Expert: Bruce E. Johnson - 8/22/2011

Question
Bruce,
We had an existing deck which was extended some and an indoor outdoor room was built on it. The room is air conditioned and heated, when built no insulation was put in under the ply wood flooring.  Our deck is about 3-4 feet off of the ground, my husband cut regular insulation and put it up under the deck but it is hanging down and I am afraid there could be moisture build up. There is indoor outdoor carpet down and we want to replace with cork or laminint flooring, but I think we should insulate the floor first.
What do you suggest? Have foam insulation put in or something else?
Thanks for your time,
Barbara

Answer
Hi Barbara , regular batt insulation should work with the vapor barrier side of the insulation facing down.  If you are concerned about the sagging you can have your hubby staple a house wrap, tyvek or typar to the bottom of the joists as well.  When installing wood flooring you put down a vapor barrier underneath the new flooring as well.  The type of vapor barrier will be whatever the flooring manufacturer recommends.  I hope this info helps feel free to write again regarding this or other matters sincerely Bruce Johnson..bejohnsonconsulting.com