Installing A Vapor Barrier In The Attic

The inner surface in colder climates and the outer surface in hot humid climates.

Installing a vapor barrier in the attic.

How to install kraft faced insulation. Instead of pulling away the insulation sheets to slip in the barriers apply at least one thick coat maybe two to the insulation. 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. 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. Some regions don t require a vapor barrier. 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. 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 insulation fiberglass or cellulose is then placed on top of the drywall with no vapor barrier above or below. As you work sweep your hand across the surface to push out air and keep the barrier flat. Staple it into place. Attic insulation should always be installed with the paper backing facing toward the living space the ceiling in this case.

Vapor barriers are usually best installed on the side of the wall that experiences the hotter temperature and moister conditions. This acts as a barrier to keep heated moist air from rising up into the attic during cold weather. Vapor barriers also come in rolls. 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. If you are reluctant to use staples secure the barrier with duct tape instead. Get started on your crawl space vapor barrier today. Always follow the insulation manufacturer s specific installation instructions and be sure to adhere to local building code requirements.

Plastic vapor barriers should only be installed in vented attics in climates with more than 8 000 heating degree days. In existing spaces oil based paints or vapor barrier latex paints offer an effective moisture barrier. 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. Adding a second vapor barrier could cause condensation to become trapped in the insulation between the two vapor barriers.

In many of those cases vapor barrier paint woks better than installing sheeting.