thermal insulation material.

Hydro- and vapor barrier Tyvek®

The Tyvek line includes two vapor barrier membranes:

  • Tyvek® AirGuard® Reflective - completely airtight. This membrane has been developed for more efficient work thermal insulation. The possibility of condensation entering is minimal.
  • - this is a material with limited vapor permeability, thereby reducing the risk of condensation forming and entering.

Delta insulation materials

  • DELTA-DAWI GP is a simple single-layer polyethylene film.
  • DELTA-NEOVAP 20 is a film with a reinforcing layer, due to which the risk of damaging the vapor barrier becomes much lower.
  • DELTA®-REFLEX PLUS / DELTA®-REFLEX- film with almost zero vapor permeability. This ensures that condensation does not get on the thermal insulation. This material also reflects heat back into the room.

Insulation from Icopal Fel"X

Insulation from Icopal Fel"X- this is a material consisting of three layers - polypropylene, SBS-modified bitumen and a non-woven base. These layers provide strength, waterproofing and protection to the roofing pie.

Hydro- and vapor barrier for roofing Izospan

The assortment includes several products:

  • Izospan FS - consists of non-woven dense and metallized polypropylene film. Protects the structure from steam and also reflects heat into the building.
  • Izospan B has two layers, the first layer is smooth, the second is rough, capable of holding condensation.
  • Izospan D is a membrane that is a two-layer material. Performs the functions of hydro- and vapor barrier. The material is very durable and has high UV stability.
  • Izospan DM - this material combines the functions of wind protection, waterproofing and vapor barrier. Consists of three layers.

Hydro- and vapor barrier Optima

One of economical materials. The line includes Optima B - vapor barrier, Optima C - provides vapor and waterproofing, and Optima D - a universal hydro- and vapor barrier material with increased strength.

Waterproofing TechnoNIKOL

A three-layer membrane has high vapor permeability, quickly removes moisture and protects the insulation.

Hydro- and vapor barrier Ondutis

It is a fabric with the addition of a UV stabilizer and a protective layer.

  • Ondutis V (R70) Smart- classic film. Performs all necessary functions, protects the insulation and removes moisture.
  • Ondutis D (RV) Smart— this film can be used as a vapor barrier on a warm roof and as waterproofing on a cold one.

How to properly install a vapor barrier - basic steps

  • Vapor barrier sheets are laid from top to bottom perpendicular to the rafters.
  • The material should be rolled out according to the factory winding. Usually the laying side is marked.
  • Each subsequent strip must overlap with the previous one.
  • All joints must be taped with single- or double-sided tape.
  • In places where pipes, risers and other things are bypassed, additional slats can be installed. The overlap of the material should be 10-20 cm.
  • The material is attached with a counter-lattice to the rafters. It is acceptable to use nails.
  • At the ridge, the overlap of the sheets should be 200 mm. It is better to lay more in the valley - 300 mm, and also on top of the material it is necessary to add an overlay along the entire width of the valley.
  • The ventilation gap above the vapor barrier should be from 50 to 100 mm. Vents should be provided in the eaves area.
  • It is recommended to minimize the number of holes. All holes must be sealed with tape to ensure the tightness of the entire layer.
  • When adjacent to metal or other surfaces, fastening is carried out using double-sided tape.

Installation of vapor barrier on different surfaces

Vapor barriers can be installed on different surfaces.

For example, for the floor. In this case, the material is placed inside out against the floor beams.
Vice versa for the ceiling. The film is unrolled and installed with the rough side inward.

Can be installed on walls. In this case, the following rules apply:

  • you need to unroll the film on the wall and secure it with staples,
  • vapor barrier sheets must overlap 100-200 mm,
  • Excessive tension should be avoided,
  • it is necessary to provide space for ventilation,
  • as in the roofing version, all joints must be taped with single-/double-sided tape to ensure complete sealing.

When installing a vapor barrier on wooden structures, the tree must first be treated with an antiseptic.

Important! Installation should not be carried out in damp or rainy weather. The vapor barrier material must be dry.

Most often, the manufacturer provides instructions for proper installation along with the material, and these instructions should be used. Rolls should be stored on pallets at a distance from heating devices, indoors or under cover. No more than 25 rolls can be stored on one pallet. Rolls are also transported on pallets in closed vehicles.

Video of installation of vapor barrier materials

You can see more details about the installation of vapor barrier materials in the following video.

In conclusion, it must be said that vapor barrier is one of the most important elements for creating a roofing cake. From quality and correct installation The service life of the insulation and the entire roof as a whole depends.

