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  1. #1
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    Default Wall Insulation and vapor barrier

    I had a pre-drywall inspection today. The builder had already installed wall insulation. I notice that they had the vapor barrier reversed in 3 locations: 1) garage wall where a HVAC chase is located, houses duct work and B-vent for furnace; 2 & 3) Exterior wall beside bathtubs. They were using Kraft paper backed fiberglass batts for insulation. Since I don't usually see insulation, shouldn't there be a plastic barrier on the inside of the insulation at the bathtubs? The builder is going to use the new mold/moisture resistant drywall around the tub (no cement backer board).

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    The above statements are expressed solely as my opinion and in all probability will conflict with someone else's.
    Stu, Fredericksburg VA

  2. #2
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    Mar 2007
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    Spring Hill (Nashville), TN
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    Default Re: Wall Insulation and vapor barrier

    Quote Originally Posted by Stuart Brooks View Post
    I had a pre-drywall inspection today. The builder had already installed wall insulation. I notice that they had the vapor barrier reversed in 3 locations: 1) garage wall where a HVAC chase is located, houses duct work and B-vent for furnace; 2 & 3) Exterior wall beside bathtubs. They were using Kraft paper backed fiberglass batts for insulation. Since I don't usually see insulation, shouldn't there be a plastic barrier on the inside of the insulation at the bathtubs? The builder is going to use the new mold/moisture resistant drywall around the tub (no cement backer board).
    OK, I'm a little confused... Yes, I know that is not unusual!

    The Kraft paper needs to face the the warm or conditioned side of the home. It even has a small edge that can be stapled to the studs.

    I don't understand the HVAC chase, does it have ductwork and the furnace B vent in the same chase? What kind of ductwork?

    The reversed insulation at the tubs makes no sense. NO, you do not want to add plastic sheeting. If you did this you would have a mess.

    The builder needs to use drywall or backer board that is approved for wet/damp locations.

    Scott Patterson, ACI
    Spring Hill, TN
    www.traceinspections.com

  3. #3
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    Mar 2007
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    Default Re: Wall Insulation and vapor barrier

    Quote Originally Posted by Stuart Brooks View Post
    I notice that they had the vapor barrier reversed in 3 locations: 1) garage wall where a HVAC chase is located, houses duct work and B-vent for furnace; 2 & 3) Exterior wall beside bathtubs.
    4) in the ceiling above the garage

    Presuming the first photo is the garage and is showing the 3 stud bays with reversed insulation, to the right 2 stud bays and up in the ceiling - looks like more reversed? If not, what is that?

    The builder is going to use the new mold/moisture resistant drywall around the tub (no cement backer board).
    Make sure it is rated by the manufacturer for that installation, much of it is not approved for installation in those "wet areas" around tubs or showers.

    Quote Originally Posted by Scott Patterson View Post
    The builder needs to use drywall or backer board that is approved for wet/damp locations.
    Precisely, and you need to check with the manufacturer's web site and get their information if you do not already have it - much of the new stuff is STILL NOT approved for those wet areas.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  4. #4
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    Default Re: Wall Insulation and vapor barrier

    Quote Originally Posted by John Kogel View Post
    At the B vent in the wall, they should use batts without the backing. If the heat causes sweating, where will the moisture stop? Inside the wall.
    The paper is not a "barrier" it is a "vapor retarder". That should not cause any problems (with the insulation facing in the correct way).

    At the tub, they should have the vapor barrier on the interior side. In my area, we would be using poly on all the interior walls. Call it out, it is an easy fix now, it will cost them 1/2 a bundle of insulation to put it right. You have the pics to prove they screwed up.

    Maybe up there, but anywhere I know of putting in a plastic sheeting behind the tub and tile surround WILL CAUSE problems.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  5. #5
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    Default Re: Wall Insulation and vapor barrier

    Quote Originally Posted by Jerry Peck View Post
    The paper is not a "barrier" it is a "vapor retarder". That should not cause any problems (with the insulation facing in the correct way).




