Vapor barrier TechnoNikol - optimal humidity and temperature in your home! What materials are better to use for vapor barrier of a flat roof

Insulation of the outer walls and roof of the house reduces heat loss and maintains favorable conditions in the living quarters. Long-term operation of the building is ensured by enclosing structures that are not damaged by climatic influences. Hydro and vapor barrier for the roof of the Russian company TechnoNIKOL protects the traditional mineral fiber insulation, which easily absorbs moisture from internal evaporation and precipitation. Wetting a porous material leads to an increase in its thermal conductivity, the return of condensate to the room, and the formation of conditions for the development of fungal microorganisms.

In the absence of a protective barrier, rotting of wooden roof structures, a change in humidity levels and a violation of interior decoration occur. Multilayer vapor barrier TechnoNikol prevents the formation of excess condensate in the fibrous mineral insulation. The membrane allows air to pass through and maintains its natural circulation in the room. The characteristics of the breathable material allow you to create a microclimate with indicators of a wooden structure. TechnoNikol produces several types of vapor barrier film, which is used in the insulation of pitched and flat roofs, frame walls, and ventilated facades.

Varieties of insulation

As usual, basalt wool mats or expanded clay gravel are chosen. Both materials have good hygroscopicity and easily absorb moisture. Rolled vapor barrier for flat roofs TechnoNikol will reliably protect the porous insulation from condensate that forms from the side of the warm slab. Three layers of polyethylene have a special density and can withstand the increased load of the coating, atmospheric precipitation in the form of snow marks and a large volume of water. The vapor barrier is laid on a concrete slab or metal flooring sheet, where it serves as a barrier to humid air from the premises and additionally protects the supporting structures of the house from climatic influences.

Three-layer vapor barrier for pitched roofs and walls TechnoNikol called Optima consists of two sheets of non-woven spunbond polypropylene and a film membrane between them. The inner layer with pores with a diameter less than a water molecule allows air to pass through, but retains steam. Double-sided polypropylene threads provide vapor barrier strength in tension and compression, which allows it to be used in the range from -40 to + 80C. The multi-layer material is resistant to temperature changes, humid, acidic or alkaline environments.

Breathable vapor barrier Optima TechnoNikol is suitable for protecting the insulation of a gable roof of an attic, external walls of a frame type, ventilated facades. The film is laid from the side of a warm room, with the front surface inside. The micropores of the three-layer barrier partially pass vapors that do not linger in mineral wool, thanks to TechnoNikol diffuse waterproofing. Bilateral protection of a heater provides preservation of working characteristics and long term of operation.

In addition to the use on the side of a residential attic, the vapor barrier of the Optima TechnoNikol series is used for external insulation of a gable roof along the rafters and when installing a roof with a cold attic. One-sided diffusion of steam through a three-layer polymer membrane prevents the formation of condensate and its negative impact on wooden supporting structures. A vapor barrier on a cold roof protects the interior of the house from wind, moisture and dust.

Reinforced vapor barrier for the roof consists of a durable polymer mesh, which is coated on both sides with polyethylene by ultrasonic welding. The moisture-impervious three-layer film withstands increased tensile loads, which makes it possible to use it on flat roofs, gable roofs of attics and cold attics, in frame structures and internal wall insulation. Reinforced vapor barrier is laid horizontally or vertically from the side of a warm room, regardless of the layer marking. The versatility of the material determines its higher cost, which pays off with strength, tensile and load resistance.

Specifications

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During the operation of the roof, it is affected by several negative factors, among which the most significant is the effect of moisture, since it damages the truss system and reduces the practicality of the heat-insulating layer. To avoid such a situation, you should seriously approach the waterproofing and vapor barrier of the roofing pie.

To prevent excessive moisture in roofing materials, to protect the roof from precipitation and wind with sufficient ventilation, it is possible with the help of vapor-tight waterproofing under-roofing films.

A vapor barrier of a flat roof is made of film roll material, which is offered on the modern construction market in a wide range. It will be quite difficult for inexperienced developers to distinguish films with different levels of vapor permeability from each other.

