2025 Jan-Feb RETA Breeze

CATEGORIES OF WEATHER BARRIERS, VAPOR RETARDERS, AND FINISHES

metal jacketing weather barriers, which will minimize and potentially stop the condensate which tends to form on the inner surface of the metal jacket from contacting the metal portion of the jacket. Appearance Coverings are materials used over insulation systems to provide the desired color or appear ance. Hygienic Coverings are materials used to provide a smooth, cleanable, surface for use in food processing, beverage, or pharmaceutical facilities. These functions are performed by a number of different materials or material systems. In many cases, a single material can provide multiple functions (for example, a metallic jacketing -protective covering system often serves as protection from both the weather and from mechanical abuse). • •

thermal insulation, protect the insulation from the weather such as rain, snow, sleet, dew, wind, solar radiation, atmospheric contamination and mechanical damage. Vapor Retarders are materials which retard the passage of water vapor into the insulation. Mechanical Abuse Coverings are materials that protect the insulation from damage by personnel, machinery, etc. Condensate Barriers (sometimes called moisture retarders) are materials, normally used as an inner lining for

By Ron King, Past President/Consultant, National Insulation Association Most mechanical insulation systems require a protective covering or finish material. The primary reason is to protect the insulation from damage, weather, mechanical abuse, water vapor condensation, chemical attack and fire are all potential sources of damage. Additionally, appearance coverings are utilized to provide the desired aesthetics. Depending on the location and application, various terms have been used to describe these functions: • Weather Barriers are materials which, when installed on the outer surface of

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