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Vapor barrier between layers of gypsum board on a ceiling

mhntr | Posted in General Questions on

I have a home built in 1973 in climate zone 6.  I am going to be adding a layer of 1/2″ gypsum board to the ceiling to cover the existing popcorn ceilings which may contain asbestos.  The house currently has only some paper above the existing ceilings to act as a vapor barrier and I have been advised by contractor friends to add 6mm plastic between the layers of gypsum board.  I would be fine with putting the plastic between the gypsum board and the joists if I could do that, but putting it between the layers of gypsum board makes me nervous about moisture damage to the original ceiling during the summer months.  Is putting a vapor barrier between the two layers of the gypsum board ceiling a good idea or should I not worry about adding a barrier?  Thank you.

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Replies

  1. Expert Member
    BILL WICHERS | | #1

    I don’t see any need for the poly unless you’re in an area where that’s a code requirement. The drywall alone is a good air barrier, and the drywall is also a good barrier to encapsulate asbestos since the asbestos fibers won’t penetrate the drywall.

    Bill

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