Do I Need A Vapor Barrier For Attic Insulation

Crawl space ninja insulation vapor barrier is a blanket insulation vapor barrier designed to provide a thermal break and moisture barrier in crawl spaces.

Do i need a vapor barrier for attic insulation.

Because it s nearly impossible to seal penetrations in the ceiling the reality is water vapor will get into the attic. Attic vapor barrier detail for cold climates. Now with attic insulation heat is no longer lost from the living space such that moisture may remain trapped in the attic vapor barriers were therefore necessary to reduce moisture flow into the attic. Insulation vapor barrier with radiant barrier.

Whether or not you need a vapor retarder hinges on three main factors your climate your home and the location of the wall you re insulating. The following are a few simple steps to help you undertake the task properly so your vapor barrier retains heat without damaging the insulation. 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. With spray foam unlike with loose fill or batts you must cover the soffit vents they aren t needed to keep the roof cool.

After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder sometimes called a vapor barrier if you need one. 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. Then cover the foam with drywall as required for fire safety. Plastic vapor barriers should only be installed in vented attics in climates with more than 8 000 heating degree days.

Even though we apply vapor barriers to exterior insulated walls in cold climates it s no longer recommended for ceilings floor of the attic. Attic insulation should always be installed with the paper backing facing toward the living space the ceiling in this case. Not every wall does. Our insulation vapor barrier can also reduce condensation mold and degradation by controlling water vapor migration.

The heat being lost from the house below warmed up the attic so that moisture was lost through the vents as vapor. Adding a second vapor barrier could cause condensation to become trapped in the insulation between the two vapor barriers.