Vapor Barrier Insulation Ceiling
In the worst case moisture can actually freeze within the walls accumulating until a thaw melts it and causes visible damage to your home such as wall or ceiling staining.
Vapor barrier insulation ceiling. A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall ceiling or floor during the cold winter. If you live in a cold climate place the vapor barrier between the interior of your home and the insulation. Whether your vapor barrier is a facing or a film it must be placed on the warm in winter side of the wall. In very cold climates the use of polyethylene plastic vapor barriers between insulation and interior wallboard may be beneficial provided all air gaps into any wall and ceiling cavities are also blocked.
The solution is a moisture barrier called a vapor barrier covering your exterior. The process of water vapor passing through building materials is called vapor diffusion is it a vapor retarder or an air barrier. Do not confuse vapor retarders with air barriers. A vapor barrier better described as a vapor retarder reduces the amount of water vapor entering your wall and ceiling cavities.
After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder sometimes called a vapor barrier if you need one. Plastic vapor barriers should only be installed in vented attics in climates with more than 8 000 heating degree days. A vapor barrier is designed to keep moisture in your home from getting inside your walls. Collecting pools of condensation soak into unprotected insulation and wood framing inviting mildew mold and rot.
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. Not every wall does. Over 6 years by duane moderator. You can forego the plastic and use a vapor retarder kraft faced insulation or latex ceiling paint in all other climates except hot humid or hot dry climates.
As mentioned earlier batt and roll insulation come with a vapor barrier attached. No insulation or vapor barrier at this time. Vapor barriers keep the air moisture in your house from condensing in the insulated cavities. In any case the vapor barrier must point to the warm side.