I just watched this video… and have a question as a result
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=brJ7CQgQs4U
Based on what you see in the video, no matter the type of debris you vacuum — isn't the filter basically useless if you always use a bag?
Shop vac operation – is the filter required if you bag
central-vacuum
Related Solutions
"I am thinking to just form a small pocket around this whole thing, and then tape up the holes where the wires go through, and tape around the 2" suction line."
Seems like you answered your own question. I like that you're being fastidious about the vapor barrier, but I have some questions for you.
How new is the house?
How comprehensive is the existing vapor barrier and what does it consist of? Typically here in coastal California we don't emphasize the vapor barrier as an integral part of the construction process because the indoor/outdoor temperature and humidity differential is not so great. This disqualifies me as an advisor on this aspect of the project but I'm interested in learning more.
Is the garage at all a conditioned space?
From Wikipedia:
An interior vapor retarder is useful in heating-dominated climates while an exterior vapor retarder is useful in cooling-dominated climates. In most climates it is often better to have a vapor-open building assembly, meaning that walls and roofs should be designed to dry:[6] either to the inside, the outside, or both, so the ventilation of water vapor should be taken into consideration. A vapor barrier on the warm side of the envelope must be combined with a venting path on the cold side of the insulation. This is because no vapor barrier is perfect, and because water may get into the structure, typically from rain. In general, the better the vapor barrier and the drier the conditions, the less venting is required.[7]
In areas below foundation level (or, subgrade areas), particularly those formed in concrete, vapor retarder placement can be problematic, as moisture infiltration from capillary action can exceed water vapor movement outward through framed and insulated walls.
A slab-on-grade or basement floor should be poured over a cross-laminated polyethylene vapor barrier over 4 inches (10 cm) of granular fill to prevent wicking of moisture from the ground and radon gas incursion.
Inside a steel building, water vapor will condense whenever it comes into contact with a surface that is below the dew point temperature. Visible condensation on windowpanes and purlins that results in dripping can be somewhat mitigated with ventilation; however insulation is the preferred method of condensation prevention.
Based on the information you've provided it seems that your house varies from cooling to heating needs depending on the season. This implies to me that the integrity of the vapor barrier is of minimal importance.
It has been my experience that condensation problems primarily happen where the air-flow in uninsulated locations is retarded by improper insulation installation. A small (<1 ft. sq.) area where the vapor barrier is nonexistent because of fixture installation is unlikely to be a problem. E.g. everywhere you have an electrical box.
My answer is to cut your two inch hole as close to your drywall as possible. In the picture you went right down the middle and barely hit the joist. Methinks that you could drill right along the side and have to barely notch out the joist below. Might not even have to notch all the way through it. No reason for vac lines to have to be centered in your wall. Use the notch guidelines I found to help further.
- Notches in floor joists may occur in the top or bottom of the member but may not be located in the middle third of the span.
- A notch may not exceed one-sixth of the depth of the joist except at the very end where it may be one-fourth of the joist depth.
- The length of joist notches cannot exceed one-third of the depth of the member.
- Holes bored in joists must not be larger than one-third the depth of the joists.
- Holes cannot be located within two inches of the top or bottom edge of the member, or to any other hole located in the member.
- Holes cannot be located within 2" of any notch.
Below is a helpful chart that provides actual notch and hole size limitations for 2x4, 2x6, 2x8, 2x10 and 2x12 joists. It should be noted that limitations on the allowable notching and boring of wood joist are meant to retain the structural and functional integrity of the member.
Best Answer
The filter is going to provide a means for the bag to not get sucked into the vacuum motor inlet. I have nearly the same machine as shown in the video and when the filter is removed, there is enough open space that the bag would block the inlet. One might think that should not matter, as the bag is porous, but what will happen is that small diameter opening will collect all the debris, quickly clogging the machine.
A very effective alternative to clogged filters and consumable vacuum bags is a cyclone-type chamber prior to the vacuum. There are disadvantages to having a second assembly, of course, but it creates a separation suitable to keeping the filter clean.