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When insulating walls, which is better -- plastic sheeting or built-in vapor barrier?

Pink fiberglass insulation comes either faced or unfaced. On DIY shows on TV, I almost always see people using unfaced insulation and putting a sheet of plastic visqueen over the studs, rather than using faced insulation and not needing visqueen. Which method is better?

Answer:

For the best answers, search on this site https://shorturl.im/axL54 Hello You have asked this question twice. If you do not install a good vapour barrier on the warm side of your insulated wall, the insulation will become saturated with moisture and cause rot and mold. All the work you have done will have to be re-done in 3 to 5 years. Use acoustical caulking on the studs and top and bottom plates before applying the 6mm vapour barrier. Place the vapour barrier over the studs and staple. The acoustical caulking is messy but essential to seal holes created by screws/nails when installing interior finish such as drywall, plywood, etc. You can cut out 2 foot square pieces of vapour barrier and wrap your electrical boxes with them - tuck the excess inside the box. When the vapour barrier has been installed cut an X (opposite corner to oppostie corner) over each box with care not to damage the wiring. Pull out the plastic tucked into the boxes and lay it out on the vapour barrier - seal it with acoustical caulking. this gives you a unbroken vapour barrier over the whole wall surface. This is not controversial if you talk to reputable contractors. Your building codes likely call for this type of installation. Good Luck
You don't want to use plastic or visqueen in the walls. On remodel jobs I have seen large amounts of moisture buildup inside the walls under the drywall. (condensation) Use the paper faced insulation, or the blown in that is done by pros.
Visqueen Plastic
This Site Might Help You. RE: When insulating walls, which is better -- plastic sheeting or built-in vapor barrier? Pink fiberglass insulation comes either faced or unfaced. On DIY shows on TV, I almost always see people using unfaced insulation and putting a sheet of plastic visqueen over the studs, rather than using faced insulation and not needing visqueen. Which method is better?
There is a new thought on this.Using vapor barrier in homes has been popular for the last 15 or so years. They have been making houses tighter and tighter, resulting in having to install air exchange units. Since a lot of these homes are now being remodeled and the drywall is being removed, they have discovered that the vapor barrier is causing mold growth. Moisture is being trapped between the drywall and he visqueen and the paper is a perfect area for mold. The industry is now suggesting not using vapor barrier, but if you have an older house that needs the protection, use the visqueen and a mold resistant drywall. Its really the paper on the back side of the drywall that is the problem.

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