Creation of highly vapor permeable insulation

To create a highly permeable vapor barrier, materials with a vapor permeability level of 700 g/m3 for 1 day are selected, with a maximum of 3000 g/m3. In this case, Sd is inversely proportional to these values ​​and reaches about 30 cm.

Such superdiffusion membrane or, as they are also called, diffusion, films easily let water vapor through, thereby eliminating the condensation process that negatively affects the mineral insulation. Such a design guarantees the laying of the membrane and roof insulation without a ventilation gap between them. In structure, this styling resembles a layer of fabric or paper.

It is important to know that for a high-quality roofing pie, a vapor barrier material can be attached in 2-3 layers, where the main components will be vapor and moisture-proof polyethylene or polypropylene films, as well as a laminated protective fiber.

The four-layer one has the highest efficiency, where a reinforcing mesh made of polyethylene or polypropylene is used to reinforce the material.

The production of roofing vapor barrier is carried out with the addition of different color shades:

• black;
• white;
• yellow;
• blue
• gray
• bright green.

The difference between low-vapor-permeable films and the above-described material lies in the structure and the raw materials used, the transmission capacity of which is much lower - about 25-40 g / m3 per 1 day.

Vapor barrier: basic materials for work

A vapor barrier is being constructed - instructions for its installation, as a rule, are offered by the manufacturer, depending on the purpose of the room and the conditions for its maintenance.

The described method is quite effective, but due to the increase in wood prices, it requires large material investments. It will be much more economical to build a film vapor barrier that does not need additional flooring. So, do-it-yourself roof vapor barrier for a flat roof can be equipped. If the roof has a complex structure or it is planned to install various lucarnes, skylights, kinks and other similar elements, then the use of ventilation gaps will be quite difficult. The best option is the laying of low-vapor-permeable materials on simple roofs, for example, gable roofs.

It is important to take into account the negative impact of UV radiation on the film - it becomes less waterproof, loses elasticity and, ultimately, may break.

The most dangerous in this case is the transitional stage of completion on the roof without the subsequent installation of the roofing, when the film is directly exposed to sunlight. To avoid this phenomenon, it is recommended to install the vapor barrier film and waterproofing before directly attaching the coating sheets.

Appointment of a special vapor barrier

Along with low and high vapor permeable films, a special vapor barrier is offered on the market, designed for certain types of material, or for roofs with a special design:

Organization of a roofing pie, detailed instructions on the video:

How to fix the vapor barrier film

Traditional vapor barrier films are easily mounted to any surface, subject to certain rules:

• they are fastened to a wooden base with galvanized nails with wide hats, or construction brackets;
• when using a metal, brick or concrete base, you will need double-sided adhesive tape or adhesive tape.

Before starting the installation of the film, a thorough isolation and sealing of the surface is carried out, where there are many relief roofing elements, for example, chimneys, ventilation ducts, antennas. Chimneys and chimneys are covered with an additional insulating layer in order to prevent the film from thermal damage.

Since the flow of warm air in the house rises, the roof vapor barrier must also be installed so that the foil surface is located closer to the interior - then the heat will be reflected from it without dissipating to the outside (more: ""). The film is attached to the heat-insulating material with a small gap, due to which the heat will be reliably stored in the roofing pie.

It is impossible to imagine the arrangement of the roof without hydro- and vapor barrier, which help to maintain the effectiveness of the heat-insulating material, inside which, as a rule, moisture and water vapor accumulate. For the correct choice of vapor barrier material among the goods offered on the market, it is enough to have an idea of ​​​​the climatic conditions where the building is being built, as well as its roof structure.

TechnoNikol vapor barrier is necessary for the normal functioning of wall surfaces and roof structures of various buildings. Its correct laying ensures high-quality air circulation in residential and public buildings, as well as the effective removal of excess moisture from them.

The construction of various structures according to modern standards involves the implementation of thermal insulation of their individual elements. At the same time, even a very good insulation will not perform its functions efficiently if it is not protected from steam. Vapor barrier of the roof structure is carried out in order to exclude the possibility of condensation on heat-insulating materials.

