Vapor barrier? Either is fine – place the vb to the inside since you’re in a cold weather state. I suggest the plastic sheeting over the entire wall after installing unfaced fiberglass. That way you can more carefully cut out and seal around electrical boxes and the like.
Regarding this, do I need a vapor barrier with Rockwool insulation?
And by the way, if you’re remodeling a shower and use Rockwool with KERDI-BOARD or Wedi’s shower system there’s no need for a vapor barrier. This is primarily due to the KERDI-BOARD or wedi.
Secondly, do you need a vapor barrier behind cement board? You still need a vapor barrier with cement board, although in this case the barrier can go behind the board. Cement board is heavy enough and breathable enough to take the moisture without a problem. By having the vapor barrier behind the cement board you stop the moisture going further into the wall.
People also ask, do I need a vapor barrier?
In many colder North American climates, vapour barriers are a required part of building construction. You may find that vapour barriers are often not required in warmer climates. And, if installed in the wrong climate or on the wrong side of building materials, a vapour barrier can cause more harm than good.
Should you put plastic over insulation?
Back years ago, it was always said to NOT put a plastic vapor barrier over the insulation before hanging drywall or whatever material you decide to hang, as it would cause the room or building to act like a greenhouse.
14 Related Question Answers Found
Should you vapor barrier a bathroom?
The vapor barrier should be on the “inside” (between the insulation and drywall). There is no need to vapor barrier the non-exterior walls. If the tub shares this exterior wall I would put vapor barrier behind it (if you can) as the plastic tub surround will not give you a “vapor barrier” (I don’t think).
Is Rockwool bad for your lungs?
Not only is rockwool unfriendly to the environment – it’s also potentially harmful to your health. New blocks can contain a lot of dust and loose fibers that can get in your eyes, mouth, skin and lungs. If you’re using rockwool, you should be using a mask, goggles and gloves when you work with it to protect yourself.
Does drywall act as a vapor barrier?
Drywall is a decent air barrier but not a moisture barrier. In cold climates, vapor barriers (such as polyethylene) should be installed between the drywall and the insulation because the interior tends to be more humid than the outdoors.
Does a vapor barrier prevent mold?
Crawl space vapor barriers can keep moisture out of your crawl space, prevent rusted pipes and ducts, protect your electrical, give you a dry home, and prevent mold as well as wood rot!
What side should the vapor barrier be on?
In order to prevent condensation from forming, a vapor barrier should be placed on the warm side of your insulation to stop warm, moist air from condensing on a cold surface inside your wall. In cold climates like Canada, for most of the year the vapor barrier should be on the inside of the insulation.
Where should vapor barrier be installed?
Vapor barriers are usually best installed on the side of the wall that experiences the hotter temperature and moister conditions: the inner surface in colder climates and the outer surface in hot, humid climates. In existing spaces, oil-based paints or vapor-barrier latex paints offer an effective moisture barrier.
What is the difference between rockwool and fiberglass insulation?
Size: Fiberglass insulation is available in a wider range of sizes and types than mineral wool. Mineral wool insulation is typically only available in unfaced batts. Fiberglass insulation typically contains 20 to 30 percent recycled content. Cost: Fiberglass insulation costs 25 to 50 percent less than mineral wool.
Do vapor barriers cause mold?
The original reason for using vapor barriers was a good one: to prevent wall and ceiling assemblies from getting wet. This can lead to significant moisture problems and mold; problems occur when walls get wet during construction or more often throughout the home’s life.
What happens if you don’t use vapor barrier?
If water vapor diffuses or infiltrates into the wall cavity and finds the cool surface, moisture problems can occur. Of course, you can have moisure problems here even without the exterior vapor barrier because of what Bill Rose calls the rule of material wetting.
Can I use plastic sheeting as a vapor barrier?
In simple terms, a vapor barrier is a material that won’t allow moisture to pass through it, such as plastic sheeting. It’s designed to stop the moisture before it can enter the wall cavities. There are two basic types of vapor barriers used with exterior wall insulation. The most common is paper-faced insulation.
Should you put plastic between insulation and drywall?
The standard installation of a plastic vapor barrier is between the studs and the drywall, but there are some exceptions to this. In exterior walls that are below-grade, like basement walls, plastic should not be used at all.
What is the purpose of vapor barrier?
A vapor barrier (or vapour barrier) is any material used for damp proofing, typically a plastic or foil sheet, that resists diffusion of moisture through the wall, floor, ceiling, or roof assemblies of buildings to prevent interstitial condensation and of packaging.
Is faced insulation better than Unfaced?
Faced insulation has Kraft paper on one side to act as a vapor retarder and help prevent moisture from entering the wall cavity. Unfaced insulation is insulation only, for use when a vapor retarder isn’t needed.
When should I use vapor barrier on floor?
You will need a moisture barrier underlayment when installing: On a cement subfloor. On any subfloor that has a chance of moisture coming up and soaking into the flooring.