Yes! It is possible to simply change out a damaged vapor barrier rather than replacing the whole waterproofing system. However, in some cases, this may not be possible. It all depends on the nature of the damage.
Repair and Replacement
In some cases, damage to a vapor barrier and a property’s waterproofing measures will be tied directly to structural damage and decay in your home. If this is the case, it may be necessary to remove more than the damaged vapor barrier to complete proper repairs. Likewise, if the damage to your waterproofing has been ongoing and dampness has taken root, then it may have caused structural damage that requires more intensive repairs.
In these cases, simply changing the vapor barrier will not be enough. However, if you spot damage or defects in your vapor barrier early and there is no underlying or co-occurring damage to deal with, it may be possible to simply replace the barrier and move on. In these cases, the process of repair will be relatively quick and easy.