Craig writes from Collegeville: "We are in Pennsylvania, Philadelphia area. I am finishing the walk-up attic space in an old house built in 1872. The Gable end walls in this space are 12 inches of brick, the ceiling rafters are 5 1/2 x 5 1/2 beams. To hold insulation, I am adding a stud wall to the gable end, and I am furring out the ceiling beams. We are also adding air conditioning to entire house (the first and second floor were remodeled previously and have stud walls with insulation)

What kind of a vapor barrier should I put on the gable end? Since it is brick, do I put it against the brick before putting up the studs, or after the studs and insulation?

For the ceiling, what kind of vapor barrier do I put on?"

Answer: Use a Kraft-faced insulation facing the warm air. The Kraft facing will be in direct contact with your drywall.