Attic Insulation Moisture Barrier

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 insulation moisture barrier. Radiant barriers are installed in homes usually in attics primarily to reduce summer heat gain and reduce cooling costs. The latex paint allows the ceiling to breath a bit but still help prevent significant movement of air and water vapor. Not every wall does. 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 barriers consist of a highly reflective material that reflects radiant heat rather than absorbing it. They don t however reduce heat conduction like thermal insulation materials. Attic insulation should always be installed with the paper backing facing toward the living space the ceiling in this case. Not be trapped inside.

A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall ceiling or floor during the cold winter. In any case the vapor barrier must point to the warm side. This really helps prevent trapped moisture between a traditional vapor barrier and the drywall. The insulation fiberglass or cellulose is then placed on top of the drywall with no vapor barrier above or below.

Since some leakage of moisture into the insulation in inevitable murphy s law you want it to be able to freely escape from the insulation into the attic. The following are a few simple steps to help you undertake the task properly so your vapor barrier retains heat without damaging the insulation. After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder sometimes called a vapor barrier if you need one. Vapor barriers are sheets of plastic or other material placed on one side of insulation sheets.

This acts as a barrier to keep heated moist air from rising up into the attic during cold weather. The heat being lost from the house below warmed up the attic so that moisture was lost through the vents as vapor. Never compress or fluff your insulation.