Terry L. writes from Brookshire, Texas: "I live in a hot humid climate (Houston area). I am going to insulate my garage, and want to know: 1) what direction should the facing be (from what I have read it should be facing the outside in a humid climate). Since I already have Hardy Plank on the outside, will it not be difficult to put the insulation on with the fiber facing the inside and the facing the Hardy Plank. 2) I have some left over radiant barrier and was wondering if it will do any harm or good to put the radiant barrier foil over the studs after the insulation is installed (assuming I put the facing on the outside). The radiant barrier is permeable and does allow some air flow."

Answer: 1) Building codes in high humidity climates may require the insulation to be placed so the facing is toward the outside, and in some cases they do not recommend a faced insulation. This varies from region to region. The requirement for your area can be found at you local building department.

2) I do not recommend two facings within one cavity. I am not familiar with the specifications of the product you currently have.