Best Vapor Barrier 2022

Our #1 pick for the best vapor barrier is FLOORLOT SHOP. FLOORS. DELIVERED. 200sqft 3mm Laminate Flooring Vapor Barrier Underlayment

The FloorLot Blue Laminate Flooring Underlayment is our favorite vapor barrier, as it’s easy to use and, backed with an extra thick 04mm PE moisture barrier plastic film, and it’s quite effective as a vapor barrier. 

We love how the FloorLot Blue Laminate Flooring underlayment provides water protection and reduces the noise coming from foot traffic at the same time. This product can help reduce noise because it contains an extra-thick 3mm foam that has natural sound absorption properties. 

This product can be used on a wide range of flooring including laminate, floating engineered hardwood, and bamboo. It comes with adhesive tape for easy installation and quick sealing.

Table of Contents:

Best Vapor Barrier for Crawl Space

Best Vapor Barrier for Concrete Slab

Best Vapor Barrier for Basement

Best Vapor Barrier for Rockwool Insulation

Best Vapor Barrier for Shower Walls

Best Vapor Barrier for Crawl Space

1000sqft NASATECH (6 Mil Reinforced Scrim) White/Foil (Waterproof) Vapor Barrier 4ft x 250ft Encapsulation Pier Wrap Crawlspace (White/Foil) Solid Super Strong Reinforced Scrim – Click To See The Price

The NASATECH vapor barrier is an excellent low-cost solution for crawl spaces because it does a great job at blocking vapors and moisture in the soil from getting into your home. It’s highly important to protect your crawl space with a product of this sort because if not handled properly wet foundations and mold in the wood construction of your home can cause some serious damage to your health. That’s because the air in your crawl space circulates in your home as well, so you do want to use a product like NASATECH which is corrosive resistant. Plus, this product is built with aluminum and polyethylene to create an impermeable material for superior protection of your floors, walls, and ceilings. 

One thing we particularly like about the NASATECH vapor barrier is that it contains a UV inhibitor that blocks 95% of the sun’s heat, which adds a layer of protection to your property.  Last but not least, the NASATECH reduces sound noise and noise from foot traffic.

Best Vapor Barrier for Concrete Slab 

Norkan Poly Sheeting 10′ x 100′ 10mil Translucent/White – Top Visqueen – Click To See The Price

The Norkan Poly Sheeting is a great choice for protecting your equipment and building materials from moisture, dirt, and dust. This product is particularly good for preventing moisture from entering a concrete slab. Created with polyethylene plastic, the Norkan Poly Sheeting is one of the most versatile recommendations on our list as its formula also works great as protection from hazardous dust, asbestos lead paint, and mold remediation. This product works great for covering fresh concrete and mulch in landscaping.

Best Vapor Barrier for Basement

FLOORLOT SHOP. FLOORS. DELIVERED. 200sqft 3mm Laminate Flooring Vapor Barrier Underlayment

Best Vapor Barrier for Rockwool Insulation

US Energy Products (AD3) Reflective Foam Insulation Shield, Heat Shield, Thermal Insulation Shield Radiant Barrier 48″ x10ft 40sqft – Click To See The Price

This reflective foam insulation shield is as close as you can get to a powerful vapor barrier which is completely unaffected by water, mold, and moisture. Rockwool insulation contains rock-based mineral fiber insulation of basalt rock and recycled slag which binds easily with the metalized aluminum polyester film from which this product is made and can prevent moisture-related issues. 

Given that pure aluminum reflects 97% of radiant heat and can resist up to 300 degrees of heat, it can be used on outdoor surfaces too. Plus, it saves energy by reducing stress on the heating and cooling systems on your property, which means that it helps your home stay warmer during the winter and cooler in summer. 

It’s worth noting that this product is entirely safe to use because it’s developed with non-toxic and non-carcinogenic materials. Last but not least, the AD3 reflective foam insulation shield inhibits condensations and prevents fungi, mold, and mildew growth.

Best Vapor Barrier for Shower Walls

Gauti Band 4 mil Waterproofing Membrane (5 inches x 33 feet) Vapor Barrier to Waterproof Showers, Bathrooms and Steam Rooms – Click To See The Price

Are you looking for an effective waterproofing membrane for your shower walls? Look no further as the Gauti Band offers a strip of polyethylene/polypropylene membrane that creates a strong water-tight seal in floor/wall connections inside bathrooms and showers.   

This powerful waterproofing membrane can be used directly on a wet screed coat, which saves construction time. The best part about this product is that it bonds tightly with outer corners without rounding at surface intersections. This is extremely important because the water-tight seal won’t allow leaks on the outer corners of your bathroom or shower walls. The product can be used on a wide range of adhesive and cement-based agents.

What Can Be Used As A Vapor Barrier?

A vapor barrier, also called vapor retarder, is a thin impermeable material used in building construction to prevent water vapor from damaging the building. It’s used to prevent moisture from diffusing into walls, ceilings, or floors during wintertime. Vapor barriers are usually made from plastic foil or sheets used from damp proofing. 

However, there are also several other materials you can use to build an effective vapor barrier including metalized film, elastomeric coatings, aluminum foil, asphalt-coated kraft paper, paper-backed aluminum, exterior grade plywood, as well as glass and metal sheets.

How Thick Should My Vapor Barrier Be?

No matter what material you use as a vapor barrier, it needs to be at least 6 mils thick to ensure safety and create a moisture barrier that will stop water from damaging the building. 

Do Vapor Barriers Cause Mold?

Although vapor barriers are used to stop vapor from diffusing into your walls, roofs, and floors, some vapor barriers can trap moisture and cause mold. Usually, problems occur when the building’s materials get wet during the construction process. To avoid such situations, it’s best to avoid windy or rainy weather and apply vapor barriers on any surface on a sunny day.