Modern roofing technologies are very different from the methods of covering residential and commercial buildings a century ago. More advanced and durable roofing materials retain heat better, protect more reliably from moisture penetration and make housing more comfortable to live in. However, complete tightness also has back side – « Greenhouse effect» and the resulting condensation that settles inside the roof structure. To protect the frame and insulation from destruction as a result of getting wet, a vapor barrier is performed on the roof. In this article we will tell you what vapor barrier materials exist, how they differ and how they are used in roofing pie.

Roof vapor barrier is an essential component of the roofing pie, on which the service life and safety of the finishing coating depend. It is a thin fabric or film, the structure of which allows air to pass through, but blocks larger water molecules. Vapor barrier materials are used as part of a “warm” roof, since it is more prone to condensation due to heating of the under-roof space. Vapor barrier performs the following tasks:

  1. Prevents the thermal insulation material from getting wet. Warm, moist air that rises to the top penetrates the insulation, increasing the thermal conductivity of the material, which leads to a decrease in its efficiency. And when it freezes, the water absorbed by the fibers of the thermal insulation crystallizes, which leads to the destruction of the insulating layer after several freeze-thaw cycles.
  2. Protects the roof frame from rotting. Waterproofing protects the roof truss system from the penetration of moisture from the outside, and vapor barrier materials reduce the formation of condensation, due to which microorganisms actively multiply, leading to wood rotting.
  3. Increases service life roofing. Most topcoats are well protected from contact with moisture only with outside, while the lower surface often suffers from corrosion, which is formed as a result of the condensation process. A vapor barrier prevents rust from affecting the roofing material, extending its service life.

Note! Most modern roofing coatings require the installation of a vapor barrier, which provides protection against condensation and wetting. Only if this condition is met will the waterproofing material last the service life declared by the manufacturer.

Quality requirements

Vapor barrier materials are an essential component of the roofing pie of a “warm” roof; they are attached to inner surface rafters with a construction stapler or adhesive. The material is cut into strips, which are overlapped so that condensation cannot penetrate through the joints. For effective vapor barrier operation you need:

  • Pronounced water resistance. Water vapor barrier must contain not only steam, but also water in order to reliably protect the “insides” of the roof from contact with water.
  • Strength. High strength properties ensure resistance to mechanical damage during installation and operation.
  • Long service life. Roof coverings last at least 15 years, since the vapor barrier cannot be replaced without dismantling the structure, it must have a service life no less.
  • Non-flammability. To increase the safety of living in buildings with a high risk of fire, it is recommended to use non-combustible vapor barrier.

Important! Water vapor barrier is a material that combines the properties of waterproofing and vapor barrier coatings, that is, it does not allow water or steam to pass through, while remaining breathable.

Criterias of choice

During construction own home Non-professionals often wonder which hydro-vapor barrier is better, and how to choose the material suitable for a particular structure. Experienced craftsmen It is recommended to follow the recommendations of the roofing manufacturer, and also take into account the following criteria:

  1. Climatic conditions of the region in which construction is taking place. For the right choice vapor barrier material it is necessary to know the average annual temperature in winter and summer period to determine the difference between indoor and outdoor temperatures.
  2. The nature of the use of the under-roof space. A heated attic can be located under the roof of the house, from which comes a large number of heated, humid air, or non-residential attic, which is a natural air insulation for the roof surface.
  3. Properties of roofing material. Finish coatings roofs have different composition, shape and installation method, therefore they require installation of a type of vapor barrier suitable for its properties.

Please note that the use of roofing felt, roofing felt or waterproofing material as a vapor barrier in combination with modern roofing materials is not allowed, since they do not allow air to pass through. Despite affordable price and high strength, they do not protect the frame structure from condensation, but rather stimulate its active formation.

Kinds

Modern vapor barriers for roofs are high-tech polymer membranes, the multilayer structure of which effectively protects against the penetration of water and steam, but at the same time allows air to pass through, which is necessary for ventilating the rafter frame. IN roofing works The following vapor barrier materials are used:


Important! Vapor barrier materials have 2 sides, one of which allows steam or water to pass through, and the other does not. Therefore, during installation it is important to properly fasten the sheet, otherwise the operation of the roofing pie will be disrupted.

Video instruction

Steam and waterproofing is a whole complex finishing works, aimed at increasing the hydrophobicity of the protected surface, while maintaining the vapor permeability of the isolated environment.

Moreover, this technology is in demand only in the case of arranging a protective layer for a wall or roofing insulation. Otherwise, the simultaneous use of steam and waterproofing is simply not in demand. After all, for protection ordinary surfaces It is enough to use only waterproofing.