Vapor barrier of walls and roof

Without it, the insulation will quickly lose its properties. This will lead (and very quickly) to the appearance of fungus and mold in the premises of the building or the rooms of a residential building. Experts advise to perform steam and thermal insulation of the roof at the same time. Then such problems do not arise. It is optimal to use a vapor barrier that is able to maintain moisture resistance for a long time. In addition, it is desirable that it does not emit toxic compounds during operation, is environmentally friendly and fireproof.

High-quality vapor barrier of wall surfaces is also important. It is through the walls that any building loses a large amount of heat. In this case, it is necessary to use vapor barrier products that resist diffusion well, leading to wetting of the walls.

Protection of wall surfaces from condensate is carried out in two ways. It is internal and external. The first of these is recommended for any structures, be it a residential building or a public building. And external protection is most often installed on the walls of brick and concrete buildings, as they have a high rate of heat transfer and thermal conductivity.

Any type of vapor barrier of the described brand provides optimal indicators of humidity and temperature in the premises. The special technical characteristics of such materials, as well as their special structure, guarantee the ideal parameters of strength, water resistance and vapor permeability of products. This means that the walls and roof of the building receive reliable protection against condensate.

TechnoNikol insulation is environmentally friendly and safe. It is allowed to be used in public and residential buildings, as it does not emit toxic fumes. The vapor barrier is produced in rolls, characterized by a small thickness. Its use is recognized by professionals in the field of construction as economical as possible. When installing TechnoNikol materials, there are no extra seams. It is also important that the vapor barriers we are considering have an acceptable cost.

Insulation materials from TechnoNikol

You can purchase materials to protect your home from moisture under the described brand of the following types:

1. diffusion membranes. They are distinguished by increased strength, have unique technical characteristics (in particular, a high rate of vapor permeability per day - 5 g per square surface, and surface density - about 80 grams per square meter). The membranes provide an optimal balance of humidity and temperature in the premises. Moreover, they can be used in different climatic conditions.
2. Vapor barrier for a flat roof TechnoNikol. It is made of polyethylene (multi-layer) so that the products can withstand large amounts of moisture and severe snow loads. Protective materials for are non-perforated and with special holes of small sizes. The first among household consumers are unpopular because of their high cost and relatively low vapor permeability (1.1 g per meter). But perforated products are in demand by home craftsmen.
3. Reinforced vapor barriers. Used for flat and sloping roof structures. They are produced with a special layer of polyethylene strips connected into a single mesh, due to which they have high strength characteristics. Such a vapor barrier is truly durable, it does not rot over time, significantly reduces heat loss in residential buildings, protects the roof not only from condensate, but also from the negative effects of wind.

Also in the range of TechnoNikol there are universal insulating films. They are made with two polypropylene layers. On the one hand, such products have a polymer coating. Universal vapor barriers are suitable for installation on pitched and flat roofs, as well as on walls. Their vapor permeability is very high - 5.1 g per square surface per day.

Review of materials TechnoNikol - briefly about the protectors from condensate

External vapor barrier of various types of roofs is often performed using Bicroelast, a rolled material with an astringent bituminous coating and a non-rotting base. Its main technical characteristics are as follows:

• heat resistance - up to +90 ° С;
• roll weight - 3-4 kg;
• flexibility temperature - no more than -10 °;
• width - 1 m, length - 10 or 15 m.

Bikrost, a material for protecting the lower layer of the roofing carpet from steam, has approximately the same parameters. It is made by applying a bituminous coating to a polyester or fiberglass base. In addition, special protective films are glued on both sides of the Bikrost. To protect the walls of frame houses and insulated roofs from moisture, a hydrophobic polypropylene membrane Optima is used. It maintains the vapor barrier at the required level and at the same time has the property of vapor permeability.

