Building Science and Home Performance

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Moisture vs. Vapor Barriers: Unlocking the Confusion

Moisture and vapor barriers are two terms that are often used interchangeably in the construction industry—but they’re not the same thing. There’s no denying that both materials are used to resist water penetration – the key reason these two words are almost always used interchangeably – but it is imperative to understand that the reasons each material is used differ.