Do I Need A Vapor Barrier In Attic Insulation

Once thought to be essential throughout a home or office vapor barriers are now strongly recommended only for certain conditions and methods for creating a vapor barrier must be tailored to fit the climate region and type of wall construction.

Do i need a vapor barrier in attic insulation. This barrier is meant to keep moisture from getting to the insulation in the walls and ceilings and it is required by building codes when insulating most houses. Do not add a vapor barrier on top of the insulation in your attic since the paper facing on the existing insulation is the vapor barrier. 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. Do i need a vapor barrier.

Measure the entire area and write down the results. To install an efficient vapor barrier you need the dimensions of the room. I install my vapor barrier in the middle of the wall system between the two walls. For example the recommended vapor barrier in a home or office in a humid southern climate built with brick varies.

Whether or not you need a vapor retarder hinges on three main factors. Do not overlook attic access door. The insulation fiberglass or cellulose is then placed on top of the drywall with no vapor barrier above or below. Such a location works both as a vapor barrier as well as an air barrier and eliminates the need for an external air barrier not a easy application on a multi storried building as well as any special electrical pans and their sealing.

Vapor barriers are sheets of plastic or other material placed on one side of insulation sheets. Not every wall does. Take a note of the construction of the attic and figure out which type of barrier will be suitable. The paper facing contains a layer of impermeable asphalt that prevents water vapor from passing through it.

If you are planning to have an attic insulation project for your home you may be wondering whether it is important to have a vapor barrier installed as well. Take the measurements with you when purchasing materials. 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. To be able to answer this question correctly for your home there are a few factors you need to consider before any major attic insulation project.