What is the plastic called that goes over insulation?

Author: Mrs. Nora Hintz PhD  |  Last update: Wednesday, June 11, 2025

After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder, sometimes called a vapor barrier, if you need one. Not every wall does. A vapor retarder is a material used to prevent water vapor from diffusing into the wall, ceiling or floor during the cold winter.

What plastic to use over insulation?

What are the Best Vapor Barriers to Use with Insulation? The best insulation vapor barriers are made of polyethylene plastic and are reinforced to stand up against wear and tear. For extra protection, choose an insulation cover with mold and fire protection.

What do you put on top of insulation?

In general, either batt or rolled insulation or blown loose-fill insulation (fiberglass or cellulose) can be installed on top of old insulation.

What is the plastic wrapped insulation called?

Encapsulated fiberglass batt insulation is a popular thermal and acoustical insulation solution for all types of construction and any climate zone across the U.S. It is easy to install and is wrapped in plastic to provide a comfortable, itch-free and dust-free installation.

What material is used to cover insulation?

Insulation Facings

Common facing materials include kraft paper, white vinyl sheeting, and aluminum foil.

How Vapor Barriers Work

Should you put plastic over insulation in an attic?

Even if the attic space is unheated, it's typically warmer than the outside air in winter. If you have chosen unfaced batting insulation for your rafters, you should staple sheets of plastic over the batting to accomplish a moisture barrier.

What can I use to cover exposed insulation?

Fabric panels are a cost-effective way to cover exposed insulation. They're an alternative to traditional wall materials and can help improve the acoustics in a room. Any kind of permeable fabric will work and they're easy to install. Stretch fabric over a wooden frame or directly on the wall surface.

What is plastic wrapping called?

Plastic wrap, cling film, Saran wrap, cling wrap, Glad wrap or food wrap is a thin plastic film typically used for sealing food items in containers to keep them fresh over a longer period of time.

What is the insulating sheet covering the action called?

Neurilemma is a thin insulating sheath covering the neural axon.

What is wrap around insulation?

External Wrap Insulation seals the surface of a house in a seamless envelope that could bring 30% energy savings, says Kya deLongchamps. External wrap insulation (EWI) or External thermal insulating composite systems (ETICS) neatly dubbed 'the wrap' is a serious spend in retrofit.

Is it better to remove old attic insulation before adding new?

Removing old insulation is generally recommended if it's damaged, contaminated with mold, or infested with pests. However, if the insulation is in decent shape and just needs a boost, adding a new layer on top can be a cost-effective option.

What do you cover insulation board with?

In case you can't cover your insulation foam boards with plaster cover, you are able to paint them by following these steps: To have a smooth finish, you should cover the insulation boards' edges with some sandpaper.

What can I put over fiberglass insulation?

PIB (Polyisobutylene) can also be used over fiberglass insulation. PIB is a type of vapor barrier that is designed to prevent moisture from penetrating through walls, ceilings, and floors.

When should you not use a vapor barrier?

Because a vapor barrier is a low permeable barrier, it keeps moisture from passing through. This is beneficial to keep moisture away from a dry surface but will trap moisture behind it if installed on a water-damaged concrete wall, causing the wall to fail further.

What mil plastic to cover insulation?

Clear Plastic Sheeting is a 6 mil thick polyethylene film that is used in a variety of do-it-yourself projects. This sheeting can cover up to 1,600 sq. ft. This extra heavy-duty coverall can be used as a vapor barrier for concrete, between drywall and insulation and under wood floors.

What material is installed over insulation to prevent moisture from entering?

A vapour barrier (sometimes referred to as vapour retarder) is typically a plastic or foil sheet used for damp proofing to prevent interstitial condensation from forming in various building assemblies such as walls, roofs, foundations and floors.

What is an insulating cover?

Insulation covers are a layer of insulative material that wraps around engine & exhaust parts, heat processing equipment and other hot fixtures.

What is the layered covering over the axon?

The myelin sheath is a greatly extended and modified plasma membrane wrapped around the nerve axon in a spiral fashion [1]. The myelin membranes originate from and are a part of the Schwann cells in the peripheral nervous system (PNS) and the oligodendroglial cells in the central nervous system (CNS) (see Chap. 1).

What is a facing material that covers insulation?

Faced insulation refers to batt material that has a thin outer layer of paper or plastic, known as a "face". This is used to protect the material, typically fiberglass or mineral wool batts, from humidity, bacteria, and other moisture damages.

What is the plastic covering called?

poly sheeting, visqueen, plastic film, reinforced plastic, self-adhesive films, tarps, root barriers, underlayments, greenhouse films, plastic covering, and so on. Plastic sheeting is often made from polyethylene film as its main ingredient. Other additives can be added to it.

What is the plastic layer called?

According to the theory, Earth has a rigid outer layer, known as the lithosphere, which is typically about 100 km (60 miles) thick and overlies a plastic (moldable, partially molten) layer called the asthenosphere.

What is plastic binding called?

Style 1: Comb Binding

Often called “plastic binding” or “spiral comb binding,” comb binding is the most recognizable choice in binding. First, documents are punched. Then they're bound together using a spine with tabs that roll into the spine itself.

Can you put stuff on top of insulation?

Boarding over your loft insulation can be a great upgrade for your home when done correctly, so your insulation is not compromised. It can provide you with usable storage, or even extra living space, which will only enhance the value of your property.

Can you put Tyvek over insulation?

Yes. DuPont Tyvek® is compatible, and can be installed with foam insulation products.

What can I use to cover foam insulation?

Styro Industries' Tuff II is a popular pick in this category and can be applied with a trowel or a drywall knife, or sprayed on. It's 100% acrylic and can be custom-tinted just like paint, and it's strong enough to take a hit from a weed whacker. Stone and brick veneers are another popular option.

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