The placement of a water vapor retarder directly below concrete floor slabs on the ground has become common practice for buildings where floor coverings or coatings are to be installed. Such use has ...

Question: I am having a house built partially on a slab and on a crawl space. Is it necessary to install a vapor barrier under the concrete, and is this something I can do myself to save some money?

Improper use of vapor barriers is one of the leading causes of moisture-related issues in buildings today. Vapor barriers, or vapor retarders, are designed to prevent wall assemblies from getting wet.

Q: About a month ago you had several articles about slab and patio homes and the importance of vapor barriers. At the time it was not important to me, but I am now considering a slab condo. The ...

Since the early 1970s, environmental professionals and health experts have called attention to contaminant vapor intrusion and have alerted the public to the serious health problems caused by poor ...

Q: I'm flummoxed. I've seen videos and read online articles about needing a vapor barrier in the walls of my home and possibly under concrete slabs. My builder says these things are a waste of money.

When planning a basement construction or renovation project, choosing the right materials can make the difference between a budget-busting endeavor and a ...