I have worked with crews that don’t vapor barrier a thing, crews that vapor barrier floors, walls, and ceilings with duct taped seems and some weird things inbetween ( like poking holes through the barrier in the closet ceilings, only do the bathrooms and kitchens, etc…). Now that I have gone out on my own, I wonder what is the final answer on vapor barriers?
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Welcome to Breaktime, where you will get 100 different answers by 100 different posters.
First things first: Please take the time to fill out your profile (highlight your name with your mouse pointer and click to bring it up, then fill in things like where you are, etc).
Now, me, myself, I put 6 mil VB on the studs before the drywall goes up. Make sure it is tight. Seam it so the boarders don't have a lump. Tuck tape the ends.
Vapour barrier is there for a reason. Don't let anyone cut it and leave it open.
Quality repairs for your home.
Aaron the Handyman
Vancouver, Canada
Thanks for the reply and i will now go update my info
MAKE SURE IT IS TIGHT
B.E.E.S. standard mandatory vapor retarder measures.
"A polyethylene vapor retarder shall not be drawn tightly across framing members before fastening. Slack in polyethylene shall be provided to allow for expansion, contraction and movement of sructural members."
Yup. OK. That's the suggestion.
But......
Every drywaller I know will cut and slash the membrane to make it tighter for his drywall. What's the pont of vapour barrier that's cut?
And, pardon my ignorance, but what does BEES stand for, anyway?Quality repairs for your home.
Aaron the HandymanVancouver, Canada
You'll leaarn more than any of us could teach you at Joe lisiturbrck's site, Building Science
http://www.buildingscience.com/
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Hi greentree,
This may sound like a "cop-out"...but whether to use VB or not...and where and when to use or not use...depends largely on your geographic location. and the type of weather your area experiences most of the year.
Cold, wet locations are treated different than hot, dry locations, etc etc.
The suggestion to look up info by Joe Listiburek is a very good suggestion. He has published a few books on the subject of insulation techniques. You can find his books in the Taunton bookstore.
Davo