how do you cover insulation

Common solutions for covering exposed insulation include:

• Sealing the insulation by stapling a polymembrane sheet over it.
• Installing paneling or sheetrock over wall insulation.
• Installing plywood flooring over floor insulation.
• Working with an insulation expert to ensure safe, code-compliant results.

Full Answer

How do you cover exposed insulation in a basement?

Suggestions for covering exposed insulation include the following: 1 Seal the insulation by stapling a polymembrane sheet over it. 2 Install paneling or sheetrock over insulation located in the wall. 3 Install plywood flooring over insulation located in the floor. 4 Work with an insulation expert to ensure safe, code-compliant results.

Should you insulate the outside of your foundation?

Energy gurus and building codes routinely recommend these days that foundation walls be insulated. One way of accomplishing that is by adding a layer of rigid foam insulation on the outside of the foundation. And that’s exactly what William Poole is planning to do. Most of the rigid foam insulation will be underground and out of sight.

What is the best way to cover up foam insulation?

Most require a layer of mesh either over joints and corners, or over the entire surface of the foam. Styro Industries’ Tuff II is a popular pick in this category and can be applied with a trowel or a drywall knife, or sprayed on. It’s 100% acrylic and can be custom-tinted just like paint, and it’s strong enough to take a hit from a weed whacker.

How do you insulate a basement with plywood?

Seal the insulation by stapling a polymembrane sheet over it. Install paneling or sheetrock over insulation located in the wall. Install plywood flooring over insulation located in the floor. Work with an insulation expert to ensure safe, code-compliant results.

How to measure for insulation?

Why do we need insulation?

What is the best vapor barrier to use?

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Is insulation supposed to be covered?

Builders leaving fiberglass insulation exposed are in compliance with building codes because as long as the insulation is undisturbed. The American Lung Association agrees. This means if your attic or basement with exposed fiberglass insulation is used for storage only, there's no need to change anything.

Should I put plastic over insulation?

After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder, sometimes called a vapor barrier, if you need one. Not every wall does. A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall, ceiling or floor during the cold winter.

Should you cover the insulation in the attic?

If the attic itself is insulated, the other side of the knee walls — the space in between the living space and the exterior wall — is usually not. If the wall has fiberglass or cellulose insulation on the nonliving side of the wall, the insulation should be covered by an air barrier such as drywall.

Do I have to drywall over insulation?

Injection foam insulation is the answer to insulating walls without removing drywall. There are several types of injection foam available out there, including the RetroFoam product we use. These materials don't require the drywall in your home to be taken down.

What kind of plastic do you put over insulation?

Without a vapor barrier in place, condensation inside the walls could ruin the insulation and promote the growth of harmful mold and bacteria. Plastic, specifically 6-mil polyethylene plastic, is the most commonly used vapor barrier.

Can I put plastic sheeting over faced insulation?

No, you should not do this. As mentioned above, faced insulation that has a vapor barrier can easily trap moisture. If you put another faced insulation on top of face insulation, a significant amount of moisture can form inside your insulation and in your walls to damage them.

Can I leave insulation exposed?

"Fiberglass insulation should never be left exposed in an occupied area, according to the American Lung Association," says ALA's Godfrey. "Exposed fiberglass insulation, once in the air, does cause respiratory reactions, such as dry, scratchy throat and coughing, as well as acting as a skin and eye irritant.

Can I cover my attic insulation with plywood?

Once the insulation is down, you can turn your attic into valuable storage space by covering the floor with plywood. It will also make the attic a safer place in which to walk.

Can exposed insulation be harmful?

Skin irritation: Exposed insulation, if touched, can send particles into the air that can irritate the skin. Eye irritation: Fiberglass insulation particles can irritate the eyes as well. Lung irritation: An issue that's more of a concern, fiberglass insulation can cause respiratory issues if its particles are inhaled.

How do you insulate an old house without tearing down walls?

