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.
• Work with an insulation expert to ensure safe, code-compliant results.

How do you cover insulation in an unfinished basement?

What to Use to Cover Exposed Insulation in a Basement Ceiling

• Cost Effective. You can conceal overhead obstructions and insulation by installing conventional drywall. ...
• Installing a Drop Ceiling. Installing a suspended ceiling is a straightforward process but must be accomplished in the proper order if it is to result in the appearance you want.
• Finishing the Project. ...

What you should know about installing insulation?

• It can boast a much cleaner and pollution-free production process when compared with other alternatives
• When it is removed from a building as the result of a renovation or remodel, it degrades without contributing harmful chemicals or off-gassing into the soil, water, or air.
• It has high energy-efficiency ratings

How much can you save with insulation?

The EPA estimates that the average homeowner can save 15% on heating and cooling costs (11% of total energy costs) by adding insulation in attics, crawl spaces, and basement rim joists. For most folks, that’s about $200 in savings per year.

Can you put insulation on top of insulation?

“Faced” insulation should not be placed on top of existing insulation in the attic. Any new batt or roll insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic needs to be without a vapor retarder (face). The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture.

Does exposed insulation need to be covered?

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 disturbing fiberglass insulation can send particles into the air that act as lung, eye, and skin irritants and children playing around exposed fiberglass insulation ...

Can you leave insulation uncovered?

"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.

How can I cover exposed insulation in my attic?

The good solution for this is a house wrap material (often referred to by the popular commercial brand Tyvek) which allows vapor to pass through while blocking water itself on the outside of the home. You can also put up a thin board, plywood, or even drywall, if the goal is simply to prevent accidental contact.

Is it OK to cover insulation with plastic?

Fiberglass insulation will not degrade unless exposed to water. The fiber could become airborne if a vent is blowing on it or it is disturbed in some way. It can be covered with a plastic vapor barrier to protect your home air quality.

How do you seal insulation?

Seal the gaps with caulk or expanding foam. When complete and dry, push the insulation back into place. Fill wiring and plumbing holes with expanding foam. Caulk around electrical junction boxes, and fill holes in box with caulk.

Do I have to drywall over insulation?

Drywall is considered a suitable construction material for interior walls, but its primary purpose is not to insulate. To make a significant difference in heat flow transfer, you must include insulation along with the drywall installation.

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.

What can you put 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.

Can exposed insulation be harmful?

Dangers of Exposed Insulation Even if you're not touching the insulation, it can send particles into the air that can irritate the skin. Lung irritation: Even more concerning, fiberglass, if breathed, will irritate the lungs, creating serious respiratory risks.

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 you cover insulation with Tyvek?

So, buy Tyvek, and use it to cover the insulation; staple it to framework. It is not a vapor barrier, so it is OK to put over the insulation. If you add any more insulation, take the Tyvek off and put down batts of Polywrap, 8-inch-thick fiberglass insulation wrapped in perforated polyethylene.

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 children eat fiberglass insulation?

Disturbing fiberglass insulation can send particles into the air that act as lung, eye, and skin irritants. Children playing around exposed fiberglass insulation may touch or even eat it, which can be a serious health risk.

Prefinished foam-insulation products and stone or brick veneers are a presentable option for a visible foundation

I’m fixing up my 1902 farmhouse and have added 4 in. of exterior polyiso to the wood-framed walls. I’d also like to insulate the exterior of the block-foundation wall with 2 in. of EPS or XPS foam since they can handle the moisture, but am at a loss about what to cover this with to make it presentable. I have about 16 in.

More about foundation insulation

Protecting Foundation Insulation – A heavy gauge of metal flashing offers increased durability.

What is the best way to stop water from coming through your house?

The good solution for this is a house wrap material (often referred to by the popular commercial brand Tyvek) which allows vapor to pass through while blocking water itself on the outside of the home. You can also put up a thin board, plywood, or even drywall, if the goal is simply to prevent accidental contact.

Can you use plastic for vapor barrier?

Plastic isn't recommended in this situation because it would create a second vapor barrier that can trap moisture and result in condensation and mold. Craft paper would have the same problem, this is what is most likely on the other side of the insulation for the vapor barrier you want.