Do I Need a Vapor Barrier If I Have a Dehumidifier?

Waterproofing a basement is a complicated affair because of how tricky it is to keep moisture under control. There are many ways in which water and water vapor can infiltrate a basement, which is why so many experts recommend investing in multiple waterproofing solutions. It may seem like too much, and various different solutions seemingly serve the same functions. For example, a vapor barrier seems unnecessary if you have a dehumidifier—after all, why worry about water vapor if you have a device that will get rid of it anyway? However, once you understand just how persistent moisture can be, you’ll see why it’s all necessary.

Vapor barriers are meant to keep water vapor from permeating through the concrete wall and entering the basement. The reason you should still use a vapor barrier along with a dehumidifier is because the water vapor that enters your basement can still cause a lot of damage, even if it’s only there for a short time. There are certain types of fungi that are capable of surviving on very little moisture, and they are capable of pulling in dampness from afar. If fungi like that are surviving somewhere in your basement, then your dehumidifier will not stop its development because of the constant flow of water vapor. If you try to combat this issue by using the dehumidifier to lower the humidity levels as much as possible, then you could face serious health issues from overly dry air.

A vapor barrier should also be used to avoid overtaxing your dehumidifier. Rochester’s soil contains a lot of clay, and because clay soils are poorly drained, the soil that surrounds your basement is constantly saturated with water. Your dehumidifier would have to be functioning at all times in order to truly bring down the moisture levels in your basement. This can shorten the device’s lifespan significantly, so it’s much more cost-effective to get a vapor barrier.