House Wrap with Foil Back Insulation sheets?

19 years ago

First, let me say thank you to those of you (MongoCt) who have taken the time to answer my questions over the last year. Your answers are printed and carefully filed away if I been able to put them to use yet.

We are building (just my hubby and me) a 25x20' kitchen/dinning addition, shed roof, trusses, cathedral ceiling with two skylights, loft on one end, and lots of windows. I'll try to figure out how to post some pictures. Presently we have the roof on and are finishing up the wall sheathing as of tomorrow. Not sure if we should use the foil faced insulation sheets on the exterior walls, Building Science seems to indicate we would not have to use house wrap with it, as it is a water barrior too. Or should we use 2 inch foam and use the house wrap? The foil tape is rather expensive, so I'd rather not use house wrap if its not needed. Currently we are planning to DIY spray foam on just the roof. Thanks

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Comments (3)

sierraeast
19 years ago
Concerning the use of radiant barrier vs foil faced insulation panels, you might want to contact Ed Sumpolec of energy conservation specialists @ 321.693.3562
His e-mail address is edrsum@aol.com

The use of foil panels on the exterior is extra insulation, but has less effectiveness in combating heat gain because there is no air space involved.The use of radiant barrier on the inside wall cavaties w/ an air space is more effective at lessening heat gain,and helps in heat loss properties in the winter as well.The foil faced panels will aid in controlling heat loss in the winter as effectively as the radiant.It all depends on your application and climate zone.We installed radiant barrier on our build with more concern in holding in the heat which involved a different application not utilizing an air space.

The foam application in your roof cavaties is covering the best of both worlds for you concerning heat gain/loss and i dont understand you not considering foaming your wall cavaties as well.
diancarlson
Original Author
19 years ago
Thanks for the contact info sierraeast.

We are more interested in holding the heat in, we are in Omaha and althought it gets hot our yard is shaded with huge trees. We were applying the foam outside the sheathing to try and keep the cold away from our studs which the permit required to be be 12' on center on our tall wall side. We are not experienced with the spray foam and are afraid it would be cost prohibitive for the walls. Also, foam panels on the outside of the sheathing will help break the wood framing contact with the cold.
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sierraeast
19 years ago
Personally i would bite the bullet and opt for the foil tape and foil faced insulated panels.I believe that is correct that the panels act as your moisture barrier, so no need for housewrap.Taping the seams and any protrusions similar to a housewrap install is key to lessen air infiltration.You might try some builders suppliers for a better price on foil tape compared to going to a hardware or big box store as you are buying a fairly large quantity and the suppliers in bulk you will generally get a better price.I like the idea of the foils reflectivity that will help in holding in the heat. Best of luck with the rest of your project!