New insulation installed over existing - vapor barrier question
 

Hi and thanks for your help.

I live in Ohio, and this past weekend I installed fiberglass insulation
over top of some (about 2-3 inches) of blown in insulation. The
mistake I made was not removing the paper backing vapor barrier. Well,
actually the first mistake I made was not reading about how to do it
prior to actually doing it; but that's another issue. Anyway, damage
done. My question: is it sufficient to simply go back and cut some
holes in the back of the strips (each strip was 24" X 48") of
insulation, or do I need to completely remove the paper backing?

Thanks
Doug

New insulation installed over existing - vapor barrier question
 

Which way is the paper facing? Either way I would probably say just go
have a beer and get on with your life. No worries.

New insulation installed over existing - vapor barrier question
 

It's facing down. It would take some time to correct, but that time is
worth it now if it's going to cause moisture buildup in my attic in the
future. Sounds like you don't think it really matters much. It
certainly isn't an air tight seal so I guess it may be OK...

New insulation installed over existing - vapor barrier question
 

wrote in message oups.com...
It's facing down. It would take some time to correct, but that time is
worth it now if it's going to cause moisture buildup in my attic in the
future. Sounds like you don't think it really matters much. It
certainly isn't an air tight seal so I guess it may be OK...

Persanally, I'd remove it. The potential for damage is too high. Expecially if the previous insulation has no vapor
barrier. Slashing it repeatedly might do the job, but is probably as much work as removing the barrier. The risk is
condensation getting the old insulation wet, rotting the wood beneath or causing ceiling problems or mold.

Bob

New insulation installed over existing - vapor barrier question
 

There is no existing barrier. If there was I'd probably not worry
about it as much. Thanks for the advice.

New insulation installed over existing - vapor barrier question
 

The vapor barrier should be on the heated side. I doubt the paper foil will
remove very easily. So, if the foil is on the heated side, it should be OK.
If the foil is on the cold side, then the insulation can get cold, and
condense the moisture from the indoor air.

--

Christopher A. Young
Do good work.
It's longer in the short run
but shorter in the long run.
..
..


wrote in message
oups.com...
Hi and thanks for your help.

I live in Ohio, and this past weekend I installed fiberglass insulation
over top of some (about 2-3 inches) of blown in insulation. The
mistake I made was not removing the paper backing vapor barrier. Well,
actually the first mistake I made was not reading about how to do it
prior to actually doing it; but that's another issue. Anyway, damage
done. My question: is it sufficient to simply go back and cut some
holes in the back of the strips (each strip was 24" X 48") of
insulation, or do I need to completely remove the paper backing?

Thanks
Doug

New insulation installed over existing - vapor barrier question
 

"Stormin Mormon" wrote in message ...
The vapor barrier should be on the heated side. I doubt the paper foil will
remove very easily. So, if the foil is on the heated side, it should be OK.
If the foil is on the cold side, then the insulation can get cold, and
condense the moisture from the indoor air.

If the vapor barrier will have insulation below it, I would strongly disagree.

I sharp thin bladed long knife will quickly strip the barrier off. I would use an old butcher knife and hit it with a
steel frequently.

Bob

New insulation installed over existing - vapor barrier question
 

On Wed, 26 Oct 2005 14:17:51 -0700, "Bob"
wrote:


"Stormin Mormon" wrote in message ...
The vapor barrier should be on the heated side. I doubt the paper foil will
remove very easily. So, if the foil is on the heated side, it should be OK.
If the foil is on the cold side, then the insulation can get cold, and
condense the moisture from the indoor air.

If the vapor barrier will have insulation below it, I would strongly disagree.

I sharp thin bladed long knife will quickly strip the barrier off. I would use an old butcher knife and hit it with a
steel frequently.

Bob


I don't see the original post. there is an exception to the rule .
"So, if the foil is on the heated side, it should be OK." In a
basement, where the walls are cool but not freezing, I recommend vapor
barrier on the cool side.

Basement walls weep moisture. You can have a mildew and mold buildup
in the wall if the basement is finished and IF THE VAPOR BARRIER IS ON
THE WARMSIDE.

That wall has to breath... it can't if the vapor barrier is on the
warmside of the insulation to the concrete wall.

New insulation installed over existing - vapor barrier question
 

"Carl" wrote in message
The vapor barrier should be on the heated side. I doubt the paper foil will
remove very easily. So, if the foil is on the heated side, it should be OK.
If the foil is on the cold side, then the insulation can get cold, and
condense the moisture from the indoor air.

If the vapor barrier will have insulation below it, I would strongly disagree.

A sharp thin bladed long knife will quickly strip the barrier off. I would use an old butcher knife and hit it with a
steel frequently.

Bob


I don't see the original post. there is an exception to the rule .
"So, if the foil is on the heated side, it should be OK." In a
basement, where the walls are cool but not freezing, I recommend vapor
barrier on the cool side.

Basement walls weep moisture. You can have a mildew and mold buildup
in the wall if the basement is finished and IF THE VAPOR BARRIER IS ON
THE WARMSIDE.

That wall has to breath... it can't if the vapor barrier is on the
warmside of the insulation to the concrete wall.

O.P. wanted to add insulation over old insulation in the attic.

Bob

New insulation installed over existing - vapor barrier question
 

It's actually not foil backing; it appears to be some sort of
paper/plastic type deal. I have already completed part of the job by
simply pulling the paper off. It seems to separate quite easily,
although not always without a small bit of insulation coming with it.
A negligible amount really. I have not encountered any condensation
yet, but it hasn't gotten extremely cold either.

Again, thanks for all the responses.