5 Tips and Tricks for Sealing the Terminating Edges of the Vapor Barrier

Photo courtesy of Chavez Concrete Contractors, Inc.

Despite its cost being measured in mere cents per square foot, project designers, contractors and building owners often disregard a high-performance under-slab vapor barrier. Yet, failing to use this vital material may be the best illustration in the construction industry of “a penny wise and a pound foolish” – unnecessarily risking costly consequences and potentially years of legal squabbling over liability.

Here are 10 critical reasons why you should always use a high-performance vapor barrier, no matter the project:

“Vapor retarder” is the term used to describe materials of varying types and classifications which impede the infiltration of water vapor into a structure. Often the term “vapor barrier” will be used interchangeably with the term “vapor retarder,” with no repercussions. But for under-slab applications, it is important to understand the distinctions between the two terms to avoid negative impacts on your project.

ASTM International, formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), is a globally recognized leader in the development and delivery of international voluntary consensus standards. Today, some 12,000 ASTM standards are used around the world to improve product quality, enhance safety, facilitate market access and trade, and build consumer confidence.

ASTM (American Society for Testing and Materials) E1745 is the Standard Specification for Plastic Water Vapor Retarders Used in Contact with Soil or Granular Fill under Concrete Slabs. This standard requires products undergo conditioning testing designed to simulate in-service (under-slab and installation) conditions, and it classifies vapor retarders based on their tensile strength, puncture resistance, and water vapor permeance ratings.

For three generations, Chavez Concrete has been one of the most trusted names in New Mexico. As one of the state’s oldest and largest concrete companies, Chavez knows what it takes to get the job done correctly: dedication, craftsmanship, hands-on leadership, and the ability to select the right tools for the job. When Chavez poured concrete at a Cost Plus World Market® and Bed Bath and Beyond® in Santa Fe, they followed the same steady course and selected Stego® Wrap Vapor Barrier for the project’s below-slab moisture protection.