Optima is made from non-woven polypropylene. Between the two layers of this material, a special gasket is additionally placed, which controls the process of passing condensate. The vapor permeability of such a membrane is 5.1 g. Optima is mounted on the inside of the thermal insulation material (the membrane should look towards the room with its smooth side). It is fixed close to the insulation with horizontal or vertical stripes with an overlap of 10-20 cm. To a solid flooring, frame parts or racks, Optima is fixed either with nails (hardware caps should be wide) or with a construction stapler.

Despite the fact that the roof looks very simple, it belongs to complex structures. For this reason, even the slightest violation of technology leads to the fact that the operation is accompanied by problems. Some of them are detected immediately, others - only after a while. However, the result is the initial violation of the seal and the subsequent destruction of the roof. In order to ensure a comfortable microclimate in the house, it is necessary to properly equip the roofing pie, among the elements of which there is a vapor barrier.

The need for a vapor barrier

Absolutely necessary, because a room for any purpose, whether it be a kitchen or a bathroom, requires the presence of a certain amount of water vapor. After formation, they rise upward, penetrating into the space under the roof, where the insulation material is located. If appropriate measures are not taken, the thermal insulation will absorb moisture, which over time will certainly lead to destructive processes. This necessitates the use of a vapor barrier layer, which must be present in every roofing pie. Those owners of private houses who are going to save on the purchase of vapor barrier should be aware that its use allows you to get some benefits. Among them, one can single out the exclusion of the likelihood of decay and corrosion, which can occur during the interaction of metal and wood, as well as water vapor. If you use the described layer, then you can save on the repair and maintenance of the roof system, which will not be exposed to aggressive moisture. Such measures will extend the life of materials. Vapor barrier for the roof will cost less than repairing the roof and fighting the fungus, as well as the dampness that can occur in living rooms.

Vapor barrier materials

Visiting a building materials store, you can get acquainted with the range of special films designed for arranging a vapor barrier layer. They are designed to perform the same function, but have different properties and quality characteristics. You have to choose from anti-condensate materials, as well as vapor-tight barriers. As for the first variety, it is used to prevent steam from entering the insulation layer. Such material has a special internal micro-perforated structure, which allows vapors to pass into the outer space. The installation of this film must be carried out in such a way that it is removed from the roofing by the thickness of the lathing elements. This gap allows air masses to circulate freely between the under-roof space, improving the quality of the vapor barrier.

Using such a material, you can be sure that it will provide one-sided permeability, while maintaining the dryness of structures and thermal insulation material.

Anti-condensation films

Such a vapor barrier for the roof has a fleecy fabric that is applied to the inner surface. The structure is able to retain moisture, excluding its runoff on the insulation. Air circulation, which occurs in the ventilation gaps, contributes to the rapid weathering of moisture. With the help of this material, it is possible to provide reliable vapor barrier, improving the quality of the insulation. When laying such a film, it is necessary to turn the adsorption layer towards the inside of the living rooms. In this case, the distance between the rafters should not be more than 1.2 meters. The layer is fixed on a counter-lattice with a small ventilation gap.

Vapor barrier films

Vapor barrier for the roof with the help of such materials forms a kind of protective barrier, which is located on the inside of the insulation layer. This film may have an aluminum reflective foil which is used as an additional layer. It is located in such a way that radiant energy is reflected into the room. This allows you to achieve the effect of a thermos. It is necessary to install the layer close to the thermal insulation, providing a ventilation gap that prevents the formation of condensate on the inside of the material. Such films not only perfectly protect the entire structure from moisture, but also reduce heat loss.

Material selection guide

If you will be performing a vapor barrier of the roof, the material must be selected even before the start of work. In this case, attention should be paid to vapor permeability. This value is characterized by the rate at which the vapor pressure between two media separated by a film is compared. The more impressive the thickness of the film, the lower its vapor permeability. It is also important to consider the strength of the material. The more impressive the margin of safety, the more reliable the finished coating will be. If the insulation layer loses its original elasticity, this will lead to sagging, while the vapor barrier will prevent the destruction of the insulation, which is affected by gravity.

