Installing A Vapor Barrier In The Attic

Some regions don t require a vapor barrier.

Installing a vapor barrier in the attic.

The insulation fiberglass or cellulose is then placed on top of the drywall with no vapor barrier above or below. Whether using loose fill or batts put the vapor barrier closest to the warm side of your installation where hot moist air would get in facing the house s interior in cold climates beneath floor insulation and the attic s interior in hot climates on top of floor insulation. As you work sweep your hand across the surface to push out air and keep the barrier flat. How to install kraft faced insulation.

Vapor barriers also come in rolls. You can forego the plastic and use a vapor retarder kraft faced insulation or latex ceiling paint in all other climates except hot humid or hot dry climates. Gradually roll the barrier out and use your chosen method to secure it at regular intervals. This acts as a barrier to keep heated moist air from rising up into the attic during cold weather.

Taking care of your house starts from the ground up. Vapor barriers are usually best installed on the side of the wall that experiences the hotter temperature and moister conditions. Attic insulation should always be installed with the paper backing facing toward the living space the ceiling in this case. In many of those cases vapor barrier paint woks better than installing sheeting.

Installing vapor barrier and insulation when we have the correct fitting for your vapor barrier we will then install it along with insulation that helps lower your cooling and heating costs. Codes in some areas may require you to staple the insulation flanges on the front exposed side of the framing to create a continuous vapor barrier. The application can vary so read all instructions on your specific brand of paint. Adding a second vapor barrier could cause condensation to become trapped in the insulation between the two vapor barriers.

Always follow the insulation manufacturer s specific installation instructions and be sure to adhere to local building code requirements. Staple it into place. Instead of pulling away the insulation sheets to slip in the barriers apply at least one thick coat maybe two to the insulation. Plastic vapor barriers should only be installed in vented attics in climates with more than 8 000 heating degree days.

Vapor barriers are especially relevant for loose insulation and blanket styles that do not have a barrier incorporated. Start from one corner and staple the barrier in place. The inner surface in colder climates and the outer surface in hot humid climates. If you are reluctant to use staples secure the barrier with duct tape instead.

In existing spaces oil based paints or vapor barrier latex paints offer an effective moisture barrier.