How to Install a Clear Vapor Barrier to an Interior Wall

Vapor barriers are an important part of sealing the walls in a home from excessive air and water droplet penetration, thus improving the energy efficiency. They reside on drywall, cement board and block wall surfaces and directly on top of insulation. Although a variety of vapor barrier materials exist, the clear polyurethane plastic variety is commonly installed. Installing the vapor barrier is only a matter of securing it to the wall and then trimming off the excess.

Clear polyethylene plastic in either 4 , 6 or 10 millimeters
Staple gun
Stainless-steel staples
Utility knife
Stepladder
Drywall tape

Instructions

- 1
  Move to one corner of the room to begin the vapor barrier installation. Place the end of a roll of clear, 4-, 6-, or 10-millimeter polyethylene plastic up to the base of the wall and unroll it horizontally across the wall to the opposite corner. Ask an assistant to hold the first end in place on the wall.
- 2
  Staple the vapor barrier to the wall studs, foam board insulation or other wall material using stainless-steel staples. Space the staples every four to five inches to prevent the plastic from ballooning up.
- 3
  Cut off the excess vapor barrier material at the corner of the wall using a utility knife.
- 4
  Apply the second row of vapor barrier material directly above the first row, overlapping it by at least 1 to 2 inches. Secure it to the wall using staples.
- 5
  Continue installing rows of vapor barrier on the walls until entirely covering the room. Use stepladders, if needed, to install the upper rows along the wall.
- 6
  Walk back around the room and apply strips of drywall tape to all of the seams between the rows of plastic to seal them tightly.

How to Insulate Gaps Between a Garage Door & a Wall

How to Fill Cracks in Baseboards & Doorways

Wall Repairs