Attic Insulation Vapor Barrier Up Or Down

Pull down stair or ladder.

Attic insulation vapor barrier up or down.

In any case the vapor barrier must point to the warm side. So for this top layer you would be purchasing unfaced insulation batts not rolls of an r value of at least 30. If you install fiberglass batt insulation with a kraft paper vapor retarder in a home which way do you face the vapor retarder. This acts as a barrier to keep heated moist air from rising up into the attic during cold weather.

I do not see a vapor barrier underneath the current insulation. Take the measurements with you when purchasing materials. Many types of blanket attic insulation already have a vapor barrier incorporated into them and will be effective at reducing moisture problems if fitted correctly. Do not overlook attic access door.

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. Add weatherstripping around the perimeter and a sweep to the door of a walk up attic. Affix rigid foam insulation to the attic side of the hatch or door. Measure the entire area and write down the results.

A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall ceiling or floor during the cold winter. My biggest concern right now is the vapor barrier. Not every wall does. Vapor barrier up or down.

Experts say that if you are putting in a second layer of insulation you should have no vapor barrier between the two layers. But for the homeowner who already has r 30 to r 38 insulation in the attic it won t help much. If installed properly radiant barriers can be of benefit in an attic with very poor insulation. I install my vapor barrier in the middle of the wall system between the two walls.

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. Attic hatch or door. As of right now there is about 7 of blown in insulation in the attic. Vapor barriers are sheets of plastic or other material placed on one side of insulation sheets.

For many building science questions the answer is it depends for this one the answer is clear. I will be blowing in approximately another 10 to get an r38 value i live in wisconsin. Attic insulation should always be installed with the paper backing facing toward the living space the ceiling in this case.