Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - Finishing Attic--What about the radiant barrier?

I want to finish off my walkup attic to make some more living space. Right now, the roof joists have old pink insulation with a shiny radiant barrier face stapled to them.

Can I simply nail sheetrock to the joists and leave the radiant barrier in place?

On a side note, its an old home and there's no breathing space behind the insulation and radiant barrier. Will nailing up sheetrock confine moisture between the roofing and the insulation?

J

Your RB if more than a year or two is doing nothing. If your worried about it id remove it then hang the rock.

You have to make sure that the insulation is not up again the roof there. You have to have air from the over hang up to the ridge there above the insulation in the joist. They have a foam form that will go above the insulation. So air can get above it

old pink insulation with a shiny radiant barrier face stapled to them.
Some old insulation you could get with a silver cover or the paper cover on them

You have to make sure that the insulation is not up again the roof there. You have to have air from the over hang up to the ridge there above the insulation in the joist. They have a foam form that will go above the insulation. So air can get above it. Some old insulation you could get with a silver cover or the paper cover on them

Yes, its old insulation with the shiny backing that serves as an RB. I suppose, then, it won't matter if I cover it up with sheetrock?

I plan on replacing the old roof soon. Can I add ventilation strips between the insulation and new decking to improve cilrculation?

J

You also have to account for air circulation, through roof vents or a ridge running along the top of the roof -- depending on how much air flow you need. If the ceiling is cathedral and there is room, consider adding a small horizontal ceiling across so the air has the upper air to circulate around. Our contractor also is adding styrofoam sheets (sold for insulation) that create small air spaces between the insulation and roof to prevent moisture build up. Here's an article that goes into the whole insulation process.

http://www.oldhouseweb.com/stories/Detailed/10169.shtml