What can I use to cover unfaced insulation?

In most climates, it needs a vapor barrier. Some builders rely on batts with attached kraft-paper facing to do that job, but Tom recommends unfaced batts, covered in plastic with all the seams taped shut.

Will plastic cover basement insulation?

A common question people have when finishing a basement is “Should I use visqueen or plastic sheeting on one side or the other of the framed basement walls?” The answer is no. Plastic will prevent moisture from moving through the wall.

Should I put plastic over my insulation?

While we hear a lot about dual vapor barriers and the 5 to 1 rule, installing plastic sheets directly over faced insulation does not cause a moisture problem if installed correctly. The reason for this has to do with Relative Humidity (RH%) and the fact that moisture flow during the winter is pressure induced.

How do you cover insulation in basement walls?

Spray foam is probably the best possible insulation material for basements and damp areas. Closed cell spray foam is perfect for locking “out” the water vapor that inherintely wants to migrate from your damp basement walls to your finished basement rooms.

What type of insulation can be left exposed?

What Type Of Insulation Can Be Left Exposed?

It has been installed so that the paper facing is placed against the inside of the wall (against the sheetrock or other building material).
It has no paper facing at all.
Fiberglass can be left exposed if it has a special flame-resistant foil facing.

Can you use house wrap as a vapor barrier?

For example, House wrap by itself is not an air barrier, it is a vapor barrier. However, IF installed properly, which is rare, with taped seams, bottom, top edges, and no tears, it acts as an air barrier. So primarily it acts as a vapor barrier, but installed properly can do both; vapor barrier and air barrier.

Should you put plastic over insulation before drywall?

Normally interior walls do not require a vapor barrier, but there are some situations where it is highly recommended. A continuous plastic vapor barrier behind the drywall will protect the interior walls of these areas from water damage.

Is exposed insulation in a basement dangerous?

“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. This is not healthy. Then the fiberglass acts as a respiratory irritant and can cause respiratory problems, including bronchitis,” he says.

Can you use faced insulation in basement ceiling?

Faced insulation — insulation with a paper covering — is suitable for use when you’re insulating the ceiling of a basement that you’re not planning on finishing. In cases where the insulation will be covered with suspended or drywall ceiling, unfaced insulation is entirely suitable.

How do you cover exposed insulation?

Suggestions for covering exposed insulation include the following:

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.

What should I cover exposed fiberglass insulation with?

This allows your home to breathe more easily and helps prevent mold growth. Suggestions for covering exposed insulation include the following: Seal the insulation by stapling a polymembrane sheet over it. Install paneling or sheetrock over insulation located in the wall.

Is there insulation in the basement of my new house?

My new house has an unheated basement ( typically 5-8 degrees less than living space) with exposed fiberglass insulation between the ceiling I-beams. The concrete walls are not insulated.

What kind of insulation should I use for my basement ceiling?

This type of foam insulation, which may be made of plastic resin or polyurethane, is ideal for adding insulation to finished areas and around irregularities and obstructions. Small quantities can be sprayed, while larger amounts must be pressure-sprayed. Before you make your final selection, be sure it has the right R-value.

Can you use vapor retarder over insulation in unfinished basement?

You can install an approved vapor retarder over the insulation before installing the drywall, but 6 mil plastic is not considered an approved vapor retarder for framed walls in basements. I would very much like to drywall and finish the whole thing, but financially it’s going to be a year or two for that to happen.

Do you need to insulate the ceiling in the basement?

On the other hand, if you want to use your basement as a living space, you’ll want to insulate the walls. However, ceiling insulation may not be necessary in that case. As long as the walls are insulated, you wouldn’t have to worry about drafts or moisture entering your home.

What can I use to cover glass insulation in basement?

Have also considered non-woven polypropylene, FSK (foil/craft paper)., and plain aluminum foil. I would appreciate hearing from anybody who has solved this relatively common problem.

Is the concrete floor insulated in the basement?

The concrete walls are not insulated. I do not plan to “finish” the basement but would like to put some exercise equipment down there, and am concerned by the potential health risk from inhaling FG fibers. I am searching for ways to cover the exposed FG without putting up a drop ceiling or drywall.