Vapor Membrane Roof

The firestone v gard vapor control membrane is designed to be used as vapor control layer in firestone roofing systems.

Vapor membrane roof.

Because of the billowing effect a mechanically attached roof membrane does not count as an air barrier. That reduction of air and moisture infiltration can then help improve roof longevity. A roof design that includes an adhered roof membrane with multiple layers of insulation with board joints offset and staggered over a vapor retarder air barrier helps lower the risk that air and the moisture it carries will infiltrate the roof system. And the membrane on the bottom is also a vapor barrier.

The roof is a large part of the building envelope and therefore has a significant impact on the flow of energy in and out of buildings. Vapor control membranes play a very important role in this. A separate air barrier would need to be installed below the membrane likely below the insulation layer as well. In fact it is almost a perfect vapor barrier.

When discussing air barriers roofing membranes and the building envelope another important topic comes to mind. There is often confusion between air barriers and vapors retarders. Typically a vapor retarder has to have a perm rating of 1 0 or less to be successful. The billowing roof membrane can also create a sound issue for the owner as it flaps up and down.

A vapor retarder is a material or system that is designed as part of the roof system to substantially reduce the movement of water vapor into the roof system where it can condense. The bottom membrane s primary function is that of an air barrier but it s material characteristics are such that historically it has also been a vapor barrier.