Do I need to put plastic over insulation before drywall?

After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder, sometimes called a vapor barrier, if you need one. Not every wall does. A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall, ceiling or floor during the cold winter.

certainteed.com - Do I Need a Vapor Barrier? - CertainTeed

Does a heated garage count as square footage?

The basement, attic and garage do not. Unless they're finished and legally converted to living space. When calculating the total square footage of...

Last updated Apr 18, 2018

What guns can civilians not own?

A “generally prohibited weapon” includes the following guns, equipment, and ammunition: short-barreled shotguns and rifles, also illegal per Penal...

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Can I build my own shed?

Yes, with the right plans you can build your dream shed.

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You're building a wall. Maybe you're putting on an addition or finishing off your basement or maybe you are just about to undergo a major renovation that requires taking the existing wall down to the studs. Whatever your reason you are now looking at finishing a new wall. Whether you are doing it yourself or hiring a contractor it is a helpful to know a little about proper construction. Your first job after the studs are in place is to fill those walls with insulation. If you are not sure if you need insulation in your walls follow along with this flow chart. After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder, sometimes called a vapor barrier, if you need one. Not every wall does. A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall, ceiling or floor during the cold winter. Whether or not you need a vapor retarder hinges on three main factors your climate, your home and the location of the wall you're insulating. To know if you need a vapor retarder, ask yourself a few basic questions:

Map: Insulation Institute

What is my climate? If you live in a mixed climate – hot and humid with several heating months in the winter, you probably need a vapor retarder. Specifically, if you live in climate zones 4C (marine), 5, 6, 7 and 8. Not sure your climate zone? You can check here. What is my cladding type? According to the U.S. Census Bureau 2009 statistics, more than half of all new homes are clad with absorptive materials such as brick, stucco, wood, fiber cement or stone. These moisture-retaining claddings can worsen moisture challenges in the wall cavity. They have the potential to release moisture into the structure, creating an inward vapor that doesn't exist with vinyl siding. Where is the wall located? If you are adding an exterior wall, anywhere in the house, and you answered yes, to either of the above questions you should consider using a vapor retarder.

Vapor Retarder Use and Placement

In certain climates vapor retarders can be a vital part of the wall construction. However incorrect use can lead to additional moisture problems. Consult an insulation professional in your area if you are unsure where or how to install a vapor retarder or consider a vapor retarder that provides some degree of additional flexibility, like a smart vapor retarder. A smart vapor retarder is able to adapt its permeability to allow the wall to dry should moisture get trapped in the wall cavity. A smart vapor retarder is a vapor retarder material with the unique ability to react to changes in relative humidity by altering its physical structure. This material adapts to let moisture out of the wall whether the humidity levels are higher on the outside of the wall (winter) or the inside (summer). A smart vapor retarder is a good solution for areas of mixed climate. Wall construction is important to creating a healthy, comfortable home. Read more about vapor retarders and learn how they can affect the health of your home.

Learn more about Membrain, a smart vapor retarder.

Ready to get started? Membrain products available on Amazon and Home Depot.

Who is eligible for energy grant?

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Do you need to sand a shed before painting?

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Are shed plans easy to follow?

These are! They guide you every step of the way to complete your dream shed.

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What are the negatives of spray foam?

Spray foam insulation problems Placement Errors During Installation. ... Potentially Attracts Water Damage. ... The Material May Shrink Overtime. ... Long Dry and Cure Time.

enviroklenz.com - Disadvantages of Spray Foam Insulation | EnviroKlenz

Are you considering spray foam insulation for your new home or even are a current homeowner that is stuck dealing with the concerning material inside of your home? Spray foam insulation is a building material that has been used for many years, nearly 30 years by many home builders and homeowners, and placed in attics and roofs for insulation. As this building material has been continually used for decades, there has been increasingly more information and studies that have found that this popular, and seemingly un-harmful construction material may be anything but harmless when used in your home and exposed to continually each and every day. Spray foam insulation can potentially contain a hazardous mixture of chemicals that can spread into the airspace of the indoor environment and lead to health risks to those exposed to this now tainted indoor air in their homes. The disadvantages of spray foam insulation have recently come to the forefront, with multiple studies and research collected from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) which found that when spray polyurethane foam is being used that the worksite or home should be restricted to people who are not wearing appropriate personal protective equipment. This safety procedure set in place is due to the generation of the chemical isocyanate which will form into a vapor and aerosol in the environment when spray foam is used and applied. In this article, we are going to learn more about the other disadvantages of spray foam insulation and determine the best way to remediate your indoor air if your house has spray foam insulation in the attic or roof.

Should I remove old wood siding?

Any home that is over 50 years old needs closely examined for moisture damage. It would be wiser to remove the wood siding to make certain there is...

Last updated Mar 8, 2021