Putting Plastic Sheeting Over Insulation

Overlapping paper tabs on faced insulation and stapling is why its on there.

Putting plastic sheeting over insulation.

Paper faced insulation is the same as using plastic vapor. More use the plastic these days without paper faced insulation. Plastic on the outer surface of a wall in cold weather could cause problems. Install the plastic sheeting only after the insulation wiring and plumbing have been completed.

Plastic sheeting can also help turn a crawl space into a usable storage area. Picture an ice cold can of soda on a sweltering hot day. This article will show you how to add 6 mil plastic sheeting on the ground and insulate the walls in your crawlspace. The colder the contents the more beads of sweat that form on the sides.

The best vapor barrier to use is roll of plastic sheeting. Most insulation is made of fiberglass and fits into the walls between the studs before drywall is installed. After the insulation is installed it is necessary to cover it up with a vapor barrier so the glass fibers are not inhaled. If water vapor diffuses or infiltrates into the wall cavity and finds the cool surface moisture problems can occur.

Plastic on the outside. The humid air is indoors. Without such a barrier condensation can infiltrate your home s walls and insulation creating a substantial risk of mold and mildew. Stretch the plastic sheet tightly across the top of the wall and staple it to the studs and plates.

Homeowners use plastic to cover their crawl spaces to control moisture and create a barrier against vapor. If you re referring to insulation in an attic you shouldn t put plastic sheeting over the top of it either for the same reason. The cool surface is the sheathing assuming no exterior insulation. The plastic and the insulation will eliminate any moisture problems you have in the crawlspace such as water droplets collecting on the concrete walls.

How to install poly over insulation. Soon water pours off the can. If you want to put something on the bottom of the joists to hold the insulation in place use chicken wire landscape fabric or housewrap so any water vapor from inside the house can escape. 12 ft x 400 ft clear 0 31 mil plastic sheeting.