How to Hang Electrical Boxes With a Vapor Barrier

Large gains in a home's energy efficiency are found in the use of air/vapor barriers. These materials prevent the movement of air and moisture into the wall cavity. This mitigates the chances of structural wood rot due to trapped moisture and slows the movement of the home's air to the outside. How well this barrier is installed directly correlates to its performance. To create a continuous barrier, the material must be installed around electrical boxes.

Things You'll Need

• Vapor barrier
• Utility knife
• Hammer
• Nails

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Instructions

1. • 1

     Cut a section of vapor barrier that is 2 feet by 2 feet with a utility knife.

   • 2

     Place the electrical box in the center of the vapor barrier.

   • 3

     Fold the vapor barrier along the side where the electrical box will be fastened to the wall framing member.

   • 4

     Hold the electrical box and vapor barrier against the framing member and secure with two nails through the mounting holes and into the wood with a hammer.