All About Vapor Barriers A vapor barrier is an impervious membrane that prevents the flow of moisture through a building envelope. The main purpose is to block the passage of water vapor contained in the air. It is installed together with insulation. in Public bookmarkswith engineered_vapor_barriervapor_barriervapor_retarder Note: A vapor barrier is an impervious membrane that prevents the flow of moisture through a building envelope. The main purpose is to block the passage of water vapor contained in the air. It is installed together with insulation.