Faced Vs Unfaced Batt Insulation 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 batt insulation attic. Faced insulation is a little but not a lot more expensive than unfaced simply because of the extra material it includes. Batt insulation take time to read this column. Any time you use a faced insulation the paper needs to be facing toward the living space. 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.

Faced or the type with paper is typically used in first time applications such as in walls ceilings floors and in crawl spaces. You can buy them unfaced or simply remove the paper or foil backing. Watch this video to find out more. The same applies to faced unfaced and other kinds of insulation products.

Kinds of insulation that don t involve facing of any sort include spray foam blown in insulation and rigid foam boards. Faced insulation is a vapor retarder and may need to be used in your home depending on your local building codes. Whether you choose faced or unfaced insulation for the attic depends on the. 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.

Insulation in rolls called batts comes in two varieties. Blown in insulation requires a professional. Before choosing blown vs. Attic insulation is accomplished with either fiberglass blankets batt or blown in insulation.

The key difference between the two is that faced insulation keeps moisture out because it has kraft paper or plastic on one side whereas unfaced only provides insulation. Batt insulation is available at home centers and lumberyards. 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. When it s batts or rolls of unfaced insulation it s meant to be used to add r rating values but should be installed behind the faced insulation.

Unfaced means the insulation lacks a vapor retarder paper or plastic facing. The upside is you save money by not having to pay to add your own vapor barrier. Kraft faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder which helps prevent mold and mildew.