A water vapor retarder may or may not be part of the design depending on the climate zone and the other building components used in that particular section of the building envelope. If air containing water vapor is allowed to come in contact with a cold surface, condensation will likely occur. Water vapor transmission can also occur even if the building envelope is air-sealed or has an effective and properly installed air barrier. Some insulation systems should include a water vapor retarder and some should allow vapor transmission. Building codes and climate zones generally dictate the use of a water vapor retarder. In short, the envelope is a system, and the building designer should carefully consider its use.