{"id":30355,"date":"2023-04-14T15:00:12","date_gmt":"2023-04-14T15:00:12","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/?p=30355"},"modified":"2023-12-19T09:27:41","modified_gmt":"2023-12-19T09:27:41","slug":"rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/","title":{"rendered":"Rockwool Insulation | Does It Need a Vapor Barrier?"},"content":{"rendered":"<style>img#mv-trellis-img-1::before{padding-top:25%; }img#mv-trellis-img-1{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-2::before{padding-top:72.9%; }img#mv-trellis-img-2{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-3::before{padding-top:125.03052503053%; }img#mv-trellis-img-3{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-4::before{padding-top:72.9%; }img#mv-trellis-img-4{display:block;}img#mv-trellis-img-5::before{padding-top:72.9%; }img#mv-trellis-img-5{display:block;}<\/style>\n<p><\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"lazyblock-nutshell-VevQ9 wp-block-lazyblock-nutshell\"><p class=\"has-text-align-left has-text-color has-background\" style=\"background-color:#e7d1b1;color:#575f60;font-size:18px\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"150\" class=\"wp-image-3497\" style=\"width: 200px;\" src=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/nutshell1-11.png\" alt=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/nutshell1-11.png 600w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/nutshell1-11-300x75.png 300w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"eager\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"600\" height=\"150\" class=\"wp-image-3497 eager-load\" style=\"width: 200px;\" src=\"data:image\/svg+xml,%3Csvg%20xmlns='http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg'%20viewBox='0%200%20600%20150'%3E%3Crect%20width='600'%20height='150'%20style='fill:%23e3e3e3'\/%3E%3C\/svg%3E\" alt=\"\" sizes=\"(max-width: 600px) 100vw, 600px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/nutshell1-11.png\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-1\" data-src=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/nutshell1-11.png.webp\" data-srcset=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/nutshell1-11.png.webp 600w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/08\/nutshell1-11-300x75.png.webp 300w\" data-svg=\"1\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><br><strong>Vapor barrier is needed for Rockwool insulation if the geographic location requires it. Generally places that get cold winters require vapor barriers.<\/strong> <\/p><\/div>\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">What Is the Purpose of an Insulation Vapor Barrier?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Common insulation types, like cellulose, fiberglass, and rockwool work by trapping air in small pockets, which helps to slow down the transfer of heat between the inside and outside of a building.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It does this in two ways: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li>It traps warm air, preventing it from passing through the insulation.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Air is a poor conductor of heat, so the trapped air also does not allow the conductive transfer of heat.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"729\" src=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Tapped-warm-air-inside-a-rock-wool.jpg\" alt=\"Trapped warm air inside a rock wool\" class=\"wp-image-32111\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Tapped-warm-air-inside-a-rock-wool.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Tapped-warm-air-inside-a-rock-wool-300x219.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Tapped-warm-air-inside-a-rock-wool-768x560.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Tapped-warm-air-inside-a-rock-wool-960x700.jpg 960w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Tapped-warm-air-inside-a-rock-wool-150x109.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"729\" src=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Tapped-warm-air-inside-a-rock-wool.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Trapped warm air inside a rock wool\" class=\"wp-image-32111 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Tapped-warm-air-inside-a-rock-wool.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Tapped-warm-air-inside-a-rock-wool-300x219.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Tapped-warm-air-inside-a-rock-wool-768x560.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Tapped-warm-air-inside-a-rock-wool-960x700.jpg.webp 960w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Tapped-warm-air-inside-a-rock-wool-150x109.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Tapped-warm-air-inside-a-rock-wool.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-2\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>When insulation gets wet, the spaces are filled with water. While air cannot pass through the water very easily, heat can. Water is a notoriously good conductor of heat. This means that the insulation won&rsquo;t work as well to keep the building warm or cool.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The purpose of the&nbsp;<a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/difference-encapsulation-and-vapor-barrier\/#What_is_a_Vapor_Barrier\" target=\"_blank\">vapor barrier<\/a>&nbsp;is to prevent moisture that is generated inside the building from migrating into the insulation and causing it to become damp.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>These sources of moisture include: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ol>\n<li><strong>Breathing<\/strong>: People generate moisture when they breathe, and this moisture can accumulate in the air and on surfaces.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Cooking<\/strong>: Cooking can generate a lot of moisture, especially if you are boiling water or using a lot of steam.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Bathing and showering<\/strong>: Taking a shower or bath can generate a lot of moisture, which can accumulate in the bathroom and other areas of the building.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Laundry<\/strong>: Doing laundry can generate moisture, especially if you are using a dryer that is <a href=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/indoor-dryer-vents-kits-code\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"14274\">incorrectly<\/a> or poorly vented.