Fire safety and durability

Before a roof vapor barrier device is made, you must take into account some of the characteristics that the described layer must have. Thus, it must be flame resistant. This condition is necessary in order to guarantee fire safety. Among other things, pay attention to environmental friendliness. The basis should be ingredients that are safe for health. Pay attention to durability, the warranty period will determine the period during which absolutely no repairs will have to be carried out.

Installation

After you have chosen a vapor barrier for a flat roof, you need to familiarize yourself with the installation technology. The mentioned layer must be strengthened under the outer finish from the inside of the roof. When arranging, it will be necessary to form a ventilation gap, the width of which is 5 cm. This will prevent the effect of water on the ceiling finish if high humidity occurs in the room. The vapor barrier and waterproofing of the roof must be overlapped. This must be taken into account when cutting the material. One canvas should overlap the other by 15 cm. The joints must be securely sealed with construction tape. The design features of the system will allow you to determine whether to carry out one-sided or two-sided fastening.

If you will be installing a vapor barrier under the roof, before cutting it is necessary to take into account seasonal fluctuations in temperature and humidity, which will affect the layer. This indicates the need to fix the material without tension, the sagging should be 2 cm. In those areas where the vapor barrier will be adjacent to the walls or roof, it is necessary to make a thorough seal. Around the perimeter, everything should be glued well. During installation, you need to use the brackets of which are installed in the elements of the rafters. Fastening should be carried out using rails, this will exclude the possibility of water seepage into the insulation material.

An important element in the roofing cake is the vapor barrier of the roof. In short, a layer of vapor barrier material protects the insulation from oversaturation with moisture and, as a result, the loss of thermal insulation properties. To avoid this situation, it is necessary to perform both hydro and vapor barrier of the roof.

Well, if it’s already quite on the case, then the answer is already clear from the subtitle. Laying a vapor barrier on the roof protects or isolates the insulation from steam.

It's that simple. But where does the steam come from? There is such a thing as moisture transfer. The room inside becomes damp for several reasons:

• Cooking food;
• human breath;
• Taking a shower;

It's no secret that warm air tends to rise. In addition, its ability to carry moisture (steam) is much higher than that of a cold one. So, together it carries moisture with it. What obstacles does this couple meet on its way? It can be:

• Concrete and wooden floors;
• Internal lining of the ceiling and roof.

However, part of the steam still reaches the very top of the roof - the place where the roofing cake is located. And if there were no vapor barrier for the roof, all this steam would directly enter the insulation.

Considering that foam (foam), insulation is not carried out inside, the heater means mineral wool, which is used most often.

For example, here is a statement that can be found on the official website of TechnoNikol, a major manufacturer of stone wool:

“Stone wool should not be directly soaked, because it loses its properties when wet”

So, why do you need a vapor barrier? We found out that the inside of the insulation must be covered with a vapor film to prevent steam from entering it. The roof must first be insulated, and only then covered with a film from the inside.

Protective membrane outside

A waterproofing coating is used under the main roofing (for example, for a roof made of metal). Since from the outside the insulation will be affected not only by steam, but also by water in two other states, for example in the form of rain, waterproofing is needed there. Using a vapor barrier membrane like Isospan B for outdoor use would be a big mistake.

By the way, it is very interesting and scientific about whether a vapor barrier is needed, is described in the video below.

What to use

As in many cases, there are different materials used for the same task. Roof insulation is no exception.

Polyethylene films

For a roof vapor barrier, sometimes a high strength of the material is required, for example, if we are talking about insulation of the attic floor. To increase the strength of polyethylene, they began to reinforce it. These films are of two types:

• perforated;
• Non-perforated.

Separately, it is worth mentioning the films on the one hand, covered with aluminum foil. Their ability to resist steam is much higher than that required for ordinary rooms. More often, such films are used for saunas and baths, so it makes no sense to choose them for the roof.

However, there are films that have two significant advantages over polyethylene.

Polypropylene films

The notorious advantages of such films are:

• Higher strength;
• UV resistant.

For example, such films can protect open rafters from rain and snow throughout the year.