How to Insulate Walls in an Old HouseApply a house wrap/vapor barrier to exterior walls.Attach 1-inch foam board insulation.Install siding over the insulation.Replace old windows with energy-efficient units.Caulk window trim and use weatherstripping to reduce air leaks.

What comes first insulation or drywall?

The cavity should be insulated before the drywall is installed. If the drywall is installed it should not matter if he tapes before or after the cavity is insulated.

Do you have to cover insulation in garage?

Insulation should not be exposed in the garage if possible. Exposed insulation can cause coughing, itching, general irritation, and can even get in your eyes or lungs. While it's best if all rooms with insulation be covered, the occupied areas are the priority.

Do you need plastic vapor barrier over faced insulation?

Vapor Blockers Not every type of insulation needs a vapor barrier. But if it does, the barrier should face inside in northern, heating climates, and outside in humid southern climates.

Can you put vapor barrier on both sides of insulation?

Avoid installing vapor barriers on both sides of a structure. Walls and ceiling cavities should ideally have the ability to dry out in one direction if the other side is constructed to prevent moisture penetration.

Should I put plastic on the ceiling before sheetrock?

It depends on your local climate. For climates that are higher humidity inside than outside in summer (a dry climate) plastic on the interior is OK. For climates that are higher humidity outside during the summer (a humid climate) plastic on the interior could be a serious mistake. Save this answer.

What do you use to cover insulation in a basement ceiling?

You can conceal overhead obstructions and insulation by installing conventional drywall. Rather than relocate duct work, plumbing and electrical items hanging below the existing floor joists, it is often necessary to install a secondary framework below the obstructions.

What to Use to Cover Exposed Insulation in a Basement Ceiling

When finishing a basement to create either additional living space for items such as a game room, bar or spare bedroom, it will often be necessary to install a new ceiling. Overhead objects such as HVAC duct work, plumbing and electrical items can make this difficult.

Safely/cheaply covering fiberglass insulation in unfinished basement

The title covers the gist of it. The details: We bought a new construction house in Central Illinois. The basement is mostly finished with a family room, bedroom and bath, but there is an unfinished section for the (covered) sump pump and HVAC/water heater.

Plastic after insulation or no? - Fine Homebuilding

It really depends where you live. Check with your inspection dept. Where vapor retarders are required, 4mil will be ok. Every insulating contractor I've talked to tells me they would use nothing but kraft faced insulation in their own home.

Does Fiberglass Insulation Need To Be Covered | IBP of Tampa

It’s common for your Tampa home to have fiberglass insulation in the basement or attic that’s exposed to the air. The pink, fluffy batts wedged tightly between studs, rafters and joists prevent outside heat, air and moisture from pushing through into your home.

What causes foam to get damaged?

Most of the materials used to protect the foam eventually get damaged by lawn mowers, baseballs, or just normal wear and tear at the ground level.

What to use to strengthen cement parging?

Use metal or plastic reinforcing to strengthen the cement parging on foundation foam boards.

Is foam insulation good for walls?

On the plus side, it allows for continuous insulation for homes with exterior foam on the walls. It also provides a small thermal mass benefit, although this is mainly true in climates with wide daily temperature swings above and below the comfort zone. An example would be the high deserts of the Southwest. And even in these climates, the benefit would be primarily for above-grade walls, not foundation walls.

Can termites move behind foam?

Termites and Ants. Whatever system you use to cover and protect the insulation, you still have a direct conduit for termites to move from the soil to the wood structure. The termites can easily move behind the foam and escape detection. In some termite-prone areas, codes do not allow exterior foam on the above-grade portion of the foundation, ...

Do carpenter ants eat insulation?

Carpenter ants also like to excavate exterior insulation to create a warm living space. While they do not eat the foam for nourishment, they can still do considerable damage to the foam.

Can you use foam insulation on a foundation?

With interior foundation insulation, you can add whatever thickness you want and use any type of foam. By insulating the band joists, you can get continuity of insulation from foundation to above-grade wall.

Can I put foam insulation on my basement?

