Ceiling Insulation Vapor Barrier
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 allergic reactions to mold festering within walls.
Ceiling insulation vapor barrier. A vapor barrier is designed to keep moisture in your home from getting inside your walls. Do not confuse vapor retarders with air barriers. The solution is a moisture barrier called a vapor barrier covering your exterior.
To know if you need a vapor retarder ask yourself a few basic questions. 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. As mentioned earlier batt and roll insulation come with a vapor barrier attached.
The process of water vapor passing through building materials is called vapor diffusion is it a vapor retarder or an air barrier. 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. Collecting pools of condensation soak into unprotected insulation and wood framing inviting mildew mold and rot.
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. A vapor barrier better described as a vapor retarder reduces the amount of water vapor entering your wall and ceiling cavities.