5. Tape all seams with Tuck Tape
Press firmly with roller, no air bubbles
6. Seal all penetrations
Electrical boxes, pipes, wires — sealant + tape
7. Leave 8-12" overlap at perimeter
For future connection to wall vapor barrier
✔️ Quality Check
No tears or holes in poly
Patch any damage with tape + sealant
All seams taped and sealed
Run hand along seams to verify adhesion
Continuous barrier — no gaps
Check corners, edges, penetrations
Photo documentation complete
Before drywall — required for inspection
🧱 Wall Vapor Barrier
Verify insulation installed correctly
Fills cavity, no compression, no gaps
Apply sealant to all studs perimeter
Top plate, bottom plate, corners
Run poly vertically (floor to ceiling)
Minimizes horizontal seams
Connect to ceiling vapor barrier
Overlap + tape for continuous envelope
Seal around electrical boxes
Vapor-rated boxes or poly boots
Seal window/door rough openings
Fold poly into opening, seal to frame
🔥 Attic Insulation
Verify air sealing complete
Top plates, penetrations, chases sealed first
Install baffles at eaves
Maintain soffit ventilation channel
Mark target depth
R-50 = ~16" blown / ~14" batts
Install insulation evenly
No gaps, no compression over joists
Keep clearance from heat sources
3" from IC-rated fixtures, more for non-IC
Install depth markers
Required for inspection verification
📋 Drywall Hanging
Ceiling sheets first
Perpendicular to joists, stagger joints
Fasten every 12" on ceilings
Every 16" on walls, 3/8" from edges
Stagger wall joints from ceiling
Avoid 4-corner joints
Cut outlets/switches carefully
Measure twice, use drywall saw
Check for dimples, not pops
Screws slightly below surface, not breaking paper
📖 Manitoba Building Code Quick Reference
Based on NBC 2020 with Manitoba amendments. Always verify current requirements with local authority.
🛡️ Vapor Barriers (NBC 9.25.4)
Material: CAN/CGSB-51.34-M86 compliant Permeance: ≤ 60 ng/(Pa·s·m²) — approximately 1 perm Position: Warm side of insulation (interior in Zone 7)
Seam Overlap: Minimum 100mm (4") per code Best Practice: 150mm (6") with tape/sealant Support: Must be mechanically fastened to framing
🔥 Insulation — Zone 7A (Winnipeg)
Ceiling / Attic: R-50 minimum (R-60 recommended for energy efficiency) Above-grade Walls: R-24 effective (nominal R-22 with thermal bridging) Below-grade Walls: R-20 (full height) Slab-on-grade: R-10 under full slab perimeter
💨 Air Barrier (NBC 9.25.3)
Air Leakage: ≤ 0.05 L/(s·m²) @ 75 Pa pressure difference Continuity: Must be continuous across all assemblies Penetrations: Sealed with compatible, durable materials
🔌 Electrical in Insulated Assemblies
Vapor Barrier Boxes: Use rated boxes or seal with poly boot Wire Penetrations: Seal with acoustical sealant Recessed Lights: IC-rated required in insulated ceilings Clearance: Maintain required clearances per fixture rating
📏 Drywall Requirements
Garage Ceiling: 5/8" Type X (fire-rated) if living space above Garage Walls: 1/2" min on shared walls with living space Bathrooms: Moisture-resistant (green board) or cement board behind tile Fastening: Screws every 12" ceiling / 16" walls on framing