Fixing bad orginal construction

[kbs2244]

There has been a lot of discussion here about vapor barriers.
Should it be used?
If so, where does it go?

This is a mag story about guys that are making very good living fixing original construction water damage.
A lot of it due to bad vapor barrier placement.

http://www.proremodeler.com/boom-town-falling-down

(Note the balloon example.)

Lesson to be learned;
You need ventilation.

 

[readhead]

Not a simple answer. What is you location? Average RH?

 

[rburke65]

Wow....8,055 posts and still no location.

 

[brownbagg]

vapor barrier go on the hot side, up north, imterior, down south exterior

never on ceilings

 

[RVDan]

vapor barrier go on the hot side, up north, imterior, down south exterior

never on ceilings

Hmm. It's on the ceilings here.

 

[Jess]

In my climate, its on the warm (inside) and includes the ceiling... On the exterior, we use a rain screen that allows moisture to get out of the finish and provides a drainage plane to keep the inside of the structure dry. An HRV is useful for eliminating excess interior moisture that is often the death of buildings with poor or no vapour barrier.

Your requirements will depend on your location and building codes to address the minimums.

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

Wow....8,055 posts and still no location.

Just curious, how many of your posts complain about this?

I can understand if a person is asking a question that could be affected by location (codes, weather, altitude etc.) then it is important. Seriously, are you a stalker or something? People like you make me think I should take my location off.

 

[RVDan]

Indeed, why is my location so important to some people?

 

[readhead]

This question is a perfect example. The answer will be different if you live in Maine as opposed to Florida. What are you afraid of?

 

[MScott]

Just curious, how many of your posts complain about this?

I can understand if a person is asking a question that could be affected by location (codes, weather, altitude etc.) then it is important. Seriously, are you a stalker or something? People like you make me think I should take my location off.

Indeed, why is my location so important to some people?

The OP asked a question about vapour barriers, the answer to which is very dependent on location. What is the problem with giving a general location. No one is asking for your street address or even your town/city. You don't even have to give a state, just a general location. I really can't understand the foil-hat mentality. I generally don't even try to answer questions that would be dependent on climate if the person asking won't supply a general location. No one is stalking, just trying to get enough info to give an intelligent answer. JMHO.

 

[DenisG]

Vapor barrier is (usually) the plastic film between the studs and the drywall. It's there to keep moisture generated in the house from condensing in the insulation. Wet insulation is something to be avoided, but insulation can get wet from rain water or ground water. Ventilation is used to keep moisture from building up and condensing or collecting where it shouldn't (like in the attic).

 

[readhead]

DenisG, that only works in a heating climate. That is why it is so important to know the OP's location in order to provide the correct answer. But he may be to paranoid to answer.

 

[graffix000]

Just curious, how many of your posts complain about this?

I can understand if a person is asking a question that could be affected by location (codes, weather, altitude etc.) then it is important. Seriously, are you a stalker or something? People like you make me think I should take my location off.

No, it is so we don't have to waste our time asking where the OP is from in order to provide an informed answer.

This question in particular would be better answered knowing where they are from. Pretty sure you won't be tracked down by listing a city or state...

 

[Leaflessshadetree]

This question is a perfect example. The answer will be different if you live in Maine as opposed to Florida. What are you afraid of?

The OP asked a question about vapour barriers, the answer to which is very dependent on location. What is the problem with giving a general location. No one is asking for your street address or even your town/city. You don't even have to give a state, just a general location. I really can't understand the foil-hat mentality. I generally don't even try to answer questions that would be dependent on climate if the person asking won't supply a general location. No one is stalking, just trying to get enough info to give an intelligent answer. JMHO.

The OP didn't ask any question.

He did include a couple of "example questions" and the posted a link to an article that sites the issues that arise when vapor barriers/ventilation are not installed correctly It also takes a huge jab at construction "professionals". Building booms and how overworked inspectors are.
I assume the same goes for all trades involved in construction (plumbing, electrical, insulation, concrete......)

 

[DenisG]

DenisG, that only works in a heating climate. That is why it is so important to know the OP's location in order to provide the correct answer. But he may be to paranoid to answer.

OK, I learned something new. I've only lived in the northern part of the States.

 

[Playwme]

Where's the question? The article states many locations, if anyone bothered to read it. Nowhere is it mentioned that the op has an issue with his house.