Posted by Janet O (71.60.153.242) on October 03, 2009 at 04:54:10:
In Reply to: Re: Attic Insulation posted by Freddie Mac on October 02, 2009 at 22:47:06:
: I think the foil is supposed to be a vapor seal of sorts. A vapor seal goes toward the heated side, to reduce moisture flow into the insulation, where it will condense as it cools.
: However, if there is already a vapor seal, the it can go up with the idea that it may reflect some radiant heat from the sun.
I see where you are coming from. There is old insulation there already--over 20 years old--and it is quite flat. I don't know if it has a foil side or not. Was that an option 20 years ago? I don't really know. I wanted my maintenance man to remove the old insulation, but he said it would probably be a messy job since it has been there for so long. It sounds as though the foil should be towards the roof if it is going to be placed on top of the old insulation but towards the house if the old insulation is removed--thus making it the only insulation. Does this make sense to you? THANKS!