Insulation system with variable position vapor retarder

Abstract

A method for positioning a vapor retarder within an insulation system to reduce condensation within the insulation system is provided. The incremental change in temperature per R-value of insulation is calculated by determining the temperature differential between the exterior temperature and the interior temperature and dividing this temperature differential by the R-value of insulation. Various possible temperatures for the vapor retarder within the insulation may be determined using the incremental change in temperature. The R-values of the insulation layers on either side of the vapor retarder may be determined by a condensation potential analysis. Preferably, the vapor retarder is positioned within the insulation system at a location where its temperature remains above the interior dew point temperature in the summer and above the exterior dew point temperature in the winter. An insulation system including a variably positioned vapor retarder is also provided.

1 . A method for positioning a vapor retarder within an insulation system at a geographic location to reduce condensation within said insulation system comprising: 
 determining an incremental change in temperature per R-value of insulation within said insulation system at said geographic location;    calculating a location within said insulation system where the temperature of said insulation is above a dew point temperature using said incremental change in temperature; and    positioning said vapor retarder at said location.    
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said determining step comprises: 
 calculating a temperature differential between an exterior temperature at said geographic location and a corresponding interior temperature where said insulation system is to be placed; and    dividing said temperature differential by the total R-value of said insulation to obtain said incremental change in temperature.    
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said positioning step comprises: 
 affixing a first layer of insulation to a wall such that said first layer of insulation has a thickness that positions an inner surface of said first layer of insulation at said location;    attaching said vapor retarder to said inner surface of said first layer of insulation; and    placing a second layer of insulation on said first layer of insulation so that said vapor retarder is positioned between said first and second layers of insulation.    
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 3 , wherein said placing step comprises: 
 attaching lineals to said vapor retarder to create at least one insulation space;    placing said second layer of insulation adjacent to said vapor retarder, said second layer of insulation being positioned within said at least one insulation space; and    affixing at least one trim piece to said lineals.    
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 4 , wherein said at least one trim piece retains said second layer of insulation within said at least one insulation space.  
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein said vapor retarder has a temperature above an exterior dew point temperature in the summer and above an interior dew point temperature in the winter at said geographic location.  
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising: 
 determining condensation potentials for said insulation system at incremental locations within said insulation system; and    placing the vapor retarder at the incremental location within said insulation system that produces the least amount of condensation within the insulation system.    
     
     
         8 . An insulation system comprising: 
 a first layer of insulation having a first thickness affixed to a wall;    a vapor retarder positioned on said first layer of insulation;    lineals positioned on said vapor retarder to create at least one insulation space;    a second layer of insulation having a second thickness affixed to said vapor retarder and positioned within said insulation space; and    at least one trim piece affixed to said lineal.    
     
     
         9 . The insulation system of  claim 8 , wherein said lineals are affixed to said wall through said vapor retarder and first layer of insulation.  
     
     
         10 . The insulation system of  claim 8 , wherein said lineals are adhered to said vapor retarder.  
     
     
         11 . The insulation system of  claim 8 , wherein said first layer of insulation is a foam board.  
     
     
         12 . The insulation system of  claim 8 , wherein said vapor retarder is pre-applied to said first layer of insulation.  
     
     
         13 . The insulation system of  claim 8 , wherein said second layer of insulation includes a finished surface that provides an aesthetic appearance.  
     
     
         14 . The insulation system of  claim 13 , wherein said finished surface is a decorative, permeable layer selected from the group consisting of a woven polymer, a glass, mat, a glass veil, a non-woven polymer and a woven polyolefin.  
     
     
         15 . The insulation system of  claim 8 , wherein said at least one trim piece retains said second layer of insulation within said insulation space.  
     
     
         16 . The insulation system of  claim 8 , wherein each of said first layer of insulation and said second layer of insulation are formed of at least one modular insulation member.  
     
     
         17 . The insulation system of  claim 16 , wherein one of said at least one modular insulation member contains said vapor retarder.  
     
     
         18 . The insulation system of  claim 8 , wherein said first thickness is determined by calculating a location within said insulation system where the temperature is above a dew point temperature, said location being defined as a first dimension from said wall, said first thickness being equal to said first dimension.  
     
     
         19 . An insulation system comprising: 
 a first layer of insulation having a first thickness affixed to a wall, said first thickness being calculated by determining a location within said insulation system where the temperature is above a dew point temperature, said location being defined as a first dimension from said wall and said first thickness being equal to said first dimension;    a vapor retarder positioned on said first layer of insulation; and    a second layer of insulation having a second thickness affixed to said vapor retarder.    
     
     
         20 . The insulation system of  claim 19 , wherein said first layer of insulation is a foam board.  
     
     
         21 . The insulation system of  claim 19 , wherein said vapor retarder is pre-applied to said first layer of insulation.  
     
     
         22 . The insulation system of  claim 19 , further comprising lineals positioned on said vapor retarder to create at least one insulation space.  
     
     
         23 . The insulation system of  claim 22 , further comprising at least one trim piece that retains said second layer of insulation within said insulation space.  
     
     
         24 . The insulation system of  claim 19 , wherein said second layer of insulation includes a decorative, permeable layer selected from the group consisting of a woven polymer, a glass mat, a glass veil, a non-woven polymer and a woven polyolefin.  
     
     
         25 . The insulation system of  claim 19 , wherein both of said first layer of insulation and said second layer of insulation are formed of at least one modular insulation member.  
     
     
         26 . The insulation system of  claim 25 , wherein one of said at least one modular insulation member contains said vapor retarder.  
     
     
         27 . A method of installing an insulation system having an R-value and a variably positioned vapor retarder on a wall comprising: 
 determining an incremental change in temperature per R-value of insulation for said insulation system;    calculating a location within the insulation system where the temperature is above a dew point temperature using said incremental change in temperature, said location being defined as a first dimension from said wall;    affixing a first layer of insulation having a first thickness equal to said first dimension onto said wall;    positioning said vapor retarder on said first layer of insulation;    attaching lineals to said vapor retarder to create at least one insulation space;    placing a second layer of insulation in said at least one insulation space adjacent to said vapor retarder; and    connecting at least one trim piece to said lineals.    
     
     
         28 . The method of  claim 27 , further comprising taping joints located between adjoining first layers of insulation to form a substantially continuous vapor retarder.