Faced Or Unfaced Insulation For Attic

In crawl spaces unfaced insulation is generally only used when adding to existing insulation.

Faced or unfaced insulation for attic.

The kraft paper on one side of faced insulation keeps moisture from spreading throughout the walls or ceiling. Among the many insulation options available for the homeowner there is one that stands above the rest. If you re using unfaced insulation in an area where a vapor barrier is required or recommended you may be able to add your own barrier using plastic sheeting. So in an attic the paper faces downward and in a crawl space it faces upward.

Faced insulation if the attic doesn t have any existing insulation use faced insulation with the paper facing toward. You can buy them unfaced or simply remove the paper or foil backing. If you re putting it in an exterior wall the facing is on the interior side of the home where drywall will be laid. Any time you use a faced insulation the paper needs to be facing toward the living space.

To this end you insulate your home. To make things safe cover your unfaced insulation with drywall to prevent the risk of a fire. Unfaced insulation can greatly reduce the risk of mold mildew or moisture damage in your house. Kraft faced insulation should be installed in exterior walls exterior basement walls and attic ceilings by pressing the product into the wall cavity with the paper side facing outward towards the installer.

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 should be snug in the cavity but not compressed. This is usually kraft paper but sometimes other types of paper can be used. Climate also dictates how the vapor barrier should be positioned.

Unfaced insulation is just insulation without an attached moisture barrier. It is stapled to studs and joists unlike unfaced batts. Faced insulation is used in exterior walls attics finished basements floors and ceilings. Paper faced insulation means that one side of the insulation material comes lined with paper.

Faced or the type with paper is typically used in first time applications such as in walls ceilings floors and in crawl spaces. Creating a moisture barrier. Here s what you need to know about the facing on attic insulation. Unfinished or uninsulated attics need a layer of protection against air migration.

As a result of evaporation people breathing and plant respiration air carries some. Place a new layer of unfaced batts perpendicular to the old layer to cover any gaps in the lower layer. The facing should aim down toward the living space. You should only use faced insulation as the first layer of insulation.

The kraft paper itself is highly flammable. The insulation can also be used to fill cracks around doors and windows but you ll need to peel off the facing. The same is true for an attic floor.