Insulating floor of addition
![](https://secure.gravatar.com/avatar/8921bb0da18ccf5a0295f4a8ef8deb10?s=52&d=https%3A%2F%2Fimages.greenbuildingadvisor.com%2Fapp%2Favatars%2F200x200%2Fd.png&r=g)
We are adding a 2nd story addition to the back of our house in Portland, Oregon. The addition is supported on columns so the first story is open creating a covered porch. I am trying to decide how to insulate the floor since it is open to below and will have plumbing in the floor.
My thought was to use R-30 unfaced fiberglass batts in the floor, a layer of 2″ XPS fastened to the bottom of the floor joists, 2×4 flat sleepers, and then 1×6 T&G.
However, then I read the Oregon Residential Building Code and it says that I must have a 1 perm vapor retarder on the warm in winter side. The only exception the code allows is for existing construction or slab on grade which I don’t have. I am concerned that faced insulation and the XPS would create a double vapor barrier. Any ideas on how to avoid this?
Thanks!
GBA Detail Library
A collection of one thousand construction details organized by climate and house part
![](https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/app/themes/greenbuildingadvisor/dist/img/modules/detail-library/thumb1.png)
![](https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/app/themes/greenbuildingadvisor/dist/img/modules/detail-library/thumb2.png)
Replies
David,
Your first stop should be your building inspector to see what the local practice in such a common situation is, and what they will accept as alternatives if local practice isn't to your liking. It might turn out not to be an issue at all.