There is a particularly attractive appearance of films made from this material. Films with antioxidant coating. On the one hand, such films are covered with a layer of viscose fiber with cellulose. This coating is able to absorb moisture (condensed steam) and store it for a certain time. After the cause of the condensation disappears, the layer dries quickly, preventing moisture from penetrating into the thermal insulation. It is important to lay such a film correctly. The antioxidant layer should be facing down from the insulation.

Most often purchased films of the following brands:

• TechnoNIKOL,
• Isospan;
• Klober;
• Tyvek
• Juta;
• Nikofol;
• Izovek.

Did you know?

For roof insulation, glassine used to be used. Now this material is practically not used. There are much better, and relatively inexpensive materials. Also previously used roofing felt, roofing material, or ordinary plastic film.

What vapor barrier to choose for the roof? As we have seen, this mainly depends on two factors:

• Places where insulating material is applied;
• The financial capacity of the owner.

Having noticed the possible types of vapor barrier, you can more clearly understand which vapor barrier is best for the roof. We settled on polypropylene films with an antioxidant coating.

Principles of vapor barrier installation

Installing a roof vapor barrier is not a difficult process in itself, however, there are some nuances here. So, the following can be distinguished:

• Lay the vapor barrier on top of the thermal insulation. Both horizontal and vertical laying of a film is possible. Lay the film horizontally (transversely to the rafters) starting from the top row and moving down. It is imperative to make an overlap of 10, and preferably 15 centimeters. The films are nailed to the crate with a construction stapler. To fix the joints, two types of tapes are used: double-sided and one-sided. The double-sided tape is glued onto the inner strip of the film and covered with the next one. A single-sided tape is used to fix the seams from the outside and glued directly at the junction.
• If you need to lay the insulation vertically, make sure that the joint falls on the crate, otherwise the film may tear, even if it is glued with tape. (Besides, on weight it is very inconvenient).
• In places where the film adjoins the windows (if the roof is attic), a special apron is used. If such an element is not included with the film, stick a special tape not at the joint.
• On top of the laid insulation, an additional beam is attached as a crate. This is necessary so that the vapor barrier for the roof and the inner lining have a ventilation gap between them and air circulation is possible. The minimum thickness of the timber is 25 mm, preferably 50 mm.
• Avoid sagging foam. Mount it tightly.

What is neglected

As already mentioned, the vapor barrier of the roof is a simple matter, but there are several flaws that are often found here. For example, good, expensive European films are purchased, and, say, connecting tapes are ordered from China. Doing so is extremely wrong. Or even the material is not used for its intended purpose. For example, Izospan V is used as waterproofing.

Also, puncture sites with self-tapping screws should always be fixed with aluminum-coated tape. Alas, often on the roof you can find torn insulation. Holes greatly reduce protection and steam rapidly penetrates into the mineral wool, forming frost and breaking the heat-saving layer.

Cost calculation

How much does it cost to create a vapor barrier for a roof? The price depends on the density (measured in grams per square meter) and the brand of the manufacturer. Rolls are from 1 to 3 meters wide (rolls wider are rare).

For example, a Tyvek Airguard SD5 vapor barrier membrane, a roll 1.5 m wide and 50 m long, costs 9.5 thousand rubles. ($164). This means that 1 square meter of such insulation will cost 126 rubles or $2.17.

Roll Izovek In Eco costs only 540 rubles or 9.3 dollars. (Size 1.6 by 44 m). Thus, 1 square meter of vapor barrier will cost 7.67 rubles or 0.13 dollars. In our example, the latter option will be 17 times cheaper.

An Izospan RS about the same size will cost around 1,800 rubles ($30).

Do not forget to include docking tapes and adhesive tape, as well as stacked brackets in the calculation. When ordering a complex roof, laying a vapor barrier (the work itself) will cost 40-80 rubles per square meter.

Roof vapor barrier is the most expensive, but important element of the roofing pie. Steam waterproofing reliably protects the rafter system from decay, and the insulation performs its functions.

Real mistakes on real objects 3 videos

See how an improperly laid layer of insulation can damage the batten.