How should insulation be installed?

Gently tuck the insulation into the cavities between wall studs. Pay special attention to the corners and edges. The insulation should fit snugly in the cavity and leave no gaps. Make sure the vapor retarder on faced insulation is facing the conditioned interior space unless building codes specify otherwise.

When installing insulation which side faces out?

Picking the right face is essential with fiberglass insulation that has a vapor barrier (meaning with Kraft paper or foil attached on one side). It should always face the warm-in-winter side. Thus, in cold climates, it should face the interior; in hot humid climates, it should face the exterior.

Which way is insulation supposed to be installed?

Regardless of whether fiberglass insulation is installed in a wall, attic, or crawlspace; the paper facing should always face toward the inside of the home. That's because the paper contains a layer of asphalt adhesive which prevents water vapor from passing through it.

Does direction of insulation matter?

The answer is that it doesn't matter.

Should I use faced or unfaced insulation?

Unfaced insulation is non-combustible.

However, it's common for a layer of faced insulation to be used in the exterior walls and attic ceilings to prevent water from entering the home, while unfaced insulation can be added to improve the heat retention ability and reduce the risk of fire.

Right Vs Wrong: Installing Insulation Batts In Exterior Walls - Part One

Does insulation need a vapor barrier?

Because it is mostly hot and very humid outside the building, the vapor barrier should be installed on the exterior of the insulation. This is recommended to keep the outside moisture from getting into the less humid, cooler interiors and damaging the building's structure.

Does insulation need to be stapled?

INSTALLING FACED INSULATION WITHOUT USING STAPLES

Make sure the insulation facing is flush with the face of the stud. The insulation must fit snugly at the sides and ends. Some CertainTeed products, such as SpeedyR, are prodcuced without stapling flanges specifically to be friction fit, and do not need to be stapled.

Should you tape insulation seams?

Yes, you tape any insulation's lateral seams, especially any fluffy stuff... aluminum HVAC tape lasts the longest. The fluffy stuff really only works best in dead air space. Which also means the un-faced side (where you don't tape anything).

How do you install two layers of insulation?

You should install two layers of insulation in your attic; wood joists must be covered to allow the air to move. The first layer will sit between the joists, and the second layer will run perpendicular over the joists. The first layer should have the facing against the drywall to act as a vapor barrier.

What is the purpose of paper backing on insulation?

The Purpose of Insulation Facing

The paper creates a vapor barrier that helps keep the water vapor in the warm, moist, heated indoor air from migrating outward into the wall or other structure. For this reason, faced insulation is typically installed on the "warm in winter" side of the wall.

Which way should insulation face in basement?

Whether it's in a basement, a crawl space, or an attic, the insulation should face the unconditioned side of the house, while the paper faces the conditioned side. Insulation gets installed in this manner to prevent moisture and water damage from occurring.

Which way does insulation go in an attic?

The best way to face attic insulation is always towards the heated part of the home since the paper facing consists of asphalt adhesive that serves as the vapor barrier. Installing it backward traps the moisture inside, causing it to rot and mold.

Is the paper on insulation a vapor barrier?

The most common is paper-faced insulation. This type of insulation has a Kraft paper face with two flanges. The insulation is installed into the wall cavity with the paper facing into the house. This is very important — the paper, which is the vapor barrier, always faces the warm side of the house.

What is the difference between pink and blue foam board?

Both are manufactured using the same process and contain similar chemical components. The two products also have the same insulating power. However, blue foam boards are manufactured by Dow Chemical Co. whereas the pink foam boards are manufactured by Owens Corning company.

Do you tape faced insulation?

In all cases, it is only worth taping faced batt insulation. The term "faced" means that the batt has foil, paper, or other thin continuous material on one side of the fluffy batts. Without this facing, the tape will not stick well and would not add any sort of advantage to your insulation assembly.

Is Tyvek tape a vapor barrier?

Is DuPont^™ Tyvek^® a vapor barrier? No, DuPont^™ Tyvek^® is not a vapor barrier. It is made with unique material science to keep air and bulk water out while allowing moisture vapor inside walls to escape.

What kind of stapler should I use for insulation?

The staples that work the best are the TacWise 53/8mm 5/16″ Staples. WARNING: Remember to leave your power on, even though your stapler is cordless. We'll tell you more about why it's safer to leave the power connected below. Never use ordinary metal staple guns when stapling insulation under a floor.

Does unfaced insulation need to be stapled?

No, you do not need to staple in insulation. The caveat is that you are consistant in the stud spacing.

Should you put plastic between insulation and drywall?

Without poly beneath the drywall, water vapor hits the drywall and diffuses through to the drier (in summer) indoor air. By installing a sheet of poly there, you cut off that drying mechanism and water that finds its way into walls can stay there longer and do more damage.

Should you put plastic over faced insulation?

No, you should not do this. As mentioned above, faced insulation that has a vapor barrier can easily trap moisture. If you put another faced insulation on top of face insulation, a significant amount of moisture can form inside your insulation and in your walls to damage them.

Is it OK to cover insulation with plastic?

Plastic isn't recommended in this situation because it would create a second vapor barrier that can trap moisture and result in condensation and mold. Craft paper would have the same problem, this is what is most likely on the other side of the insulation for the vapor barrier you want.