Therefore, in this article we will describe the process of steam and waterproofing, both inclined and horizontal, and vertical surfaces, simultaneously compiling an overview of the materials used within this technology.

Let’s clarify right away: waterproofing and vapor barrier are two completely different technologies. Waterproofing solves external problems by protecting the insulation from “external” moisture - rain, snow, fog. Vapor barrier is focused on solving “internal” problems. It protects the insulation from “internal” moisture - water vapor that has leaked through attic floor or a wall.

In short, the main difference between waterproofing and vapor barrier is the positioning of the protective layer. For waterproofing it is located on the outside, and for vapor barrier it is located on the reverse side.

In addition, vapor barrier can only guarantee “solid” protection, which does not give a chance to “break through” to the insulation. And waterproofing can cut off moisture and allow air to pass through. However, not all waterproofing materials are vapor permeable. After all, such insulation costs much more than the conventional option.


How do vapor barriers and waterproofing work?

Waterproofing coatings are laid on top of the heat insulator, on a special sheathing. The main task of such a coating is to cut off moisture from the insulation that has seeped through the roofing or facing material.

In addition, the waterproofing material also protects the insulation from condensation accumulated on the inner surface of the roofing or facing material. At the same time, vapor-permeable waterproofing for universal purposes is capable of transmitting air, being impermeable only to moisture. This quality of waterproofing membranes facilitates the process of ventilation of the attic space.

The task of vapor barrier is slightly different. With its help, an impenetrable barrier is formed that cuts off the insulation from load-bearing wall or roof frame. That is, the vapor barrier is laid directly on the wall or roofing board, and the sheathing and insulation layer are installed on it.

Steam and waterproofing for roofs and walls - review of materials

Waterproofing and a vapor barrier that protects the insulation from moisture are formed on the basis of membrane or monolithic roll materials.

A good example of such a product is Izospan vapor and waterproofing - in the range of this trademark You can find five types of steam and waterproofing insulators. Therefore, we will consider typical varieties of such materials using the example of products of the Izospan brand.

The series of vapor barriers and waterproofers from Izospan consists of the following types of membranes and roll coatings:

  • Vapor-permeable films , with the help of which you can build hydro- and wind protection for a wall or roof. Using this material you can protect the insulation of a ventilated facade. Moreover, this product has both hydro- and vapor barrier properties: front side Such a film does not allow moisture to pass through, and the rough underside accumulates water vapor, bringing it out through the capillaries. In the company’s assortment, such a product is called “Izospan A”.
  • Rolled waterproofing materials with zero permeability , which are mounted on the inside of the roofing pie. The material is laid on the side of the heat insulator facing the inner space(attic or living space). This product is called “Izospan B”.
  • Impermeable films with increased thickness , on which the roof is laid or finishing material. A product called “Izospan S” is used only for waterproofing. And it solves the problem of insufficient hydrophobicity with 100% efficiency.
  • Universal vapor-permeable waterproofing materials , for whom it does not matter how the roof vapor barrier is designed - from the outside or from the inside. The product “Izospan D” works on both the front and back sides of the insulating layer.

As you can see, there are a lot of options. And you can choose the ideal vapor and waterproofing agent for any installation scheme for insulation protection. All that remains is to figure out the installation technologies.

How is steam and waterproofing installed?

Steam and waterproofing are used to solve various problems. The first protects the material from “room” moisture, and the second from precipitation. And differences in functionality left their mark on the installation process of these materials. Therefore, we will have to consider vapor barrier technology separately from the waterproofing process.

The vapor barrier is installed as follows:

  • WITH inside attic space, a sheathing consisting of timber laid in increments of 40-50 centimeters is mounted on top of the heat insulator.
  • A vapor barrier film is attached to the beam using a regular stapler for this purpose. Moreover, the insulator strips are mounted without interference, with an overlap of at least 100 millimeters. The location of the strips relative to the slope of the roof or wall can be either parallel or perpendicular. And as a vapor barrier material, it is best to use foil film mounted with a reflector in the room.
  • After completing the “construction” of the vapor barrier in a protected room or attic equip supply and exhaust system ventilation that removes excess water vapor from the house.

The last point is very important. Without ventilation, a vapor barrier will only harm the house, causing mold and mildew to appear.

