Cellulose Insulation Vapor Barrier Attic

With modern s cellulose insulation a vapor barrier is not recommended except in very cold weather or high moisture areas such as spas or pool buildings.

Cellulose insulation vapor barrier attic.

If the batts are your only layer meaning the attic joists are currently uninsulated you should install them with the vapor barrier down facing your living area below. Check your local building codes for compliance. But you do need to perform air sealing work before beginning the insulation job. 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.

If you decide to go ahead with the plan to install cellulose on the attic floor you don t need a vapor barrier. The insulation fiberglass or cellulose is then placed on top of the drywall with no vapor barrier above or below. A vapor barrier is not only unnecessary but also can be potentially harmful especially during the summer months in air conditioned buildings when warm moist air passes through wall assemblies and condenses on the outside of the cool poly vapor barrier. You have made the bold decision to insulate your attic.

What if you find asbestos in your attic. 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. I want to dense pack the walls with cellulose insulation and loose fill the attic area. This really helps prevent trapped moisture between a traditional vapor barrier and the drywall.

Cellulose insulation can also handle non standard or off center wall stud spacing areas better than batts. Cellulose insulation has a high density compared to fiberglass. Insulation labs is a name to reckon with for efficient vapor barrier installation services. In this case use r 38 insulation as recommended above by energystar.

The latex paint allows the ceiling to breath a bit but still help prevent significant movement of air and water vapor. With our vapor barrier installation services there will be no issue of the crawl space of your home becoming a residence for pests bats and rodents. Air sealing an attic. A recent one on cellulose insulation and air vapor barriers one of a flurry on the topic tipped the scale toward a broader response as we continue to dispel this enduring myth.

However many building codes do require an air barrier or vapor retarder to be installed. To stop the movement of vapor effectively through air leaks your vapor barrier should also have an air barrier such as an airtight drywall ceiling. This article explains the necessary work.