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Plants<\/strong>: Plants release moisture into the air as part of their natural processes.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><strong>Humidifiers<\/strong>: If you use a humidifier to add moisture to the air, this can also contribute to the overall moisture levels in the building.<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sources-of-Moisture-inside-the-House-1-819x1024.jpg\" alt=\"Sources of Moisture inside the House\" class=\"wp-image-32110\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sources-of-Moisture-inside-the-House-1-819x1024.jpg 819w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sources-of-Moisture-inside-the-House-1-240x300.jpg 240w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sources-of-Moisture-inside-the-House-1-768x960.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sources-of-Moisture-inside-the-House-1-864x1080.jpg 864w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sources-of-Moisture-inside-the-House-1-960x1200.jpg 960w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sources-of-Moisture-inside-the-House-1-150x188.jpg 150w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sources-of-Moisture-inside-the-House-1.jpg 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"819\" height=\"1024\" src=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sources-of-Moisture-inside-the-House-1-819x1024.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Sources of Moisture inside the House\" class=\"wp-image-32110 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sources-of-Moisture-inside-the-House-1-819x1024.jpg.webp 819w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sources-of-Moisture-inside-the-House-1-240x300.jpg.webp 240w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sources-of-Moisture-inside-the-House-1-768x960.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sources-of-Moisture-inside-the-House-1-864x1080.jpg.webp 864w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sources-of-Moisture-inside-the-House-1-960x1200.jpg.webp 960w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sources-of-Moisture-inside-the-House-1-150x188.jpg.webp 150w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sources-of-Moisture-inside-the-House-1.jpg.webp 1080w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Sources-of-Moisture-inside-the-House-1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-3\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The vapor barrier is installed on the warm side of the insulation (the side that faces the interior of the house).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The structural beams between and\/or over which the insulation is installed also benefit from the vapor barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Even though the wood-framing is treated or naturally moisture-resistant, eventually moisture exposure can start to penetrate the wood, which rots and may collapse.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>While this does not protect the beams from all possible sources of moisture, it does protect them from a few, which is important.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Rockwool Is Moisture-Resistant and Vapor-Permeable<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/mineral-wool-insulation-guide\/\" target=\"_blank\">Rockwool insulation<\/a>&nbsp;is actually made from natural stone or recycled slag and not wool. It is both moisture-resistant and vapor-permeable. <\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B07YM3522P?tag=hvacbuzz-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31Tc7h-sbLL._SL500_.jpg\" alt='ProRox SL 940 Rockwool, Roxul, Mineral Wool Insulation Board High Temperature 6# Density 3\" x 24\" x 48\"' title='ProRox SL 940 Rockwool, Roxul, Mineral Wool Insulation Board High Temperature 6# Density 3\" x 24\" x 48\"'><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/31Tc7h-sbLL._SL500_.jpg\" alt='ProRox SL 940 Rockwool, Roxul, Mineral Wool Insulation Board High Temperature 6# Density 3\" x 24\" x 48\"' title='ProRox SL 940 Rockwool, Roxul, Mineral Wool Insulation Board High Temperature 6# Density 3\" x 24\" x 48\"' data-mvt-skip=\"src\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>While this seems paradoxical, it all comes down to the form of water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Liquid water cannot be absorbed by rockwool. Water vapor, on the other hand, can move through the material to a certain extent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Rockwool is resistant to liquid moisture because the fibers that make up the material are hydrophobic, which means that they repel water. This makes it difficult for liquid water to penetrate the insulation and cause damage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The vapor-permeability of rockwool is due to the fact that the gaseous water molecules are further apart from each and can, therefore, squeeze between the fibers without being as affected by their hydrophobic nature.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>When it comes to protecting insulation from moisture-related damage, if there is a possibility that water can get in, then the best defence is its ability to get out again. So, the vapor-permeability means that vapor will pass through the rockwool instead of getting trapped within.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Does It Depend on the Level of Moisture?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>While rockwool insulation is described as vapor-permeable, this is actually a relative term. It is permeable compared to other completely impermeable materials. However, its perm rating actually classifies it as a Class II <em>vapor retarder<\/em>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"729\" src=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Four-Classifications-of-Vapor-Permeance-Chart.jpg\" alt=\"Four Classifications of Vapor Permeance Chart\" class=\"wp-image-32105\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Four-Classifications-of-Vapor-Permeance-Chart.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Four-Classifications-of-Vapor-Permeance-Chart-300x219.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Four-Classifications-of-Vapor-Permeance-Chart-768x560.