Is Vapor Barrier Needed On Interior Bathroom Walls

Avoid adding interior vapor barriers where the outer wall construction already includes a material with vapor barrier properties.

Is vapor barrier needed on interior bathroom walls.

It is important to make sure that a proper vapor barrier or vapor retarder is installed on the walls in your bathroom whenever you re building or remodeling. Most authorities recommend vapor barriers in certain situations. A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall ceiling or floor during the cold winter. Whether or not you need a vapor retarder hinges on three main factors your climate your home and the location of the wall you re insulating.

It is important to note that the wet area is inside the shower area not behind the shower walls therefore you need protection leading outward not protection leading inward. In areas with high humidity such as greenhouses rooms with spas or swimming pools and bathrooms vapor barriers are often recommended. If this is the case than a vapor barrier installed behind the tile substrate is not needed and you would therefore avoid the dreaded moisture sandwich. Because of moisture bathrooms are some of the primary areas of your home at risk of mold and mildew development.

Between tub and shower sinks and toilet a bathroom has a high potential for water damage not only from leaks of liquid water but also from water vapor that can collect inside exterior walls and condense. Not every wall does.