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Is a vapor retarder necessary on ceiling/attic interfaces of unconditioned attics when using blown in cellulose or fiberglass insulation?

mclola | Posted in General Questions on

Hi,

I’ll start this out by saying I might be overthinking this …….

My goal is to prevent condensation on the plywood sheathing of our unconditioned attic that could result in attic mold growth – especially during heating season during our cold climate zone 5 winters where temperatures can get as low as  0 degrees Fahrenheit at times.  

Question:  Is a vapor retarder needed on ceiling/unconditioned attic interfaces when using blown in cellulose or fiberglass insulation of sufficient R value; and if this is the case, is latex paint sufficient (assuming all of the other areas for air leaks have been air sealed?)

Thank you for your time.

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  1. Expert Member
  2. mclola | | #2

    Thank you for this link/information, Malcolm.

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