Vapour Barrier Film (Super Six®, Super Ten®)

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Vapour Barrier Film is an essential construction material designed to protect building envelopes by preventing moisture migration into walls, floors, and ceilings. Engineered from durable polyethylene sheeting, these vapour barriers effectively reduce condensation buildup that can compromise insulation and structural integrity. At Bernardi Building Supply, we offer a comprehensive range of polyethylene vapour barrier films, including the industry-standard Super Six® and the heavy-duty Super Ten®.

Benefits

SUPERIOR MOISTURE CONTROL: Significantly reduces water vapour transmission to protect insulation and framing from moisture damage.
ENHANCED DURABILITY: Made from high-quality polyethylene films, these barriers resist tearing, punctures, and degradation from jobsite handling.
VERSATILE THICKNESS OPTIONS: Available primarily in 6 mil (Super Six®) and 10 mil (Super Ten®) thicknesses to meet diverse building code and performance requirements.
ENERGY EFFICIENCY: By minimizing moisture infiltration, vapour barriers help maintain optimal insulation performance and lower heating/cooling costs.
EASY INSTALLATION: Lightweight and flexible sheets that install quickly with standard fastening tools, minimizing labor time and material waste.

Properties

MATERIAL COMPOSITION: High-density polyethylene (HDPE) or linear low-density polyethylene (LLDPE).>
THICKNESS: 6 mil for Super Six®; 10 mil for Super Ten®.
WATER VAPOUR PERMEANCE: Typically less than 0.1 perm, meeting or exceeding Canadian building code standards for vapour barriers
TEAR RESISTANCE: High tensile strength for durability during construction.
UV RESISTANCE: Designed for short-term UV exposure on-site during installation phases.

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Details

Overview

Vapour Barrier Films like Super Six® and Super Ten® serve a critical function in modern building science by controlling the movement of moisture vapor through building assemblies. Excess moisture trapped within walls or ceilings can degrade insulation, promote mold growth, and accelerate material decay. Installing a proper vapour barrier is vital to extending the life of the building envelope and maintaining indoor air quality.

SSuper Six® is a 6-mil (0.15 mm) thick clear polyethylene film that meets the stringent CAN/CGSB-51.34-M86 standard . It’s widely recognized for its durability and effectiveness in preventing moisture infiltration.

Super Ten® offers increased thickness at 10 mil (0.25 mm), providing enhanced puncture and tear resistance for more demanding applications. Contractors favor their ease of cutting and fastening, with minimal shrinkage or curling.

Guide

Installation

Step

01

Prepare all surfaces by cleaning and ensuring dryness. Remove sharp objects or protrusions that may damage the film.

Step

02

Unroll the vapour barrier horizontally or vertically over walls, floors, or ceilings, overlapping seams by at least 6 inches to maintain a continuous moisture barrier.

Step

03

Fasten securely using staples, cap nails, or approved adhesive tapes at recommended intervals to prevent sagging or gaps.

Step

04

Seal all overlaps, seams, and penetrations with compatible vapour barrier tape or sealant to ensure airtight and watertight continuity.

COMPARATIVE TESTING

Compared to traditional kraft paper or asphalt-based vapor retarders, Super Six® and Super Ten® vapour barrier films exhibit superior resistance to tearing, punctures, and moisture penetration. Their low permeability ratings help maintain insulation performance year-round, particularly in Canadian climates with wide temperature swings and high humidity.