In 2007, we moved into our low-energy prefabricated house (timber frame construction). The timber stud walls were underpinned with expansive mortar, and on top of that, two-centimeter-thick (0.8-inch) wood panels were installed. The floor slab was sealed with bitumen membranes.
I suspect that the vapor retarder in the walls was not installed properly. It should definitely extend down to the floor slab and be sealed to it, right? In my case, it seems to have just been clamped under the exterior wall. At least, I constantly feel an air draft around the baseboards. I am concerned this might impair the thermal insulation and pose a risk of mold affecting the screed insulation. How is a vapor retarder correctly installed in situations like this?
I suspect that the vapor retarder in the walls was not installed properly. It should definitely extend down to the floor slab and be sealed to it, right? In my case, it seems to have just been clamped under the exterior wall. At least, I constantly feel an air draft around the baseboards. I am concerned this might impair the thermal insulation and pose a risk of mold affecting the screed insulation. How is a vapor retarder correctly installed in situations like this?
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MODERATOR9 Aug 2012 20:40Hello Tegger,
You should not feel any drafts, so if you do, something was indeed done incorrectly when the walls were constructed. In your case, I suspect a poorly installed wind barrier on the exterior side of the outer walls. Usually, either a specialized windproof membrane or a panel material is applied to serve as a wind seal.
If the vapor retarder only tightly covers the interior side of the exterior walls, that is acceptable, since the vapor retarder is intended to prevent the penetration of moisture vapor and moving air into the wall insulation.
You should not feel any drafts, so if you do, something was indeed done incorrectly when the walls were constructed. In your case, I suspect a poorly installed wind barrier on the exterior side of the outer walls. Usually, either a specialized windproof membrane or a panel material is applied to serve as a wind seal.
If the vapor retarder only tightly covers the interior side of the exterior walls, that is acceptable, since the vapor retarder is intended to prevent the penetration of moisture vapor and moving air into the wall insulation.
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