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Four-Classifications-of-Vapor-Permeance-Chart-960x700.jpg 960w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Four-Classifications-of-Vapor-Permeance-Chart-150x109.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"729\" src=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Four-Classifications-of-Vapor-Permeance-Chart.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Four Classifications of Vapor Permeance Chart\" class=\"wp-image-32105 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Four-Classifications-of-Vapor-Permeance-Chart.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Four-Classifications-of-Vapor-Permeance-Chart-300x219.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Four-Classifications-of-Vapor-Permeance-Chart-768x560.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Four-Classifications-of-Vapor-Permeance-Chart-960x700.jpg.webp 960w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Four-Classifications-of-Vapor-Permeance-Chart-150x109.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Four-Classifications-of-Vapor-Permeance-Chart.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-4\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>This means that rockwool is not completely impermeable to water vapor, but it still provides a significant barrier that helps to prevent moisture from accumulating in the insulation or other parts of the building envelope.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Being a Class II vapor retarder, it is considered less effective than something like plastic sheeting, which is a Class I vapor retarder, but more effective than options like enamel paint, which is a Class III vapor retarder. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This is pertinent because there are some climate zones that do not consider Class II vapor retarders as sufficient protection.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>According to <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/codes.iccsafe.org\/content\/IRC2021P2\/chapter-7-wall-covering#IRC2021P2_Pt03_Ch07_SecR702.7\" target=\"_blank\">Table R702.7<\/a> of the International Residential Code, Class II vapor retarders, like rockwool, are not permitted in climate zones one and two. These climate zones are described as extremely hot and humid and very hot and humid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Humidity means there is more water vapor in the air that the vapor retarder has to &ldquo;fight&rdquo; against. There are other climate zones that are humid, but the combination with heat is what makes it more problematic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>A cold climate cannot reach the same humidity levels as a hot climate because cold air cannot hold as much moisture as hot air. This means that the moisture levels in conjunction with the average temperature of an area can make rockwool an insufficient vapor barrier.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Some Come With Foil Facing<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Rockwool insulation sometimes comes with a foil facing. The foil facing is a thin layer of reflective material, typically made of aluminum, which is designed to protect the rockwool insulation from moisture and air.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-image\">\n<figure class=\"aligncenter\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.amazon.com\/dp\/B0933KS6XJ?tag=hvacbuzz-20\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\"><noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/517t5nJD7DL._SL500_.jpg\" alt='ProRox SL 960 Rockwool, Roxul, Mineral Wool Insulation Board, with FOIL, High Temperature 8# Density (2\" x 24\" x 48\")' title='ProRox SL 960 Rockwool, Roxul, Mineral Wool Insulation Board, with FOIL, High Temperature 8# Density (2\" x 24\" x 48\")'><\/noscript><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/m.media-amazon.com\/images\/I\/517t5nJD7DL._SL500_.jpg\" alt='ProRox SL 960 Rockwool, Roxul, Mineral Wool Insulation Board, with FOIL, High Temperature 8# Density (2\" x 24\" x 48\")' title='ProRox SL 960 Rockwool, Roxul, Mineral Wool Insulation Board, with FOIL, High Temperature 8# Density (2\" x 24\" x 48\")' data-mvt-skip=\"src\" loading=\"lazy\" class=\" lazyload\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/a><\/figure><\/div>\n\n\n<p>The facing is attached to one side of the rockwool insulation and serves a number of functions: <\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul>\n<li>The metal surface helps to prevent radiant heat transfer, which rockwool itself cannot do. <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It prevents condensation from forming on the surface of the insulation. Even if the water cannot be absorbed, it can sit on the rockwool and provide an opportunity for mold growth.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>It acts as a support in moisture protection.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p>While it provides additional protection against moisture and nonperforated aluminum foil is a Class I vapor retarder by the IRC, the the foil facing is not enough to elevate rockwool to Class I. <\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The foil facing is not a continuous barrier. The insulation, and thus, the batts, are installed in strips separated by joists or studs. The gaps are also enhanced through incorrect measuring and improper installation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>This means that vapor can bypass the barrier, making it fallible.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Installing a Vapor Barrier<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p>Rockwool insulation in itself is a good vapor barrier, so if you are needing a Class II or III vapor barrier, the rockwool insulation will be sufficient.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>However, in areas with consistent exposure to high levels of moisture or extreme humidity for most months of the year, a Class I vapor barrier may be required. In fact the <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/codes.iccsafe.org\/content\/IRC2021P1\/chapter-7-wall-covering#IRC2021P1_Pt03_Ch07_SecR702.7\" target=\"_blank\">IRC Code R702.7<\/a> states that if you live in <a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.ashrae.org\/file%20library\/technical%20resources\/standards%20and%20guidelines\/standards%20addenda\/169_2020_a_20211029.pdf\" target=\"_blank\">Climate zone<\/a> 5, 6, 7, 8 and marine 4 you need to have either a Class I or Class II vapor retarder.