Do not add a vapor barrier on top of the insulation in your attic since the paper facing on the existing insulation is the vapor barrier.
Does attic insulation need vapor barrier.
Hence the need to reduce moisture flow into the attic and the need for a vapor barrier.
In mixed climate areas the vapor barrier is optional depending on the total design of a building.
To be able to answer this question correctly for your home there are a few factors you need to consider before any major attic insulation project.
The paper facing contains a layer of impermeable asphalt that prevents water vapor from passing through it.
This worked well until we added large quantities of attic insulation.
Attic vapor barrier detail for cold climates the best approach for a vented attic in a cold climate is installing a layer of drywall with a good coat of latex paint the paint creates a semi permeable vapor barrier.
The insulation fiberglass or cellulose is then placed on top of the drywall with no vapor barrier above or below.
Whether or not you need a vapor retarder hinges on three main factors.
The facing on faced insulation acts as a vapor retarder.
With the added insulation the attic stayed cold and so did the ventilating air from outside which was now unable to effectively remove attic moisture.
After the insulation is in place you will want to add a vapor retarder sometimes called a vapor barrier if you need one.
Not every wall does.
In cold climates a vapor barrier is almost always needed.