Waterproofing - how it's done

To waterproof the insulation you will have to do the following:

  • On top of the cards (mats) or rolls of insulation you need to fill slats in increments of 30-40 centimeters. They form a sheathing to which the waterproofing will be attached.
  • Lay on top of the sheathing roll material. Moreover, the vapor-permeable side of the membrane is oriented to the wrong side - the top facing the roof must be completely impenetrable.
  • The joints of adjacent waterproofing strips are overlapped with a 10-centimeter overlap. Moreover, the installation proceeds like a ladder - the first layer is laid on the sheathing, the second layer covers the first, the third – the second, and so on. In this case, the laying proceeds from bottom to top in transverse stripes. Although an option with longitudinal installation is also possible.
  • The final fixation of the film is carried out using a counter-lattice, stuffed on top of the waterproofing material. This detail allows you to build a ventilated facade system and is a generally required element of the roofing pie.

To conclude our review of the waterproofing process, let us give you some tips:

Window vapor and waterproofing: nuances of the technological process

Waterproofing roofs or walls is still a relatively simple task. But arranging steam and water protection for windows is a completely different task, which can only be solved with the help of special technology.

Well, the process of steam and waterproofing windows is as follows:

  • After installing a window in the wall or roof, gaps remain between its frame and the opening. These gaps are filled with polyurethane foam.
  • A layer of vapor-permeable waterproofing is placed on top of the foam. It should “go” onto the window and be laid on top of the roofing insulation, blocking the access of moisture to the seam between the frame and the opening.
  • After this, an elastic material that can expand under the influence of moisture is laid directly on the insulating film, and it is pressed against the window with roofing sheets or platbands that are attached to the window opening.

As a result, the window is protected by as many as three insulators - elastic material under the casing, a waterproofing film and polyurethane foam. And such a sandwich leaves no chance for moisture!

What kind of roof waterproofing will be the best option? Who doesn't want to live in the same comfortable conditions in the summer heat and winter cold. Obviously, it can help cope with the cold and save on heating costs proper insulation. But the problem is, such an excellent insulation as mineral wool loses its quality when wet.

Protect mineral wool thermal insulation materials water vapor barrier can protect the roof from moisture. Of course, the roofing material itself does a fairly good job of preventing precipitation from directly getting inside onto the insulation, which cannot be said about the condensation formed under the roof. In this case, you will need a high-quality hydro-vapor barrier, which will protect the insulation from water vapor rising upward from the living quarters.

In front of the device new roof you need to choose the right hydro- and vapor barrier films so as not to encounter various unpleasant surprises in the future, for example, stains on the surface of the attic ceiling in the absence of any defects in the roofing. That is why, first of all, it is necessary to clarify what waterproofing and vapor barrier are, what functions these insulating materials perform.

  • . The main purpose of the waterproofing film is to protect the under-roof space from the penetration of moisture from the outside. Roof waterproofing is required in cases where the proposed thermal insulation layer is made of mineral wool insulation. Insulation warm attic is considered a necessary operation, since the roof can only retain precipitation: raindrops and snow, while it cannot retain water vapor rising after fog or warm summer rain.

If there is no waterproofing of the roof from the inside, steam will directly enter the thermal insulation layer, “clogging” the air pores in it, and this will sharply reduce the properties of the insulation. This process is especially active in winter, when water vapor settled in the pores of the thermal insulation quickly crystallizes. That is why the thermal insulation layer needs protection from moisture coming from outside. This is exactly where film waterproofing material will functionally help.

  • . , protects the insulation from the penetration of warm vapors coming from the ceiling. And they, as costs of human life, are present in abundance in residential premises, regardless of whether there is ventilation there or not, and how effective it is. This is what distinguishes a vapor barrier from a waterproofing material. Vapor insulating films are usually laid before the insulation layer.

On a note

The main difference between roof hydro-vapor barrier is the way modern waterproofing membranes function: they only allow steam to pass out from the thermal insulation layer, preventing water from penetrating from the outside.

Water vapor always diffuses towards cold air. The barrier that will first encounter steam on its way to the insulation layer will be the vapor barrier. Of course, it is difficult to expect that no part of the steam will nevertheless leak through the vapor barrier into the insulation. However, thanks to the vapor permeability of the waterproofing, steam will freely escape from it, after which it will go outside, picked up by ventilation flows.

Structure and device of water vapor barrier

External differences between these insulating films related to the structure of both materials. Let's look at each of them separately.

Vapor barrier films

Both sides of the vapor barrier are completely waterproof, which cannot be said about waterproofing. The film practically does not allow particles of steam and water to pass through either into the insulation or into the premises. The cheapest option for this type of material can be considered ordinary polyethylene. But it is not recommended to use polyethylene in the roofing “pie”. This is due to the fact that under the roof, especially in the summer heat, the film becomes very hot and begins to stretch, and may even become damaged. And since the roof should last one or two years, the best option would be a multilayer material with a reinforcing polymer frame that will prevent the film from being pulled out.

