Air and vapor barriers

Air and vapor barriers are often the solutions to problems of discomfort and high energy bills. When installed by an insulation professional, barriers are durable, economical, and very profitable in terms of energy efficiency. They are insulators that protect a building against moisture and air infiltrations. Air or vapor barriers are often recommended for old houses, commercial premises, industrial buildings and institutions.

What is an air barrier?

An air barrier prevents drafts from passing through the walls. In other words, it keeps the inside air inside, and the outside air outside. Offered in various forms, air barriers can be found as sprayed liquids, adhesive sheets or films.

 

What are the advantages of air barriers?

Air barriers considerably improve your comfort and the building’s lifespan by eliminating air infiltration.

What is a vapor barrier?

Vapor barriers are most often found as sprayed liquids, self-adhesive sheets and welded sheets. Complementing the air barrier, the vapor barrier prevents moisture and vapor from passing through the walls, which could create mould, damage the wall structure and generate air quality issues. A good vapor barrier will adhere easily to different materials (wood, drywall, concrete, stone, metal, etc.).

What are the advantages of vapor barriers?

Without a vapor barrier, a building can be damaged from the inside by moisture escaping though the walls or roof spaces and then condensing when coming in contact with a colder surface. This is especially true in Québec’s climate. In fall, spring and winter, vapor barriers protect the building’s structure against harmful condensation.

Why is the term “air AND vapor barrier” often used?

Vapor barriers are inside and air barriers are outside the building. However, barriers that serve both functions can be found on the market (i.e. a windbreaker with a moisture-regulating lining). In this case, the barrier has properties that allow it to stop both drafts and moisture.

Algon’s barriers: outstanding service and products for a perfect insulation

Every barrier used must meet the standards of the National Building Code. Algon’s professional technicians were trained to install barriers by adhesion, by torch welding or by spray (on all wall types including drywall and concrete).

Our main suppliers

Isolation Algon 2000 is proud to be supplied only by the best manufacturers in the insulation industry: 

Would you like to improve your building’s comfort and efficiency with the installation of a barrier?

Contact us for more information on barriers or to get a free quote.