Introduction to Vapor Barriers (Timed and Monitored)
- Course Number: C1016T
- Credits: 1 hours
- Instructor: Ellen Huang, PE
- Price: $10
Course Outline
Excess moisture is common in homes—especially basements. This course explains how to control it with properly selected and detailed vapor retarders/barriers. Topics include perm ratings and IRC Classes I–III; climate-specific placement; material selection; installation and retrofit options (membranes, coatings, vapor-retarder paints); integration with WRBs and air-sealing; and best practices for basements, crawlspaces, walls, and slabs—using BSC Sheets 310–312 to avoid inward vapor drive and trapped moisture.
Drawing on proven principles of personal and professional growth, the course highlights key habits and practices that distinguish successful engineers in both leadership and technical roles. Through self-reflection and application-focused insights, participants will gain tools to enhance both individual effectiveness and team performance.
A multiple-choice quiz is included at the end of the course to reinforce learning and improve retention of the course material.
Learning Objectives
At the conclusion of this course, the student will:
- Be able to interpret perm ratings and IRC Classes I–III, distinguishing vapor retarders from barriers;
- Be able to select climate-appropriate materials and placement to control vapor drive;
- Be able to detail installations and retrofits, including membranes, coatings, and vapor-retarder paints; and
- Be able to integrate vapor control with WRBs and air sealing, applying best practices for basements, crawlspaces, walls, and slabs.