Faced Or Unfaced Insulation In An Attic

As you ve discovered since you already had insulation in your attic the layer of new insulation you added should have been unfaced to prevent moisture from becoming trapped between the layers.

Faced or unfaced insulation in an attic.

The kraft paper itself is highly flammable. As a result of evaporation people breathing and plant respiration air carries some. If you re putting it in an exterior wall the facing is on the interior side of the home where drywall will be laid. Faced insulation has flanges on the outside of the batt that need to be stapled to the wall studs and joists.

Unfaced insulation is just insulation without an attached moisture barrier. Unfaced insulation when adding more insulation to an attic that already has insulation use unfaced insulation. To make things safe cover your unfaced insulation with drywall to prevent the risk of a fire. This is usually kraft paper but sometimes other types of paper can be used.

Faced insulation if the attic doesn t have any existing insulation use faced insulation with the paper facing toward. When local building codes require a vapor retardant faced insulation is one of the best options. Simply peel the facing paper off the top layer of insulation. What is the right insulation for an attic.

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. The facing should aim down toward the living space. Unfinished or uninsulated attics need a layer of protection against air migration. Among the many insulation options available for the homeowner there is one that stands above the rest.

Creating a moisture barrier. You should only use faced insulation as the first layer of insulation. The kraft paper on one side of faced insulation keeps moisture from spreading throughout the walls or ceiling. To this end you insulate your home.

In crawl spaces unfaced insulation is generally only used when adding to existing insulation. The good news is that the solution to your problem isn t that difficult.