    Maybe up there, but anywhere I know of putting in a plastic sheeting behind the tub and tile surround WILL CAUSE problems.
    Acknowledged. Different climate. I've deleted my post to prevent confusion. However, isn't there a concern with the paper in proximity to the B vent, therefore they turned the batts around?


  6. #6
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    Default Re: Wall Insulation and vapor barrier

    Quote Originally Posted by John Kogel View Post
    However, isn't there a concern with the paper in proximity to the B vent, therefore they turned the batts around?

    Not as long as required clearances are maintained.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  7. #7
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    Sep 2007
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    Fredericksburg, VA
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    Default Re: Wall Insulation and vapor barrier

    Garage insulation (1st picture, paper towards garage) - HVAC chase: Metal duct, uninsulated, Main supply duct and return duct for 2nd floor registers; Return duct is against the insulation in between stud area; B-vent is more than 6" away from insulation and between the two metal ducts

    Bathroom: the drywall in the tub/surround area, maybe whole bathroom, is the new material with GP DensArmor Plus. The fiberglass faced gypsum drywall material that can be used where "green board" is usually required.

    I agree that properly installed cement backer board is the best product to use around tub/shower enclosures but isn't that a matter of builder's choice? We're talking about a National Builder where lowest cost per unit is the driving force.

    The above statements are expressed solely as my opinion and in all probability will conflict with someone else's.
    Stu, Fredericksburg VA

  8. #8
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    Default Re: Wall Insulation and vapor barrier

    Quote Originally Posted by Stuart Brooks View Post
    The fiberglass faced gypsum drywall material that can be used where "green board" is usually required.
    You mean ... where "green board" (MR board) *was used*, but not really allowed, and certainly not required. Some manufacturers realized that MR board was not allowed before other manufacturers did, and not they all say it is not allowed for that use.

    I agree that properly installed cement backer board is the best product to use around tub/shower enclosures but isn't that a matter of builder's choice?[/quote]

    "isn't that a matter of builder's choice?"

    Not if you are comparing it to something *which should not be used* around tubs and shower areas.

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

  9. #9
    Join Date
    Feb 2008
    Location
    Chicago IL
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    Default Re: Wall Insulation and vapor barrier

    Unless that tub is an outside wall, which it looks like it is; I recommend people not put insulation in the cavities around the tub. If there's a leak, the itch just soaks it up and it takes a lot longer to show.
    As far as backer board ... I've seen the DensArmor used in tubs. I don't like it any better than greenboard. Haven't looked it up to see it's Spec's. Check out Densshield though, kickass tile backer, works well, holds up, never had a single call back, nice product to work with, glue and mortar sticks well.

    www.aic-chicago.com
    773/844-4AIC
    "The Code is not a ceiling to reach but a floor to work up from"

  10. #10
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    Fletcher, NC
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    Default Re: Wall Insulation and vapor barrier

    Quote Originally Posted by Stuart Brooks View Post
    Bathroom: the drywall in the tub/surround area, maybe whole bathroom, is the new material with GP DensArmor Plus.
    Quote Originally Posted by Markus Keller View Post
    As far as backer board ... I've seen the DensArmor used in tubs. I don't like it any better than greenboard. Haven't looked it up to see it's Spec's.
    Nothing in the DensArmor Plus materials (specs / submittals / installation / etc.) says anything about it being acceptable for use around tubs or showers - so that would be a big no-no.

    *IN* "bathrooms", yes, in areas *other than* around tubs and showers.

    If you are seeing DensArmor *IN* the tub surround and shower wall (and ceilings over tubs and showers) then it is wrong.

    Check out Densshield though, kickass tile backer, works well, holds up, never had a single call back, nice product to work with, glue and mortar sticks well.
    DensShield *IS* a tile backer board and the information for DensShield *DOES* specifically state it is for those areas:
    http://gp.com/build/documentviewer.a...elementid=6875
    http://gp.com/build/DocumentViewer.a...elementid=3112

    Jerry Peck
    Construction/Litigation/Code Consultant - Retired
    www.AskCodeMan.com

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