Attic Insulation Moisture Barrier

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Attic insulation moisture barrier.

After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder sometimes called a vapor barrier if you need one. If installed on top of attic floor insulation the foil will be susceptible to dust accumulation and may trap moisture in fiber insulation so it is strongly recommended that you not apply radiant barriers directly on top of the attic floor insulation. 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. When adding additional insulation to an attic that is already insulated never use insulation with a vapor barrier.

A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall ceiling or floor during the cold winter. In any case the vapor barrier must point to the warm side. Adding a second vapor barrier could cause condensation to become trapped in the insulation between the two vapor barriers. Vapor barriers are sheets of plastic or other material placed on one side of insulation sheets.

Vapor barriers keep the air moisture in your house from condensing in the insulated cavities. Some regions don t require a vapor barrier. Whether you use it in a crawl space radiant floor attic or walls you ll find it easy to handle and install. Whether your vapor barrier is a facing or a film it must be placed on the warm in winter side of the wall.

The insulation fiberglass or cellulose is then placed on top of the drywall with no vapor barrier above or below. Attic vapor barrier detail for cold climates the best approach for a vented attic in a cold climate is installing a layer of drywall with a good coat of latex paint the paint creates a semi permeable vapor barrier. Most forms of attic insulation benefit from the addition of a vapor barrier to protect them from the harmful effects of moisture which can reduce their effectiveness over time the following are a few simple steps to help you undertake the task properly so your vapor barrier retains heat without damaging the insulation. If you live in a cold climate place the vapor barrier between the interior of your home and the insulation.

If you do there is a chance that moisture that has slipped by the first vapor barrier will become trapped by the second vapor barrier decreasing the value of your insulation.