About this episode

The episode explains the role of vapor in building science, emphasizing its benefits and addressing misconceptions.

Vapor is one of the most misunderstood parts of building science—and in many assemblies, it helps buildings dry rather than making them wet. In Part 3 of the Back to Basics series, Steve, Jake, and Pete break down vapor control, vapor permeability, drying potential, and why decades of confusing code language created so much fear around vapor. As Steve puts it, “Vapor is not a liability, it is an asset.” Buildings get wet. In most climates and assemblies, the ability to dry through vapor diffu...

People in this episode

Hosts: Steve, Jake, Pete

Topics covered

• vapor control
• building science
• vapor permeability
• drying potential
• construction codes

Keywords

• vapor control
• building science
• vapor permeability
• drying potential
• construction codes

More episodes of UnBuild It Podcast

• 162 - Back to Basics: Air Control Layers Explained · August 20, 2026 · 37 min
• 161 - Back to Basics: Water Control Layers Explained · August 6, 2026 · 38 min

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