I'm interested in insulating my lath and plaster walls. What is a vapor barrier? How do you determine if you have one or not? Is gypsum board or dry wall better to cover with. And, what specific steps do I take to install it? Also, I have cottage cheese looking (asbestos) surfacing on my ceilings and part of the upper walls. Can I safely remove that?
Answer:
Vapour barrier is an impermeable sheet that prevents warm air from coming in direct contact with cold thereby reducing condensation. If you have one, it is quite plainly visible when you take the cover off electrical receptacles. Removing plaster with asbestos in it is not a DIY project and should be done only by professionals. My suggestion to you is to blow insulation into the wall cavities and attic, cover perimeter walls along with uppermost ceilings with 6mm poly and the cover all walls and ceilings with drywall so you have a nice, smooth surface to paint.
