The Ultimate Guide to Self Adhesive Vapour Barriers

A self adhesive vapour barrier is a type of roofing membrane that provides a seal against moisture and vapour penetration. These barriers are crucial in preventing condensation, which can cause significant damage to roof structures over time. The self adhesive feature means that these barriers are easy to install, offering a strong and reliable seal without the need for additional adhesives.

Moisture Protection

Self adhesive vapour barriers provide superior protection against moisture infiltration. This is essential in preventing the growth of mould and mildew, which can compromise the structural integrity of your roof as well as the health of the building’s occupants.

Ease of Installation

The cold self adhesive allows for quick and easy installation without welding and glueing which not only saves time but also reduces labour costs, making it an economical choice for roofing projects.

Energy Efficiency

By preventing moisture from entering the roof system, self adhesive vapour barriers help maintain the insulation’s effectiveness. This leads to better energy efficiency and reduced heating and cooling costs.

Durability

Carlisle’s self adhesive vapour barriers are designed to withstand extreme weather conditions, providing long lasting protection for your roofing system.

Not only that, these vapour barriers can be walked on immediately after installation and are puncture resistant making them ideally suited for use on various substrates such as metal, wood, bitumen and concrete. (Additional primers may be required, depending on the substrate).

Self adhesive vapour barriers are versatile and can be used in various roofing applications. They are suitable for:

• Commercial roofing

• Residential roofing

• Industrial buildings

• Renovations and new constructions

• Warehouses

Prepare the Surface:

Ensure the roof surface is clean, dry, and free from debris. A clean surface ensures optimal adhesion of the vapour barrier.

Measure and Cut:

Measure the area to be covered and cut the vapour barrier membrane to size. Leave a slight overlap at the edges for a secure seal.

Apply the Barrier:

Peel off the backing paper and carefully place the self-adhesive vapour barrier onto the prepared surface. Smooth out any air bubbles to ensure full contact with the surface.

Seal the Edges:

Press down firmly along the edges and overlaps to create a watertight seal.

Inspect:

Check the entire installation to ensure there are no gaps or areas where the membrane is not properly adhered.

At Carlisle, we are committed to providing high quality roofing solutions that stand the test of time. Our self adhesive vapour barriers are:

Reliable: Engineered to provide maximum protection against moisture and vapour.

Easy to Use: Designed for straight forward installation, saving you time and money.

Durable: Built to last, even in the harshest weather conditions.

Alutrix Self Adhesive Vapour Barrier

ALUTRIX is a self adhesive aluminium vapour barrier consisting of an aluminium layer with a cold self adhesive compound on the underside. Due to the high sd value of over 1,500 m, it offers a very high level of vapour tightness and is therefore significantly tighter than conventional vapour barriers.

ALUTRIX® 600 is ideal for structures subject to high moisture levels, such as swimming pools, kitchens and bathrooms. This variant offers robust protection against moisture in demanding environments.

• Economical installation: Minimised waste on steel trapezoidal profiles thanks to the track width of 1.08 m

• High tear resistance: Above-average tear strength for robust applications.

• Direct bonding to wood materials: Easy installation in the system with the surface primer FG 35

• Uninterrupted solution: Before the installation of the follow-on layers, to accommodate any interruptions, Alutrix can provide a temporary waterproofing solution for up to 14 days

• Bonding of thermal insulation materials: Use of insulation PU adhesives to attach thermal insulation materials directly to the vapour barrier

What is the difference between a vapour barrier and a vapour retarder?

A vapour barrier completely blocks the passage of water vapour, whereas a vapour retarder slows it down. Self adhesive vapour barriers from Carlisle provide a robust seal against moisture, making them an ideal choice for roofing applications.

Can I install a self adhesive vapour barrier myself?

Yes, self adhesive vapour barriers are designed for easy installation, even for those with minimal roofing experience. However, for the best results, product training or installation by a professional is recommended.

How long do self adhesive vapour barriers last?

Carlisle’s self adhesive vapour barriers are designed for longevity, offering durable protection that can last for many years with proper maintenance.

A vapour barrier is essential for an effective and reliable waterproofing system for flat roofs and facades. Installed underneath the insulation, it reliably blocks the penetration of water vapour and thus protects against moisture damage in the roof structure.

Whether you are working on a commercial, residential, or industrial project, trust Carlisle to deliver the best roofing solutions tailored to your needs. For more information on our self adhesive vapour barriers or to order a free sample, visit our specific self adhesive vapour barrier page or contact our expert team today on 01623 627 285.