How To Add A Vapor Barrier To Attic

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How to add a vapor barrier to attic. What you need is an air barrier that is at every step of the way you have to pay attention to airtightness. How to install radiant barrier on attic rafters in 5 steps. 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.

When it comes to the stairway leading into your attic you should heed the advice in this article. This means also the access hatch. 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. 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.

A plastic vapor barrier is best installed in a vented attic within climates with over 8 000 heating degree days. And it would not add to much weight to attic size is 550 sq. The goal of adding a radiant barrier in your attic is to cover as much of the underside of the roof as possible. Most authorities recommend vapor barriers in certain situations.

You will see on which side is the vapor barrier. Adding a second vapor barrier could cause condensation to become trapped in the insulation between the two vapor barriers. You have loose fill insulation in the attic which doesn t have a vapor barrier. No you don t need a vapor barrier.

Most of the blanket insulation types have vapor barriers incorporated and can be very effective if installed properly. The theory is that part of the moisture vapor in the house is actually blocked by the drywall and paint on the. 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.

Air sealing an attic. In areas with high humidity such as greenhouses rooms with spas or swimming pools and bathrooms vapor barriers are often recommended. 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.