Another Vapor Barrier & Insulation Question

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Diane Colucci

April 20, 2022 16:01

I think I’m getting confused by this diagram. 2 Questions if anyone can help:

1. If we place the vapor barrier on the warm side of the insulation… is the vapor barrier shown in the wrong spot in the diagram on the left?
2. Would you specify a higher R-Value for Insulation in a cold climate than you would a warm climate?

 

 

 

 

 

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  Brett Bowers April 23, 2022 02:54

  1. From what I can tell, the diagrams are simply showing the same section for summer and winter conditions in what appears to be a temperate climate. Assuming this is not a hot, humid climate, the barrier is located correctly - it's the only climate where you should locate the barrier on the exterior side of the insulation (based on my understanding).
  2. Yes, cold climates have higher recommended thermal resistance than hot climates. Consider the interior/exterior ΔT for both climates at their peak heating and cooling loads; in hot climates, your greatest ΔT during cooling months will be about 25 degrees (95-70), whereas the ΔT in cold climates during heating months will be at least double that (70-20).
      

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  Diane Colucci May 12, 2022 19:18

  Thank you!

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