Vapor barriers will reduce mold growth and moisture damage in your bathroom.
Bathrooms are damp, humid rooms that are prone to moisture problems. Homeowners can take several steps to reduce moisture damage in their bathrooms such as running exhaust fans and applying vapor barriers to the ceiling. Reducing indoor humidity and moisture will prevent mold growth and structural damage to your home.
Identification
Vapor barriers are also known as vapor retarders. These materials slow down the rate moisture is absorbed into whatever the barrier is against. Vapor barriers are commonly placed in humid rooms with abundant moisture such as bathrooms, basements, in crawl spaces and on ceilings. Every vapor barrier is rated according to its ability to retard moisture in units known as permeability. According to the United States Department of Energy, any material with a permeability rating of less than 1.0 is consider an effective vapor barrier.
Benefits
Applying vapor barriers to your bathroom ceilings will help reduce the amount of moisture that moves through your ceiling. Reducing moisture will help reduce water stains and mold growth, which may lead to health problems and damage to your home if left alone. The indoor humidity level is also lower when vapor barriers are in place, which is an important aspect of mold control. Having an effective vapor barrier on your ceilings will also help reduce energy costs and is most effective when combined with proper air sealing techniques.
Types
Several types of materials are effective vapor barriers. In existing homes, the easiest way to place a vapor barrier on your bathroom ceiling is with paint. The U.S. Department of Energy states that applying numerous layers of paint to your walls and ceilings will act as an effective vapor barrier. Choose a paint with a high percentage of solids and apply multiple coats to your ceiling. For best results, glossy paints are recommended over flat paint products. Acrylic paints provide a more effective moisture barrier than latex paints. Homeowners who are remodeling their bathrooms may wish to install vapor barriers such as rigid foam boards or foil-backed wallboard.
Considerations
After applying a vapor barrier to your bathroom ceiling, there are several other steps you can take to reduce moisture damage in your home. Installing exhaust fans in your bathroom will pull out excess moisture and reduce humidity. For homes built in humid climates, running a dehumidifier during the hot, humid summer months will also help reduce moisture in your bathroom and reduce humidity levels. Seal all cracks around window sills or gaps around your plumbing pipes to make your home more energy efficient and reduce moisture.
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