| Author |
Message |
    
eratosthenes
Citizen
Username: Eratosthenes
Post Number: 5
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 1:28 pm: |     |
I found this link in the attic:
http://www.state.nj.us/dep/hpo/4sustain/insulation.pdf
So my question is: Has anybody used one of these "vapor barrier paints" with a "perm rating of 1.0 or less"? Can one just paint that over an existing paint job? Any gotchas that I should be aware of?
I've also seen mention of "foam" here e.g. to seal the vapor barrier between the shell and the attic. I thought that foam was illegal because of CFCs, and that was the reaction of the sales rep when I asked him about it. Also foam is permanent; one thing you learn living in an old house is not to assume anything will be permanent.
Please help me to understand, thanks. |
tourne
Citizen
Username: Tourne
Post Number: 241
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 10:47 pm: | |
I am not sure what the "perm" rating of regular latex paint is. The can or manufacturer should be able to tell you. Eggshell or semi-gloss paints probably are ok. The sheetrock itself makes a good vapor barrier if installed properly. In the attic, air leaks from below must be sealed up. This is done by shoving insulation into large openings and using a thin layer of foam to complete the seal. Then cellulose insulation is blown in on top. All this work is done on the floor of the attic in an unfinished space. You can actually buy foam yourself from www.efi.org, but a contractor experienced in sealing building envelopes is better for the job. Cellulose insulation can be blown in to the walls from outside by removing some siding and drilling a few holes. See www.bpi.org for info and contractors in the area certified for this kind of work. There are a few in NYC. You can also call BPI for info. |
tourne
Citizen
Username: Tourne
Post Number: 242
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 11:06 pm: | |
Check out www.regalind.com/vaporbarrier.htm. |
tourne
Citizen
Username: Tourne
Post Number: 243
Registered: 1-2003
| | Posted on Sunday, November 23, 2003 - 11:27 pm: | |
see also http://benjaminmoore.com/wrapper_pg3.asp?L=prod&K=intprods&groupid=20&productid= 71#article. I recommend Benjamin Moore Eco-Spec for final coats. |
bobk
Supporter
Username: Bobk
Post Number: 3916
Registered: 5-2001
| | Posted on Monday, November 24, 2003 - 7:48 am: | |
Consumer's Reports did a test on vapor barrier paints a couple of months ago. I believe the products from UGL were rated best, one oil based, the other latex based.
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eratosthenes
Citizen
Username: Eratosthenes
Post Number: 6
Registered: 9-2003
| | Posted on Monday, November 24, 2003 - 11:33 pm: | |
Thanks for the very helpful responses. I only became aware of this issue after contracting someone to blow insulation into the attic floor, with the option of blowing into the walls. I've considered getting the wall insulation now, rather than spend another cold winter, then get the paint job next spring. But my wife and father are telling me not to do it (blowing into the walls).
The people I've contracted with will not seal the vapor barrier between house and attic. Why did I contract with them? They were the only ones who called me back....Sound familiar?
Perhaps I'll try to do some of the sealing myself, though I don't know how much you can do, with a door from the second floor, and a vent for an attic fan.
Anyone want my foam gun when I'm finished?
Pretty fed up with it all. But thanks for the information, and for taking the time to share it. |
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