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-   -   Attic insulation (https://www.askmehelpdesk.com/showthread.php?t=824024)

  • Apr 21, 2016, 10:37 AM
    starman695
    Attic insulation
    Just to give a clear picture... house was built in late 60's and the insulation they used in attic... which I am going to assume was original or done in the 80's?? Don't know but anyway the insulation that is currently there has vapor barrier on one side and a silver (radiant) barrier on the other.. . A lot of contractors that came out to look at the job all asked the same question or pointed out that the insulation was installed incorrectly... and that's when I explain to them nicely that no its just how insulation... was done in the past... ANYWAY... I have the insulation as mentioned above it measures at this point about 2 in in thickness... which is nothing so I was going to add NON faced insulation batts on top of that which is already there... My question is "IS this the best route or should I completely remove the old insulation and add brand new Faced insulation??

    Any expertise is appreciated

    Thanks

    Starman695
  • Apr 21, 2016, 12:43 PM
    hkstroud
    At only 2" thick I don't think it matters. You can remove and use faced insulation or not remove and use unfaced insulation. I would not use faced insulation with out removing the existing insulation. You don't want to trap moisture in between the facing.
  • Apr 21, 2016, 02:38 PM
    joypulv
    Not a clear picture at all - you don't say if this is in the rafters or floor.
    FLOOR: vapor barrier on bottom, none on top
    RAFTERS: first there have to be venting channels to a roof ridge vent or several small vents on the roof slope, then insulation with vapor barrier on the showing side only.
    Listen to the contractors!
  • Apr 21, 2016, 03:05 PM
    hkstroud
    JOY
    Quote:

    the insulation they used in attic
    The vapor barrier always goes on the warm side.
  • Apr 21, 2016, 03:22 PM
    joypulv
    I assumed that this is an unheated attic.
    So the vapor barrier in the floor is below the insulation, and the one in the rafters is on the side facing in, and the vented rafters apply whether heated or not.

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