Years ago, when few homes had insulation in their outside walls, no one worried about vapor barriers–there was no need for them. But now homes are better insulated, making it necessary to ins… ...

Q–I want to add insulation to my unused attic. At present there are half-inch-thick waffled batts of a dark excelsiorlike material between the rafters and over the plaster and lath ceiling. A… ...

Question — In one of your columns, you replied to ice buildup in older homes by recommending adding proper vents (if possible) and checking the attic for proper insulation. I have similar proble ...

It’s actually quite difficult to create an air-tight vapour barrier in ceilings like yours, and that’s why the problem is fairly widespread.

It’s actually quite difficult to create an air-tight vapour barrier in ceilings like yours, and that’s why the problem is fairly widespread.

If you are constantly dealing with mold, moisture and musty smells in your home, be it in the bedroom, basement, or crawl spaces, you could benefit from a vapor barrier, professional contractors say.

Crawl space vapor barriers are constructed from 6 mil or thicker polyethylene sheeting. The material is available in rolls at lumberyards and home centers.