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Home Inspection Wading River - Flammable Vapor Barrier is Upside Down

By
Home Inspector with Meticulous Home Inspection Corporation 16000008857

The vapor barrier or retarder on fiberglass insulation is meant to keep some (but not all) of the water vapor from passing up through the floor or basement slab through the house and all the way through the roof, which is a natural occurance 24/7  365.

When you install it backwards you didn't read the instructions printed on virtually every brand of insulation in the US which is burned into my memory from years of installing it: "This paper vapor barrier should be applied towards heated area or living space".

It also says: "This paper will burn and should not be left exposed", but many people never read it. Even professionals don't.  

When you look up in a basement and see the paper, its backwards.

When you look down in an attic and see the paper, its backwards.

When you compress it into tiny spaces between the window and the wood framing, or at the top of your foundation at the rim joist, you have negated its thermal value.

So don’t be ridiculous, call Meticulous!

See my 170 plus 5 star Google reviews, and Angi, Yelp and FB. Available 7 days, in business since 2005, licensed and insured, and I have background in construction (plumbing, roofing, electrical, foundation  repair,  doors/windows, tile, kitchens and bathrooms, staircases/railings, etc.)

On the web at www.meticuloushomeinspection.com   Phone 631 902 6761

Ed Silva, 203-206-0754
Mapleridge Realty, CT 203-206-0754 - Waterbury, CT
Central CT Real Estate Broker Serving all equally

People should have insulation installed by professionals as they not only will do it right but the homeowner doesn't have to worry about the fibers in the air and the itching.

May 04, 2022 11:28 AM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

Hi Ray= Hire a professional and make sure they know what they're doing!!!  

May 04, 2022 06:03 PM
Kathy Streib
Cypress, TX
Home Stager/Redesign

May 07, 2022 07:17 PM
Dorie Dillard Austin TX
Coldwell Banker Realty ~ 512.750.6899 - Austin, TX
NW Austin ~ Canyon Creek and Spicewood/Balcones

Good morning Ray,

I was so glad to see your post featured in Kathy Streib Sunday post including her "Ah-Ha" moments for the week. A picture is worth a thousand words and your narrative explains the photo  completely!

May 08, 2022 05:12 AM
Wayne Martin
Wayne M Martin - Chicago, IL
Real Estate Broker - Retired

Good morning Ray. Must say, I knew about this. How? Being at home inspections and watching the inspector miss it! Bravo for pointing it out! Enjoy your day.

May 08, 2022 05:15 AM
Kat Palmiotti
eXp Commercial, Referral Divison - Kalispell, MT
Helping your Montana dreams take root

It's not surprising that someone didn't read the directions!

May 08, 2022 06:15 AM
Sheri Sperry - MCNE®
Coldwell Banker Realty - Sedona, AZ
(928) 274-7355 ~ YOUR Solutions REALTOR®

Hi Ray,

Wow!  Great information to share.  I will focus on this in the future!

May 08, 2022 04:31 PM
Roy Kelley
Retired - Gaithersburg, MD

Thank you very much, Ray, for sharing your observations and your advice.

May 09, 2022 04:40 AM
Bob "RealMan" Timm
Ward County Notary Services - Minot, ND
Owner of Ward Co Notary Services retired RE Broker

I did not know this Ray Wilson and I have installed it the wrong way as a do it yourselfer. Now I will know better.

May 09, 2022 08:51 AM