Faced Vs Unfaced Insulation In Attic

Facing is a thin layer of paper or plastic attached to one side of batting insulation which is sold in a roll.

Faced vs unfaced insulation in attic.

Faced insulation is a type of blanket insulation that usually comes in a roll in batt form where the insulation is adhered on one side to a kraft paper or plastic for installation purposes. The kraft paper itself is highly flammable. Faced insulation has flanges on the outside of the batt that need to be stapled to the wall studs and joists. You can buy them unfaced or simply remove the paper or foil backing.

The facing should aim down toward the living space. You should only use faced insulation as the first layer of insulation. Unfaced means the insulation lacks a vapor retarder paper or plastic facing. Faced insulation is used in exterior walls attics finished basements floors and ceilings.

It is stapled to studs and joists unlike unfaced batts. When adding more insulation to an attic that already has insulation use unfaced insulation. Place a new layer of unfaced batts perpendicular to the old layer to cover any gaps in the lower layer. Whether you choose faced or unfaced insulation for the attic depends on the.

For many contractors the decision to use one kind of insulation over the other depends solely on preference rather than a by the book decision making process. Always use unfaced batts both when laying product for the first time and to prevent moisture from becoming trapped between new and old layers of insulation. The insulation can also be used to fill cracks around doors and windows but you ll need to peel off the facing. If the attic doesn t have any existing insulation use faced insulation with the paper facing toward the heated living space.

Kraft faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder which helps prevent mold and mildew. To make things safe cover your unfaced insulation with drywall to prevent the risk of a fire. The same applies to faced unfaced and other kinds of insulation products. Unfaced insulation on the other hand is a type of fiberglass batt insulation which is normally used over existing insulation.

If you re putting it in an exterior wall the facing is on the interior side of the home where drywall will be laid. Unfaced insulation can greatly reduce the risk of mold mildew or moisture damage in your house. The upside is you save money by not having to pay to add your own vapor barrier. The kraft paper on one side of faced insulation keeps moisture from spreading throughout the walls or ceiling.