How To Seal An Attic Vapor Barrier

Plug open stud cavities.

How to seal an attic vapor barrier.

If you re insulating from scratch put the right vapor barrier in the right place. Water vapor in the warmer air of your home begins to condense on the colder surface of the glass of water. Even though we apply vapor barriers to exterior insulated walls in cold climates it s no longer recommended for ceilings floor of the attic. During the energy crisis of the 1970s a prevailing belief took root where it was thought that tightly sealing walls and ceilings with a vapor barrier was essential to blocking heat transference and reducing energy costs it was soon determined however that unless the seal was absolute moisture that did get into sealed walls could create serious structural problems and health issues such as.

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. In any case the vapor barrier must point to the warm side. Think of a glass of ice water. 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.

Using other kinds of tape will compromise the waterproof seal and render the barrier useless. How to use plastic as a vapor barrier in the walls. Attic vapor barrier detail for cold climates. Weatherstrip the attic access hatch or door.

Finish the wall within a month of installing the barrier to prevent damage to the surface and protect the vapor barrier. Because it s nearly impossible to seal penetrations in the ceiling the reality is water vapor will get into the attic. Cut 1 3 boards to fit the perimeter of the opening and nail them on with 6d finish nails. To be extra certain use a caulk gun to place caulk material around the tape to double seal the barrier.

Though some batts come with a paper or foil facing that can act as a vapor barrier tom silva prefers to use 6 mil polyethylene sheeting cut to fit between the joists and with seams sealed by foil tape to prevent moisture from seeping into insulation. 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. The plastic bag creates a vapor barrier. Vapor barriers are sheets of plastic or other material placed on one side of insulation sheets.