Vapor Barrier

After the insulation comes the vapor barrier, which is basically a huge sheet of plastic stapled to the entire insulated inside surface that borders the outside. It is there so that the difference in temperature between the inside and the outside, which can cause condensation, doesn't make the insulation damp. Ben did research on the internet and found conflicting views as to whether this is necessary or not, and decided it was worth it. We basically made a big bubble around the interior of the house, effectively sealing us in, along with the warmth. Here Ben stands on the very useful scaffold lent to us by Art (thanks Art!) with his staple gun in hand, ready to shoot.



Here's Megan, looking like an extreme dork, in the paper suit made to shield us from the insulation fibers still lingering from last weekend.

Taking a lunch break (canned soup, as usual, and some bread and cheese).

Our cozy abode. Vapor barrier shown on the left wall. We simply covered over everything and then cut out the windows, doors, and light sockets.

As you can see I'm late with this post, as there is still snow on the ground in this picture. I liked this one because it looks like an album cover.

The following weekend the building inspector came to check the work and gave Ben a hard time because he said he didn't think you were supposed to put a vapor barrier over insulation that has a so-called built-in vapor barrier. He said he'd ok it if we got a letter from an architect or engineer. We called Victor, who did the drawings for the house, who called the engineer, who promptly wrote a letter saying that this is a standard and even preferable procedure to use. We were quite relieved and felt vindicated. The engineer was nice enough not to charge us for the letter, as it was unusual to take issue with such a thing. Phew, the thought of taking down all that work was disheartening!

Sheetrock next!