Tips for Installing a Barrier Wall Correctly

Moisture is an enemy to building materials. Once moisture finds its way in the wrong places of a home, then you have to deal with potential damage to various parts of your house. One technique that contractors use to prevent moisture from getting into a house is building barrier walls. Typically, a barrier wall system maintains the weather tightness of a house and keeps air, water and vapour away. That said, the integrity of a barrier wall depends on the quality of the installation process. If you get an aspect wrong, then the barrier wall system will become compromised. This article highlights tips for installing a barrier wall correctly.

The Vapour Barrier Should Face the Warm Side

When installing a barrier wall for the first time, it easy to forget the correct placement of the vapour barrier. Most first-timers get this step wrong by installing the vapour barrier facing the outside of the house. By installing the vapour paper on the wrong side of the barrier wall, moisture will find its way into the wall cavity. Therefore, it is essential first to choose which side of the barrier wall will face inside the house. Once you have made the determination, you can go ahead and staple the vapour barrier on the right side.

Adequate Sealing

The integrity of the joints on a barrier determines the effectiveness of the structure. Therefore, it is critical to ensure that the joints are adequately sealed during the installation process. An improperly sealed barrier wall will allow water and moisture inside the wall, thereby accelerating the rotting or rusting processes. If you are going to use a sealant, then ensure that the sealant dries well and fast. If the barrier wall has electrical outlets installed, then gaskets are vital to ensure that there are no openings for leaks or vapour intrusion.

Be Selective with Installation

Although a barrier wall system has a lower initial cost, that doesn't mean that you should make it part of your entire house because the cost of installing many barrier walls can quickly rack up, depending on the type of material you use. Ideally, it is recommended that barrier walls should be installed where you expect high levels of moisture. For instance, since more warm air can be found in the kitchen than in the living room, it is best to prioritise the kitchen for a barrier wall. A barrier wall that is installed in the right place will protect the entire structure from environmental elements.