How to Install a Moisture Barrier on the Ceiling

A moisture barrier, also called a vapor barrier, is a water-resistant liner that slows the absorption of moisture into your home and reduces the amount of air lost through the surface on which it is installed. The decrease in humidity slows the deterioration of the wood, plaster and other materials used in the structure of your home, and the reduction in lost air makes your home more energy-efficient. A moisture barrier can be installed to nearly any surface in your home, including ceilings, during construction.

Measuring tape
Marker
Scissors
Staple gun
Aluminum tape

Instructions

- 1
  Measure the ceiling to determine the length and width, using a tape measure. Take measurements going in both direction across the ceiling and consider the longer of the two directions the "length" of the room and the shorter of the two sides the width.
- 2
  Unroll the moisture barrier on the floor. Measure the same length as the length of the room down each edge of the moisture barrier. Add an additional 2 inches to the length and mark each side with a marker. Lay a straight edge between the two marks and draw a line with the marker.
- 3
  Cut the moisture barrier at the line with scissors so that it is 2 inches longer than the length of the room. Line one end of the moisture barrier up with the wall at the end of the room and attach to the ceiling with a staple gun. Move across the length of the ceiling, stapling the moisture barrier every 1 to 2 inches.
- 4
  Cover the edges, or seams, of the moisture barrier with aluminum tape. Cut strips of aluminum tape as long as possible to reduce the number of seams where tape meets. Where the tape does meet, overlap the ends of the pieces by at least 1 inch.

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