Extreme
Airtight
barrier
A vapour barrier membrane has an extremely high airtight barrier against vapour pressure. In an insulated building where there is a strong temperature difference between the warm side inside and the cold side outside, there will be a difference in humidity. A membrane with a high barrier (Sd value) prevents vapour from escaping and thus protects the insulation.
Application of vapour barrier membranes is always on the warm side of the insulation and is suitable for use, for example, in bathrooms, indoor pools, saunas or industrial kitchens.
What exactly is
A vapour barrier membrane
A vapour barrier membrane is a composite membrane sealed for vapour diffusion. Vapour diffusion is a term used in building physics when two different adjacent spaces have a difference in vapour pressure. Take, for example, an insulated house with high humidity in the bathroom and the outside air on the other side. Both sides of the insulated structure have different moisture levels and temperature. This creates vapour pressure. In fact, this means that the vapour will migrate through the structure to create a balance in tension between inside and outside.
This is undesirable because the vapour will cool on its way out and therefore condense. Warm air can hold a higher amount of moisture in the form of vapour than cold air. When condensation occurs in the structure, the structure and insulation will become wet. This results in a lower insulation value because wet insulation typically performs less well to hardly at all. In addition, the wet construction creates a breeding ground for mold and pests.
Discover our vapour barrier membranes
Alkreflex® 2L-2 is composed of two layers of Air cushion membrane, finished with a layer of coated pure aluminium on both sides.
AirGuard® Reflective is a 100% airtight and vapour barrier membrane coated with a side of aluminium with very low emissivity.
Miofol® AVS 4 is a 5-layer laminated floor membrane equipped with overlap and integrated adhesive strip.
Alkreflex® 2.5 is a multi-layer insulating membrane, which is suitable for wall and roof application.
Miofol® 150A is a vapour barrier reflective aluminium membrane reinforced with a polypropylene fabric.
For humid areas with
CLIMATE CLASS 4
For relatively low humidity such as an office or living space, a vapour control membrane such as our Miofol® 125S or Miofol®100S is often sufficient. However, when the moisture concentration is very high, the vapour pressure may be so high that a vapour control membrane allows too much vapour to pass through.
Normally, the passage of a limited amount of vapour is not a reason for condensation because this vapour is easily dissipated by the breathable membrane (or vapour-permeable membrane) on the cold side of the insulation. Consider, for example, our non-woven membranes from Polytex® or Tyvek®.
For example, in bathrooms, swimming pools or saunas but also in some cases nurseries where the temperature is high, it is recommended to apply a vapour barrier membrane such as the Miofol® 125AV, the Miofol® 150A or TAFTEX® IN-150. These membranes are vapour tight and provide more resistance to vapour pressure than a vapor controul membrane.
Instructional videos
This is how to process a vapor barrier membrane
If a structure is to be delivered vapor-tight, a detailed finish is especially important. A vapor barrier product from Meuwissen Gerritsen does most of the work, but if the membrane is not applied properly, the end result will not be vapor tight. In our instructional videos, we explain step by step how to best apply our products.
Installation videos
This is how to install a vapour barrier membrane
If a structure is to be delivered vapour-tight, a detailed finish is especially important. A vapour barrier membrane from Meuwissen Gerritsen does most of the work, but if the membrane is not applied properly, the end result will not be as desired. In our installation videos, we explain step by step how to best apply our products.
Buy your membrane at
our
dealers
Meuwissen Gerritsen specializes in the development and production of technical building membranes including vapour control membranes, breathable membranes, vapour barrier membranes and so much more. With membranes from our well-known A-brands, you are assured of the best quality membranes. With now over 1200 points of sale, you can find our products at building materials stores throughout the Benelux.
Since 1954, the market leader in
building
membranes
Since 1954, Meuwissen Gerritsen has been the market leader in technical building membranes as a family business. At our own factory in Haarlem, we produce only high-quality technical construction films. We continuously modernize our machinery to provide you this quality.
Do you have a technical question and want to get in touch with one of our experts? Send us an email or call the number below and we will be happy to help you!
Frequently Asked
questions
What is vapour barrier membrane?
A vapour barrier membrane is an insulating film used to restrict the passage of water vapour and air through a building structure. It prevents moisture from entering a structure from the inside and helps maintain desired moisture levels.
What is vapour barrier membrane used for?
