Vapor Barrier Basement Ceiling

Plastic vapor barriers should only be installed in vented attics in climates with more than 8 000 heating degree days.

Vapor barrier basement ceiling. Use an automatic stapler such as a pneumatic stapler to do the job. 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. Placing a basement vapor barrier over exposed bottoms of overhead floor joists forming the basement ceiling one option for a floor air vapor barrier is a polyethylene plastic sheet placed over the floor joists and sealed to the wall vapor barrier.

How to install vapor barrier in basement ceiling. All of this assumes that you have a dry basement with good site drainage working foundation drains and foundation waterproofing on the exterior. When you install vapor barriers over ceiling insulation in the basement you need to use the right kind of stapler and staples.

This in turn protects your ceiling and joists from mold mildew and rot. A vapor barrier or vapor retardant covering protects your insulation from the moisture for which basements are so well known. Also install a good bath fan and use it when showering.

I would also recommend an airtight air vapor barrier on the bathroom ceiling to keep any moisture out of the floor system above. You can forego the plastic and use a vapor retarder kraft faced insulation or latex ceiling paint in all other climates except hot humid or hot dry climates. They are most commonly made of vapor retardant paint treated paper or foil or polyethylene plastics but there are other options.

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. A vapor barrier is usually a membrane or coating applied to the insulation. On august 25 2020 by amik.

Using a normal stapler that you would use for paper could rip the plastic.