Is this Insulation?

[Skip Erwin]

Not sure if this is the right forum. But, I thought you guys would know the answer. I ran across this today in a crawlspace. It's a foil with a paper backing. It's stapled to the floor joists.

Is it considered insulation? If not, what's it for?

Thanks in advance.

[David A. Andersen]

Vapor barrier.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by dandersen

Vapor barrier.

...and it appears to be improperly installed.

[Scott Schultz]

Originally Posted by lkage

...and it appears to be improperly installed.

That depends....What part of the country do you live in? I believe it is ok to install a vapor barrier like that in areas with hot summers and mild winters. If you live in a cold winter climate, then it is incorrect.

[Larry D. Kage]

Originally Posted by Scott Schultz

That depends....What part of the country do you live in? I believe it is ok to install a vapor barrier like that in areas with hot summers and mild winters. If you live in a cold winter climate, then it is incorrect.

Yes, my world revolves around winter, hence the word "appears".

[phinsperger]

In addition to being a vapor barrier it is also a radiant heat barrier which can be thought of as insulation in that it will reduce heat loss/gain.

[Skip Erwin]

Hot summers and mild winters here. It's very rare to see a vapor barrier installed like this here. This is a one in two hundred install!

[Scott Schultz]

http://eber.ed.ornl.gov/Residential_...e%20774%20.pdf