Visqueen is a brand of polyethylene plastic sheeting (typically low-density polyethylene) produced by British Polythene Industries Limited. ... Visqueen is used as a condensation barrier inside walls when installing HVAC systems. It is also used as a ground cover in the crawl space of home foundations as a vapor barrier .
Can you use visqueen as a Vapour barrier?
While it is excellent for use in many projects, it is not ideal for any use that requires sustained strength such as a tarp or for use as a vapor/moisture barrier or retarder. People will often do a search for “visqueen vapor retarder”, or fire retardant visqueen” when they may be looking for an engineered plastic.
What kind of plastic do you use for a vapor barrier?
Reinforced polyethylene plastic sheeting (poly) comes in a variety of thicknesses and strengths. A 6 mil thick poly is commonly used as a vapor barrier and offers short-term savings to the homeowner.
Can a vapor barrier cause mold?
The Problem With Vapor Barriers
This can lead to significant moisture problems and mold ; problems occur when walls get wet during construction or more often throughout the home’s life.
Why is plastic sheeting called visqueen?
Plastic sheeting is also referred to as “plastic film, visqueen, poly”. An analogy would to plastic wrap one uses to cover food , only much thicker and it much bigger rolls. Visqueen is a brand of polyethylene plastic sheeting that is usually LDPE. ... Engineered plastic is made from virgin resins, not reground plastic.
Will any plastic work as vapor barrier?
Plastic, specifically 6-mil polyethylene plastic, is the most commonly used vapor barrier . Plastic has a very low permeability rating, which means water, in its gaseous or liquid state, does not travel through it.
What is the thickest plastic sheeting?
The most common size in the thickness rating for plastic sheeting is 6 mil . This is 6-thousandths of an inch, or 0.006 inch. Generally, the thicker the plastic, the stronger it is. If it has string/scrim reinforcement, then the string within the plastic will give it added strength.
Can you use plastic sheeting as underlayment?
For any flooring that requires a floating installation method, be laminate or vinyl planks, use a 6 mils (or thicker) plastic sheet as a moisture barrier. You can also use an underlayment with a moisture barrier built-in for water vapor control.
Can you walk on vapor barrier?
If you use a thicker vapor barrier, you’ll be able to walk on it . However, you should consider installing dimple matting below the actual vapor barrier. ... Without it, water may stay trapped underneath the vapor barrier itself, which you don’t want.
Are vapor barriers bad?
Vapor barriers are supposed to stop vapor diffusion through roofs, walls, and floors . But they can also can trap moisture, causing rot and mold. Where moisture comes from: Water vapor can be forced into wall assemblies from the warm side of the house.
Should you put plastic over insulation?
After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder , sometimes called a vapor barrier, if you need one. Not every wall does. A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall, ceiling or floor during the cold winter.
What is black plastic sheeting used for?
It is used in museums, aerospace, haunted houses, and anywhere fire safety is important. Rolls of black plastic sheeting come in multiple lengths and thicknesses for convenience.
What is plastic sheeting good for?
Plastic sheeting is a general-purpose polyethylene film for use in construction projects, paint protection and agriculture applications . Commonly referred to as Construction and Agriculture Film (C&A), it is also sometimes known by the brand name Visqueen, especially in the UK.
What is 6 mil plastic used for?
6 mil plastic sheeting is usually an excellent sheeting thickness for tasks such as covering items during a remodel, construction enclosures , remediation covers, and even greenhouse covers.
