Installing A Vapor Barrier In The Attic

Attic insulation should always be installed with the paper backing facing toward the living space the ceiling in this case.

Installing a vapor barrier in the attic.

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. Staple it into place. In existing spaces oil based paints or vapor barrier latex paints offer an effective moisture barrier. Start from one corner and staple the barrier in place.

Vapor barriers are usually best installed on the side of the wall that experiences the hotter temperature and moister conditions. 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. Plastic vapor barriers should only be installed in vented attics in climates with more than 8 000 heating degree days. Taking care of your house starts from the ground up.

How to install kraft faced insulation. If you are reluctant to use staples secure the barrier with duct tape instead. Always follow the insulation manufacturer s specific installation instructions and be sure to adhere to local building code requirements. Vapor barriers also come in rolls.

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. Adding a second vapor barrier could cause condensation to become trapped in the insulation between the two vapor barriers. Some regions don t require a vapor barrier. The inner surface in colder climates and the outer surface in hot humid climates.

The application can vary so read all instructions on your specific brand of paint. Gradually roll the barrier out and use your chosen method to secure it at regular intervals. 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.

The insulation fiberglass or cellulose is then placed on top of the drywall with no vapor barrier above or below. Vapor barriers are especially relevant for loose insulation and blanket styles that do not have a barrier incorporated. Get started on your crawl space vapor barrier today. In many of those cases vapor barrier paint woks better than installing sheeting.

If you don t like using staples then secure the barrier with duct tape.