A vapour barrier membrane is often used in the construction industry to prevent moisture problems and improve energy efficiency. It can be used in roofs, floors, walls and other building structures to strengthen insulation and reduce the penetration of moist air. Vapour barrier membrane are ideally suited for areas with climate class 4 such as bathrooms, saunas and swimming pools.
How does a vapour barrier membrane work?
A vapour barrier membrane works by minimizing the passage of water vapour and air. It creates a barrier that prevents moisture from entering a building structure from the inside. This helps maintain thermal insulation and prevents moisture-related problems such as condensation, mold and energy loss.
Is a Vapour barrier membrane suitable for all constructions?
While vapour barrier membranes can be useful in many constructions, it is not always appropriate for all situations. It is especially effective for areas with climate class 4 such as bathrooms, saunas and swimming pools. It is advisable to consult a professional to choose the right building materials based on the specific requirements of the project.
What is the difference between a vapour control membrane and a vapour barrier membrane?
A vapour barrier membrane has a higher density than a vapour control membrane. Both films are applied to the warm side of the insulation to prevent energy loss through unwanted airflow and resist higher humidity in a building.
A vapour control membrane is sufficient when humidity and temperature are not too high. A vapour barrier membrane is particularly used when moisture and vapour levels are higher for example in a bathroom. In fact, vapour barrier is the superlative
in protection on the warm side compared to a vapour control membrane.
Why is a vapour barrier membrane often made of aluminium?
Aluminium has an extremely closed surface especially compared to a plastic material. Vapour is water in gaseous form and can migrate even through apparently closed surfaces such as a plastic film. Aluminium is used to give high barrier properties to the material. Therefore, our vapour barrier membranes such as Alkreflex®, Miofol® and TAFTEX® are produced with pure aluminium.
How do you install a vapour barrier membrane?
A vapour barrier membrane is always applied to the inside of the structure. When you want to insulate facades in an area with climate class 4, you choose to apply the vapour barrier membrane on the inside in combination with a breathable membrane on the outside. This is because when moisture does unexpectedly penetrate inside, it is more easily drained outside. This way, the insulation material stays intact better.
Our membranes are mostly attached with staples. To minimize perforations, we recommend attaching the membrane using our VASTR® double-sided tape. If you do choose to staple the film, do so as much as possible in the edge where you later overlap the next layer so that perforations are taped with the appropriate tape.
Roll out the membrane horizontally or vertically over the insulation and construction. Ensure that the connection to an adjacent wall or ceiling extends a few inches so that it is sealed airtight with VASTR® double-sided tape, VASTR® Butyl tape or VASTR® Seal pro. Overlap the membrane by at least 10 cm and tape the seams and staples with VASTR® aluminum tape basic.
Seal penetrations or interruptions airtight with Tyvek Flexwrap tape. In a vapour tight construction it is recommended that an air cavity be used between the wall finish and the membranes by means of battens.
What are the benefits of a vapour barrier membrane?
Vapour barrier membranes offer several advantages. It helps prevent moisture problems such as condensation, mold and wood rot. It provides better insulation by reducing heat loss. Moreover, it contributes to a comfortable and healthy indoor environment by improving air quality and reducing the risk of allergens.
Is a vapour barrier membrane the same as waterproof membrane?
No, a vapour barrier membrane is not the same as a waterproof membrane. A vapour barrier membrane is designed to restrict the passage of water vapour, while a waterproof membrane is completely impermeable to water. Vapour barrier membrane prevents moisture from entering a structure from the inside, while a waterproof membrane is used to protect exterior walls, foundations and basements from water penetration.
Can a vapour barrier membrane cause moisture problems?
Yes, if a vapour barrier membrane is not installed correctly or if adequate ventilation is not present, it can cause moisture problems. It can lead to condensation in the structure, which in turn can promote mold growth and wood rot. It is important to make sure that the membrane is handled properly by using the right tapes, for example, and that the building structure is well ventilated.
Can a Vapour barrier membrane be combined with a breathable membrane?
Yes, in many cases combining vapour barrier membrane with a breathable membrane can be advantageous. By placing a vapour barrier membrane on the warm side of the insulation and a breathable membrane on the cold side, a system can be created that allows moisture control while maintaining insulating properties. This combination can help prevent moisture-related problems and promote a healthy indoor environment.
Is a vapour barrier membrane fireproof?
A vapour barrier membrane is generally fire retardant, but the specific fire rating can vary depending on the brand and type of membrane. It is advisable to consult the manufacturer’s product information for specific details regarding the fire safety of the vapour barrier membrane used.
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