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"729\" src=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Climate-zone-map-of-United-States-1.jpg\" alt=\"Climate zone map of United States\" class=\"wp-image-32108\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Climate-zone-map-of-United-States-1.jpg 1000w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Climate-zone-map-of-United-States-1-300x219.jpg 300w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Climate-zone-map-of-United-States-1-768x560.jpg 768w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Climate-zone-map-of-United-States-1-960x700.jpg 960w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Climate-zone-map-of-United-States-1-150x109.jpg 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\"><\/noscript><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1000\" height=\"729\" src=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Climate-zone-map-of-United-States-1.jpg.webp\" alt=\"Climate zone map of United States\" class=\"wp-image-32108 lazyload\" srcset=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Climate-zone-map-of-United-States-1.jpg.webp 1000w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Climate-zone-map-of-United-States-1-300x219.jpg.webp 300w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Climate-zone-map-of-United-States-1-768x560.jpg.webp 768w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Climate-zone-map-of-United-States-1-960x700.jpg.webp 960w, https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Climate-zone-map-of-United-States-1-150x109.jpg.webp 150w\" sizes=\"(max-width: 760px) calc(100vw - 24px), 720px\" data-pin-media=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Climate-zone-map-of-United-States-1.jpg\" id=\"mv-trellis-img-5\" data-trellis-processed=\"1\"><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Class I vapor barriers have a perm rating of less than or equal to 0.1 and provide a more robust moisture barrier to protect the insulation and your home. These are considered to be vapor impermeable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Some options for Class I vapor retarders are polyethylene sheeting and non-perforated aluminum foil.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The vapor barrier should be <a href=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/location-matters-dos-donts-cover-insulation-plastic\/\" data-type=\"post\" data-id=\"30081\">installed on the inside of the insulation<\/a> because most of the moisture is going to come from the inside your home, where the temperature is warmer. This helps to prevent the moisture from penetrating the insulation and getting into your walls from the inside.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Sources<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.homedit.com\/rockwool-insulation\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.homedit.com\/rockwool-insulation\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.rockwool.com\/north-america\/advice-and-inspiration\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.rockwool.com\/north-america\/advice-and-inspiration\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.attainablehome.com\/ultimate-vapor-barrier-guide-faq-answered\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">https:\/\/www.attainablehome.com\/ultimate-vapor-barrier-guide-faq-answered\/<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><a rel=\"noreferrer noopener\" href=\"https:\/\/www.attainablehome.com\/when-do-you-need-a-vapor-barrier\/\" target=\"_blank\">https:\/\/www.attainablehome.com\/when-do-you-need-a-vapor-barrier\/<\/a>      <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>What Is the Purpose of an Insulation Vapor Barrier? Common insulation types, like cellulose, fiberglass, and rockwool work by trapping air in small pockets, which helps to slow down the &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":59,"featured_media":32112,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_themeisle_gutenberg_block_has_review":false,"footnotes":"","disable-in-feed":false,"article-schema-type":"","disable-critical-css":false},"categories":[615],"tags":[177,629],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v22.3 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Rockwool Insulation | Does It Need a Vapor Barrier? - The Tibble<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Rockwool Insulation | Does It Need a Vapor Barrier? - The Tibble\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"What Is the Purpose of an Insulation Vapor Barrier? Common insulation types, like cellulose, fiberglass, and rockwool work by trapping air in small pockets, which helps to slow down the &hellip;\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"The Tibble\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thetibble\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2023-04-14T15:00:12+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2023-12-19T09:27:41+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2057-Rockwool-Insulation-_-Does-It-Need-a-Vapor-Barrier.jpg\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1000\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"729\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/jpeg\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Michael Scott\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Michael Scott\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"6 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Michael Scott\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#\/schema\/person\/4d6ee0fd1370689dfd9e075a61cb6187\"},\"headline\":\"Rockwool Insulation | Does It Need a Vapor Barrier?\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-04-14T15:00:12+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-12-19T09:27:41+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/\"},\"wordCount\":1201,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2057-Rockwool-Insulation-_-Does-It-Need-a-Vapor-Barrier.jpg\",\"keywords\":[\"insulation\",\"mineral wool insulation\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Insulation\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/\",\"name\":\"Rockwool Insulation | Does It Need a Vapor Barrier? - The Tibble\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2057-Rockwool-Insulation-_-Does-It-Need-a-Vapor-Barrier.jpg\",\"datePublished\":\"2023-04-14T15:00:12+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2023-12-19T09:27:41+00:00\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2057-Rockwool-Insulation-_-Does-It-Need-a-Vapor-Barrier.