is a vapor barrier necessary in a garage ceiling

Full Answer

Do I need a vapor barrier in my garage ceiling?

So, you don’t need a vapor barrier in the garage ceiling. Unless you have converted your garage into a kitchen, a bathroom, a laundry room, or a space that generates a lot of moisture, even for that, a dehumidifier can absorb all the moisture in the garage to keep the air dry.

Is vapor barrier needed when insulating garage?

Most garages don’t need vapor barriers because the amount of vapor that diffuses through garage walls, ceilings, and the floor is not enough to cause wet walls that result in moisture damages. However, if you live in a cold climate zone such as Alaska, it’s a good idea to install a vapor barrier on the warm-in-winter side of the wall.

Do garage walls need a vapor barrier?

So, in this post, we will talk about vapor barriers and whether you need it in a garage. Most garages don’t need vapor barriers because the amount of vapor that diffuses through garage walls, ceilings, and the floor is not enough to cause wet walls that result in moisture damages.

Should I install a vapor barrier on the ceiling?

It’s recommended that you have vapor barriers installed between the insulation and the rest of the room for ceilings. This is assuming that you live in a place that experiences cold weather and that your house’s interior is warmer than the outside. Now that we’ve glossed over ceiling insulation and vapor barriers.

Should I insulate my garage ceiling?

A garage ceiling does not necessarily need insulation. However, if you're looking to increase the average temperature in the garage, it can definitely help to prevent warm air from escaping through gaps and holes in the ceiling.

Should you put plastic over ceiling insulation?

Fiberglass 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.

How do you install a vapor barrier in a garage?

3:0016:55Garage wall vapor barrier and how to install it - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBreak it seals up your seams. So the other thing i'll mention about this is it's it's got some extraMoreBreak it seals up your seams. So the other thing i'll mention about this is it's it's got some extra adhesion it's really sticky. Stuff once you put it on your your joints.

Where do you place a vapor barrier on a ceiling?

0:402:36Should I Install a vapor barrier on the ceiling? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipRight underneath whatever sheathing you use under the sheetrock. Or you know this tie and groove.MoreRight underneath whatever sheathing you use under the sheetrock. Or you know this tie and groove. And people have always done that in the north.

Do you need to put plastic between insulation and drywall?

Without poly beneath the drywall, water vapor hits the drywall and diffuses through to the drier (in summer) indoor air. By installing a sheet of poly there, you cut off that drying mechanism and water that finds its way into walls can stay there longer and do more damage.

Is a vapor barrier necessary?

A vapour barrier is an important component in building construction. Its purpose is to help prevent water vapour from reaching building walls, ceilings, attics, crawlspaces or roofs, where it can condense and cause building materials to rot or grow mould.

Should I insulate the attic above my garage?

If your home's HVAC system does extend into the garage, then the attic above it should be insulated as it would for any other room of the house. This will serve the same function of keeping hot or cold air inside the garage as it does for the rest of the house.

Can I use plastic sheeting as a vapor barrier?

Reinforced polyethylene plastic sheeting (poly) comes in a variety of thicknesses and strengths. A 6 mil thick poly is commonly used as a vapor barrier and offers short-term savings to the homeowner.

What is vapor retarder?

A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall, ceiling or floor during the cold winter. Whether or not you need a vapor retarder hinges on three main factors your climate, your home and the location of the wall you're insulating.

Do you need a vapor retarder in the winter?

If you live in a mixed climate – hot and humid with several heating months in the winter, you probably need a vapor retarder. Specifically, if you live in climate zones 4C (marine), 5, 6, 7 and 8. Not sure your climate zone?

Can a vapor retarder be used in a wall?

In certain climates vapor retarders can be a vital part of the wall construction. However incorrect use can lead to additional moisture problems. Consult an insulation professional in your area if you are unsure where or how to install a vapor retarder or consider a vapor retarder that provides some degree of additional flexibility, like a smart vapor retarder. A smart vapor retarder is able to adapt its permeability to allow the wall to dry should moisture get trapped in the wall cavity.

How to protect a vapor barrier before pouring?

It is very important that the vapor barrier is protected before the pouring. A few tips: Run the vapor barrier up onto the footing or foundation wall.

What to do if moisture creeps into garage floor?

If the moisture is creeping into your garage floor through the porous concrete slab then you should have put in a vapor barrier at the time of pouring the slab. You have either not done it or the vapor barrier is not performing to specification.

Why is my garage floor wet?

If yes, then your garage floor is wet because ground water is wicking up through the porous concrete. In this case you may also find that the floor color under the sheet is a darker grey as compared to the surrounding area. That is because the moisture was trapped under the plastic sheet overnight.

How much does it cost to measure moisture in garage floor?

There are quite a few models available, some even costing $300-$400. But you do not need to spend such a large sum of money.

How does water get into a garage?

A garage floor gets wet from water either from below or from above. The groundwater can move through the concrete floor through a phenomenon known as capillary action. Water can also deposit on the garage concrete floor through another phenomenon known as condensation.

What is the property of a construction material that allows water vapor to pass from one side to the other?

Permeability is the property of a construction material that allows water vapor to pass from one side to the other. This is measured in units called “perms”. The lower the perm, lower is the permeability of the material and higher is its ability to retard the diffusion of vapor.

Can you put a vapor barrier in a concrete garage floor?

The local building code in your area, may or may not specify the installation of vapor barrier in the garage floor. However, it is wise to put it in anyway! A vapor barrier in the concrete garage floor adds very little to the construction cost.