The Upside Down- Stranger things of Insulation
Chelan Home Inspections
A popular TV show is “Stranger Things” which features the Upside Down, which is an alternate dimension existing in parallel to the normal world. The Upside Down is devoid of human life much like the crawlspaces I visit.
But what I am discussing is the upside down installation of insulation. The kraft paper is a vapor retarder meant to reduce the potential for moisture problems caused by diffusion. Typical and required installation in our area is to put the vapor retarder on the “warm-in-winter” side, or better stated to the conditioned side. How anyone today does not know in our area still baffles me.
So on a recent inspection, as I am inspecting the “devoid of human life area” a.k.a the crawlspace, I run into the insulation installed upside down. Meaning whoever installed this actually did not know the rules. Unfortunately, I see this type of work quite a bit in “flipped or renovated” homes. It seems so easy on TV till it comes time to do it.
The sad part of this is that it takes just as much time to do it wrong as it is to do it right.
Instillation Link-
http://www.ncwhomeinspections.com/system/files/userfiles/031979956043.pdf
I will admit that most of the time this most likely is really not a huge issue for moisture problems due to this wrong installation, but it really is more of a sign that those doing the work actually do not have the knowledge to know better and what can I not see that may be more important?
“No one is dumb who is curious. The people who don't ask questions remain clueless throughout their lives.”
Neil deGrasse Tyson
If you find any errors or have additional information that would expand on any code, building standards or manufacturer requirements please let me know.
NCW Home Inspections, LLC is a Licensed Washington State Home Inspection service located in Wenatchee Washington serving Chelan County, Douglas County, Kittitas County, Okanogan County and Grant County Washington and the cities of Wenatchee, Leavenworth, Cashmere, Oroville, Cle Elum, East Wenatchee, Quincy and many more…
Your Wenatchee and Chelan Professional Real Estate, Home and Structural Pest Inspection Service
Instructor- Fundamentals of Home Inspection- Bellingham Technical College
WA Home Inspector Advisory Licensing Board
www.ncwhomeinspections.com 509-670-9572
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