How To Add A Vapor Barrier To Attic

How to install radiant barrier on attic rafters in 5 steps.

How to add a vapor barrier to attic.

This means also the access hatch. In areas with high humidity such as greenhouses rooms with spas or swimming pools and bathrooms vapor barriers are often recommended. 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 of the blanket insulation types have vapor barriers incorporated and can be very effective if installed properly.

On the other hand an air barrier a properly detailed air tight drywall ceiling for example in the absence of a vapor barrier can be effective since it stops the flow of vapor laden air. You want to add the foil on all surfaces that make up the roof but you also need to keep vents open and clear of the foil. Most authorities recommend vapor barriers in certain situations. You have loose fill insulation in the attic which doesn t have a vapor barrier.

Air sealing an attic. Over time this trapped moisture can rot the wood framing in your attic or cause mold and mildew to appear. What you need is an air barrier that is at every step of the way you have to pay attention to airtightness. When it comes to the stairway leading into your attic you should heed the advice in this article.

A plastic vapor barrier is best installed in a vented attic within climates with over 8 000 heating degree days. You will see on which side is the vapor barrier. The goal of adding a radiant barrier in your attic is to cover as much of the underside of the roof as possible. A vapor barrier in an attic assembly in a severely cold climate with the absence of an air barrier will likely be ineffective.

Adding a second vapor barrier could cause condensation to become trapped in the insulation between the two vapor barriers. If your climate does not meet these conditions a vapor retarder like latex ceiling paint will work well for your house if you are in all other climates except the hot dry and hot humid. Victorian home much thanks. The theory is that part of the moisture vapor in the house is actually blocked by the drywall and paint on the.

No you don t need a vapor barrier. The basics of air sealing are covered in this article. To assure proper protection of the vapor barrier you will need to cover the entire area of the attic.