A: While widely used at one time, exterior foam insulation on basement walls is less common today. I’m not a big fan of exterior foam insulation on foundations for some of the reasons you mention. It is difficult to protect during construction and after the home is completed. Most foundation insulation coatings deteriorate over time. And it also provides easy access to the house for subterranean termites as well as ideal nesting material for carpenter ants.

How do I install a veneered foundation?

Installation details will vary based on the product you choose, but a common approach is to attach galvanized lath through the foam to the foundation with concrete screws and washers, then apply a scratch coat of mortar and the veneer over that. You’ll want a good mason to do this so it looks good and lasts. Panelized veneers, like Boral’s Versetta Stone, have a similar look to adhered veneer, but can be attached with concrete screws. I should point out, though, that manufactured stone-veneer products generally can’t go all the way to grade, so you may need to use something else to cover the foam in that gap.

Can you put rigid foam on a foundation?

Deputy editor Matthew Millham responds: There are a lot of different products and materials that can achieve what you’re after, but first make sure your local code allows exterior rigid foam on foundations. Some locations don’t permit it because it can be a pathway for insect intrusion. If you’re in an area with termites and they let you do it, look for foam that’s treated to resist insects, and make sure to install termite flashing.

What is the effect of fiberglass insulation on the air?

Disturbing fiberglass insulation can send particles into the air that act as lung, eye, and skin irritants.

Where to install plywood flooring?

Install plywood flooring over insulation located in the floor.

Can you put fiberglass insulation in the basement?

It’s not uncommon for Tampa homes to have exposed fiberglass insulation in the basement or attic. Pink, fluffy batts wedged tightly between studs, rafters, and joists insulate the space against exterior temperature changes. But here’s the question: does fiberglass insulation need to be covered, or is it safe to leave it exposed? The answer depends on how you use the space where the exposed fiberglass is located.

Is fiberglass insulation safe in Tampa?

Builders who leave existing fiberglass insulation exposed in Tampa are in compliance with building codes because as long as the insulation is undisturbed, it poses little to no health threat. The American Lung Association agrees on this point.

Can you cover fiberglass insulation?

If you decide to cover fiberglass in an occupied living space, make sure you choose a permeable barrier that won’t trap moisture. This allows your home to breathe more easily and helps prevent mold growth. Suggestions for covering exposed insulation include the following:

Is Exposed Insulation Unhealthy?

What if the previous owner of your new home used the unfinished basement for storage, but you want to convert it into a gym or playroom? In this case, even if you don’t plan on completely finishing the basement, you should cover the exposed fiberglass insulation for safety reasons, including:

Why insulate a crawl space wall?

There are several reasons why it might be desirable to insulate a crawl space wall or a basement wall instead of the floor above: 1. If it is a basement, it might be desirable to heat the space, since many homeowners use basements for living space. 2.

Why is it important to insulate the walls of a crawlspace?

2. If it is a crawlspace, insulating the walls prevents the pipes from freezing.

What are the generic products of Insul Guard 2?

He lists four possible generic products: pressure-treated plywood, fiber-cement panel siding, stucco, and surface-bonding cement. There also are a number of proprietary products worth looking at, Holladay says, including Insul-Guard 2 fiberglass from Diversified Composites, Ground Breaker fiberglass covering from Nudo Products, FP Ultra Lite Panels from Styro Industires, and Protecto Bond membrane, a peel-and-stick product from Protecto Wrap.

Do foundation walls need insulation?

Energy gurus and building codes routinely recommend these days that foundation walls be insulated. One way of accomplishing that is by adding a layer of rigid foam insulation on the outside of the foundation.

Is fiberglass mesh expensive?

EIFS, with the fiberglass mesh is expensive and not that durable. T-Mass is about 1.5 times as much as spraying closed-cell urethane foam on walls furred and insulated inside.

Can you use stucco on EPS foam?

The synthetic stucco used for EIFS is applied directly to EPS foam, but most EIFS systems require fiberglass netting as well. Traditional stucco requires wire lath, which would need to be mechanically fastened somehow. Your best bet would be to consult with a stucco contractor or an EIFS contractor.

