Edge bleed, in the context of moisture barriers, refers to the undesirable migration of moisture along the cut or exposed edge of the barrier material. This phenomenon occurs when water is drawn into the material through capillary action or other means, extending beyond the intended sealed area. For example, if a moisture barrier tape is applied to a surface and water penetrates along the tape’s edge, that is edge bleed.
The prevention of edge bleed is crucial for maintaining the integrity and effectiveness of moisture barriers. Undermined barriers can lead to water damage, mold growth, and structural degradation in buildings. Historically, various sealing methods have been employed to mitigate this issue, ranging from specialized adhesives to overlapping material layers. The consequence of ignoring this consideration is potentially severe and costly.
