Control Layers: Vapor Barriers, Vapor Retarders, & Air Barriers

Course Overview

There are a few control layers within an assembly, and in this course, we will look at a couple of them. Vapor retarders / vapor barriers, water-barriers and air barriers are distinctly different but are often interchanged. In this course, we will review the property differences along with applications of use for each in residential construction.

Learning Goals

What will you learn?

• Understand the reason for control layers and how they can reduce the flow of moisture through and assembly.
• Review the difference between Vapor Barriers and Vapor Retarders and how installing the wrong product for the application can reduce the structural integrity of the assembly.
• Review why a vapor barrier should be installed in specific applications to increase indoor air quality for the occupant.
• Understand the definitions of vapor barriers and vapor retarders and review the correct item to use as your control layer.

Available Continuing Education Credits

After watching the videos, completing knowledge checks, and passing a final assessment, you will be eligible for the following continuing education credits:

• 1.0 PA L&I Contact Hour
• 1.0 PDH for licensed professional engineers in Pennsylvania
• 1.0 AIA LU|HSW
• 1.0 ICC Contact Hour (0.1 CEU)
• 1.0 NARI hour/CEU

Instructor

Christopher Hine
Associate Director of PHRC
Penn State College of Engineering

Who is this for?

• Architects, builders, engineers, remodelers, and other design professionals
• Code officials and government representatives
• Product manufacturers with a residential focus
• Educators focused on building trades and residential construction