Hi-
The January 2004 Fine Homebuilding issue has a great article about insulating houses. One thing has me confused, though – the authors don’t, apparently, use a plastic vapor barrier on the inside. This is pretty contrary to practice I’m familiar with. Any thoughts about it, pro or con? Any experience renovating without use of a plastic vapor barrier.
Thanks for your thoughts!
Philrobert
Replies
Hi Phil,
I see this is your first post to Breaktime. Just wanted to say Welcome and come on in. You can learn a lot by just sitting here and watching the going ons.
Sometimes the Woodshed Tavern can get a little feisty but normally all in good fun. Ya right.
The vapor barrier placement will vary dealing with the region one is building in.There should be someone along shortly that can clarify that issue.
Best to you and hope to see you post here regularly.
Where are you from?
The reason I ask is differant parts of the country need to treat vapor barriers differantly. Up here in the frozen tundra, home of America's Siberia.
we put the vapor barrier between the heat source and the insulation, it's not done that way in all parts of the country..
In central Vermont, where the temperature is currently a brisk twenty below, and the lumber is a tad frozen today. Around here (at least to my knowledge) folks put a vapor barrier in as you describe. The article shows/describes *no* vapor barrier, which surprised me.... Just wondered if thinking about vapor barriers has changed.
Philrobert
Not for us frosties, down south vapor barriers are used behind the insulation.. the reason is that air conditioning dries things out.
Philrobert, welcome aboard. You can get a good briefing by reading the threads 38001.1 and 38513. There are some references to buildingscience.com that will lead you through various wall components in a variety of climates. If still in need of info, don't hesitate to ask.
Vapor barriers are an oft discussed topic with a variety of approaches.
Paul
Thanks, Paul.
Philrobert