Roof mansard type film with a foil side. Price of roof waterproofing in in this case higher, and it will cost more than using a vapor barrier material. But this not only creates a reliable vapor-tight barrier, but it also helps retain heat. The foil side, which, according to the installation instructions, must be turned toward the inside of the room, reflects infrared radiation, and with it, as you know, the lion’s share of heat leaves the living quarters.

According to the instructions for using hydrovapor barrier, such vapor barrier allows you to solve several problems at once, in particular:

  • reduce heat loss through the roof to a minimum;
  • allow you to achieve significant savings on heating.

When purchasing, you should make sure that the selected material is a vapor barrier - there should be a corresponding mark on the packaging.

Waterproofing films

Out of ignorance, many people assume that since vapor barrier is waterproof, it can replace waterproofing and even that it will work better. This misconception, which is fraught with unpredictable consequences, will result in additional costs, since each of these films serves a specific purpose.

The waterproofing layer mainly serves for:

  • protection of thermal insulation from moisture penetration from the outside;
  • removal of vapors that could accidentally enter the insulating layer.

It was already noted above that there are no absolutely vapor-proof films: although in an insignificant amount, vapor still enters the insulation through the vapor barrier. Therefore, it must be taken outside. Waterproofing films and membranes are suitable for this.

They have a lot useful qualities:

  • resistant to ultraviolet radiation;
  • resist temperature changes;
  • They are characterized by high strength properties.

And yet the most important property A waterproofing membrane is considered to have a porous structure. Funnel-shaped pores facilitate the smooth removal of residual steam from the thermal insulation. The pores with their wide part at correct installation should be directed towards the insulation, and the narrow one should be directed outwards. Thus, steam escapes through the wide one, and the narrow one does not allow moisture from the outside to penetrate into the pores, since the water molecule is larger in volume than that of the steam molecules.

When laying a waterproofing membrane, it is extremely important to correctly determine the side of installation towards the insulation.

There are diffusion and superdiffusion. Structurally, they differ in the number of pores.

  • Diffusion films have much fewer pores. Hence the conclusion is that their level of vapor removal is significantly lower. It is impossible to lay diffusion material directly on the insulation layer - you will need a ventilated gap both between the roof covering and the waterproofing, and between the film and the insulation layer. Otherwise, when the pores of the diffusion-type film come into contact with the thermal insulation, the “funnels” of the waterproofing will become clogged with mineral wool and lose their functional characteristics.
  • Superdiffusion membranes remove steam much better than diffusion membranes, and it is necessary to create a ventilation gap separating waterproofing layer and insulation, no. As for the ventilation gap between the roof covering and the membrane, its organization is mandatory, since it facilitates the release of steam into the atmosphere along with the air flow.

When installing roofs made of metal tiles and other roofing materials, on the back side of which condensation accumulates, anti-condensation films are used. In this case, the waterproofing film does not “release” steam from the heat-insulating layer. Instead, it accumulates steam, thanks to the huge number of tiny fibers that are located on the back of the insulation. From there, moisture leaves with the flow of ventilated air through the ventilation gap.

How to choose hydro- and vapor barrier

The choice of water vapor barrier is based on its characteristics. As an example, let's look at the modifications of the popular vapor barrier Izospan today, more precisely, A, B, C, D and FB.

  • ISOSPAN “A” is a vapor-permeable material that provides protection from wind and moisture to the externally insulated surfaces of a ventilated façade, walls, and roofs.

On a note

Waterproofing materials of this type are laid with the water-repellent (smooth) side facing out. The rough side that allows steam to pass through from the thermal insulation should face inward. Pay attention to the inscription on the film - when laying it, it should be on top.

  • ISOSPAN “B” combines vapor and waterproofing properties. It is used for vapor and waterproofing of roofs. Lay the material from the inside. The film is used in the process of insulating floors and wall surfaces. Laying is carried out from the side of the thermal insulation layer facing the inside of the structure.
  • ISOSPAN “S” is the most dense waterproofing material, which has the highest density.
  • ISOSPAN “D” is a universal, durable, vapor-permeable material designed for waterproofing. It can be laid on any side of the thermal insulation: internal or external.
  • ISOSPAN “FB” – hydro-vapor barrier special purpose, intended for use in buildings high humidity such as swimming pools, saunas or baths.