Concrete Slab Vapor Barrier

Many moisture problems associated with interior concrete floors and slabs on grade can be minimized or eliminated by installing a vapor barrier under the concrete.

Concrete slab vapor barrier.

Vapor barriers are used because while fresh concrete is poured wet it s not supposed to stay that way. The term vapor barrier is often used interchangeably with the term vapor retarder to describe all membranes used to resist water vapor transmission. A concrete vapor barrier is simply a sheet of polyethylene plastic visqueen placed directly on top of the sub grade before the concrete floor or slab is poured to help keep moisture from the soil from passing up through the concrete. This was verfied by some field studies conducted by concrete constructionmagazine.

A vapor barrier is an impermeable membrane primarily used to resist water vapor transmission from the soil to the concrete slab. They do not degrade when used in this environment like typical polyethylene film comprised of high amounts of recycled material and can be used in the construction of. A concrete vapor barrier is any material that prevents moisture from entering a concrete slab. Thinner plastic can t stand up to the abuse of construction.

Vapor barriers have been associated with certain concrete slab on grade problems including curling and cracking. It needs to dry and then stay dryto avoid flooring problems.