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2057-Rockwool-Insulation-_-Does-It-Need-a-Vapor-Barrier.jpg\",\"width\":1000,\"height\":729,\"caption\":\"Rockwool Insulation _ Does It Need a Vapor Barrier\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Rockwool Insulation | Does It Need a Vapor Barrier?\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/\",\"name\":\"The Tibble\",\"description\":\"Your Home Improvement Companion\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":\"required name=search_term_string\"}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"The Tibble\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Logo_1_50.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Logo_1_50.png\",\"width\":813,\"height\":592,\"caption\":\"The Tibble\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thetibble\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#\/schema\/person\/4d6ee0fd1370689dfd9e075a61cb6187\",\"name\":\"Michael Scott\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/20b1d761e520e67a55b1a880be26ec0a?s=96&d=identicon&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/20b1d761e520e67a55b1a880be26ec0a?s=96&d=identicon&r=g\",\"caption\":\"Michael Scott\"},\"description\":\"Hey there, I\u2019m Michael Scott, and I\u2019m all about making home improvement simple and safe. You might know me as the guy behind a cool website that helps you find trustworthy specialists for your home projects.\",\"sameAs\":[\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/michael-scott\/\"],\"url\":\"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/author\/ms\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Rockwool Insulation | Does It Need a Vapor Barrier? - The Tibble","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Rockwool Insulation | Does It Need a Vapor Barrier? - The Tibble","og_description":"What Is the Purpose of an Insulation Vapor Barrier? Common insulation types, like cellulose, fiberglass, and rockwool work by trapping air in small pockets, which helps to slow down the &hellip;","og_url":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/","og_site_name":"The Tibble","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thetibble","article_published_time":"2023-04-14T15:00:12+00:00","article_modified_time":"2023-12-19T09:27:41+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1000,"height":729,"url":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2057-Rockwool-Insulation-_-Does-It-Need-a-Vapor-Barrier.jpg","type":"image\/jpeg"}],"author":"Michael Scott","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Michael Scott","Est. reading time":"6 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/"},"author":{"name":"Michael Scott","@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#\/schema\/person\/4d6ee0fd1370689dfd9e075a61cb6187"},"headline":"Rockwool Insulation | Does It Need a Vapor Barrier?","datePublished":"2023-04-14T15:00:12+00:00","dateModified":"2023-12-19T09:27:41+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/"},"wordCount":1201,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2057-Rockwool-Insulation-_-Does-It-Need-a-Vapor-Barrier.jpg","keywords":["insulation","mineral wool insulation"],"articleSection":["Insulation"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/","url":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/","name":"Rockwool Insulation | Does It Need a Vapor Barrier? - The Tibble","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2057-Rockwool-Insulation-_-Does-It-Need-a-Vapor-Barrier.jpg","datePublished":"2023-04-14T15:00:12+00:00","dateModified":"2023-12-19T09:27:41+00:00","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2057-Rockwool-Insulation-_-Does-It-Need-a-Vapor-Barrier.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/2057-Rockwool-Insulation-_-Does-It-Need-a-Vapor-Barrier.jpg","width":1000,"height":729,"caption":"Rockwool Insulation _ Does It Need a Vapor Barrier"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/rockwool-insulation-need-vapor-barrier\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Rockwool Insulation | Does It Need a Vapor Barrier?"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/","name":"The Tibble","description":"Your Home Improvement Companion","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":"required name=search_term_string"}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#organization","name":"The Tibble","url":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Logo_1_50.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/04\/Logo_1_50.png","width":813,"height":592,"caption":"The Tibble"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/thetibble"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#\/schema\/person\/4d6ee0fd1370689dfd9e075a61cb6187","name":"Michael Scott","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/20b1d761e520e67a55b1a880be26ec0a?s=96&d=identicon&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/20b1d761e520e67a55b1a880be26ec0a?s=96&d=identicon&r=g","caption":"Michael Scott"},"description":"Hey there, I\u2019m Michael Scott, and I\u2019m all about making home improvement simple and safe. You might know me as the guy behind a cool website that helps you find trustworthy specialists for your home projects.","sameAs":["https:\/\/thetibble.com\/michael-scott\/"],"url":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/author\/ms\/"}]}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30355"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/59"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=30355"}],"version-history":[{"count":12,"href":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30355\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34860,"href":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/30355\/revisions\/34860"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/32112"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=30355"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=30355"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/thetibble.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=30355"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}