Is rigid foam insulation underground?

Most of the rigid foam insulation will be underground and out of sight. But what do you do with that stretch of exposed insulation above grade?

Where should a vapor barrier be installed?

Check the vapor barrier requirements in your area before installing. The rule of thumb is the vapor barrier should face the warm side -- the side of the wall that stays warmest for most of the year. In most areas this means on the interior of the wall. However, in some locations building code may prefer the vapor barrier on the exterior side of the wall, under the insulation instead.

How to use vapor barrier tape?

Apply a strip of insulation tape designed for vapor barrier use over any seam where the vapor barrier meets another surface such as the wood framing around a window or the rim of an electrical box. Run additional lengths over any seam where two pieces of plastic meet and seal any accidental holes or tears.

What is the purpose of a tug and smooth vapor barrier?

Tug and smooth the vapor barrier to ensure a completely smooth surface lacking wrinkles or gaps through which moisture and air may escape, defeating the vapor barrier's purpose. Staple through the plastic into the sole plate -- the horizontal board running under the studs -- at bottom.

Why do you need a vapor barrier?

It's a graphic illustration of why you need a vapor barrier covering your home insulation. Without a moisture-proof material to protect the insulation and framing within the wall, hot and cold battle, moisture forms, and mold and rot take advantage of the result. Install an unbroken sheet of polyethylene vapor barrier to prevent it from happening.

How to make a wall with polyethylene?

Measure the length of the wall. Unroll a length of 4-mil polyethylene, commonly called either poly or simply plastic sheeting. Pull out enough to equal the length of the wall plus an extra 2 to 3 feet. Cut with utility scissors or a utility knife.

How to make a flat edge on a window?

Cut away any poly covering an electrical box , window or similar objects. Use a utility knife and cut slightly narrower than the opening. Fold back the remaining poly and tuck against the edge of the opening to create a flat, neat edge.

Which side of the wall should a vapor barrier be?

The rule of thumb is the vapor barrier should face the warm side -- the side of the wall that stays warmest for most of the year. In most areas this means on the interior of the wall. However, in some locations building code may prefer the vapor barrier on the exterior side of the wall, under the insulation instead.

Which side of foam board insulation faces out?

If you want it warm, the foil part should face the inside. This is so that it can radiate heat back into the room. And do the opposite if you want your space to be cooler.

How thick is rigid insulation foam?

Answer: The rigid insulation foam comes in standard thicknesses between ½-2 inches. However, if you live in a place with extreme conditions, then you can special order. Some manufacturers have these boards up to 6 inches thickness.

What are the holes in a roof?

You might notice certain holes on the roof. These might appear from the screws and nails in the plywood support beams. You’ll now have to fill up any gaps or holes you see in the roof.

Can you insulate a patio roof?

This insulation will keep the area under your patio roof cool. Your concrete pads underneath won’t overheat, similar to your shower cable overheating. Not insulating might damage your wirings. This is because some of these wires are very sensitive to heat. It is ideal to insulate your aluminum patio roof!

Can you spray foam insulation over a roof?

You can buy a kit for this spray foam insulation. They come with a user manual to guide you more precisely . You can use this all over the roof.

Can you use rigid insulation foam on a roof?

If you’re looking to add an extra oomph to the roof, we have just the thing. You can use decorative patterned rigid insulation foam instead of the plain ones! But this will cost you a higher price.

Can you use nails on a roof?

Make sure not to use nails for this process. As this might penetrate through the roof!

How to measure for insulation?

Run a tape measure across the length of each wall and add all the sides together for the total linear feet of the wall. This will help determine how many rolls of plastic sheeting will be needed to cover the insulation.

Why do we need insulation?

Insulation is found in the walls of homes and is installed to help keep your house at a steady temperature. Insulation will help keep your house warmer in the winter and cooler in the summer.

What is the best vapor barrier to use?

The best vapor barrier to use is roll of plastic sheeting. This vapor barrier is easy to install and does an excellent job. Advertisement.