Do i need a vapor barrier.
Do i need attic vapor barrier in sc.
A plastic vapor barrier is best installed in a vented attic within climates with over 8 000 heating degree days.
Whether or not you need a vapor retarder hinges on three main factors.
Many people believe that it is a good idea to cover the earth with a vapor barrier even if you do meet the 1 square foot to 500 square feet requirement.
Because it s nearly impossible to seal penetrations in the ceiling the reality is water vapor will get into the attic.
A vapor barrier s job is to keep water vapor in humid air from diffusing through one side of a wall and finding a cool surface inside the wall.
I install my vapor barrier in the middle of the wall system between the two walls.
Do not add a vapor barrier on top of the insulation in your attic since the paper facing on the existing insulation is the vapor barrier.
A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall ceiling or floor during the cold winter.
Hence the need to reduce moisture flow into the attic and the need for a vapor barrier.
The class i vapor barriers such as 6 mil thick polyethylene sheets stop moisture migration from the bare earth into the house.
Even though we apply vapor barriers to exterior insulated walls in cold climates it s no longer recommended for ceilings floor of the attic.
The paper facing contains a layer of impermeable asphalt that prevents water vapor from passing through it.
For example the recommended vapor barrier in a home or office in a humid southern climate built with brick varies.
Not every wall does.
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.
Attic vapor barrier detail for cold climates.
When a vapor barrier is on the side of a wall where the dry air is i e outside in winter or inside in summer moisture problems can occur.
Between the two air leakage moves far more moisture than vapor diffusion.
There s one other important qualification.
What climate do you live in.
Vapor moves in two ways by diffusion through materials and by air leakage through gaps and holes in building assemblies.
A vapor barrier reduces the movement of water vapor by.
