Faced Or Unfaced Insulation For Attic

The facing should aim down toward the living space.

Faced or unfaced insulation for attic. This is usually kraft paper but sometimes other types of paper can be used. Place a new layer of unfaced batts perpendicular to the old layer to cover any gaps in the lower layer. Faced insulation has flanges on the outside of the batt that need to be stapled to the wall studs and joists. As a result of evaporation people breathing and plant respiration air carries some.

What is the right insulation for an attic. The insulation can also be used to fill cracks around doors and windows but you ll need to peel off the facing. You can buy them unfaced or simply remove the paper or foil backing. Paper faced insulation means that one side of the insulation material comes lined with paper.

It is stapled to studs and joists unlike unfaced batts. Unfaced insulation is just insulation without an attached moisture barrier. In crawl spaces unfaced insulation is generally only used when adding to existing insulation. Unfinished or uninsulated attics need a layer of protection against air migration.

So in an attic the paper faces downward and in a crawl space it faces upward. To this end you insulate your home. Here s what you need to know about the facing on attic insulation. Creating a moisture barrier.

The kraft paper on one side of faced insulation keeps moisture from spreading throughout the walls or ceiling. 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 if the attic doesn t have any existing insulation use faced insulation with the paper facing toward. You should only use faced insulation as the first layer of insulation.

Faced or the type with paper is typically used in first time applications such as in walls ceilings floors and in crawl spaces. The same is true for an attic floor. 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. Unfaced insulation can greatly reduce the risk of mold mildew or moisture damage in your house.

Unfaced insulation when adding more insulation to an attic that already has insulation use unfaced insulation. 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. Faced insulation is used in exterior walls attics finished basements floors and ceilings. 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.

Climate also dictates how the vapor barrier should be positioned. Among the many insulation options available for the homeowner there is one that stands above the rest. To make things safe cover your unfaced insulation with drywall to prevent the risk of a fire.