Is it OK to use faced insulation in attic?

When installing between the roof rafters of finished attic spaces, you can use either faced or unfaced batting. When using insulation that has paper or plastic batting, that moisture barrier should face outward toward the attic space.

Can you use Kraft faced insulation in attic?

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. The insulation should be snug in the cavity, but not compressed.

Do I need faced or unfaced insulation in my attic?

Faced Insulation: If the attic doesn't have any existing insulation, use faced insulation with the paper facing toward the heated living space. Unfaced Insulation: When adding more insulation to an attic that already has insulation, use unfaced insulation.

Does it matter if insulation is faced?

To be effective, the barrier's reflective surface must always face an air space at least an inch thick and be installed shiny side up if laid on the attic floor, shiny side down if attached to the rafters. Tests show that a radiant barrier in an insulated attic can lower attic temperatures by as much as 30 degrees.

Can you use faced insulation in ceiling?

Insulation in rolls, called batts, comes in two varieties: faced and unfaced. Faced, or the type with paper, is typically used in first-time applications, such as in walls, ceilings, floors, and in crawl spaces. Any time you use a faced insulation, the paper needs to be facing toward the living space.

When to Use Faced or Unfaced Insulation

Do I need a vapor barrier if I use faced insulation?

Since vapor barriers are only additional protection and not required to finish faced insulation, they are not always necessary. In fact, in some parts of the United States, it is better to not add vapor barriers as they can do more damage than good to your insulation.

Is faced insulation better than Unfaced?

The Difference Between Faced And Unfaced Insulation

Faced just means that kraft paper is attached to the insulation itself. The paper helps improve the sturdiness of the insulation so it doesn't fall down as much. Unfaced insulation is just as good as faced, but it doesn't have that paper attached to it.

What is the purpose of faced insulation?

Faced insulation has a vapor barrier or a vapor retarder (the facing) that helps prevent moisture from moving from one space to another. The facing also helps protect the surface, hold the insulation together and fasten the material to building components.

Does faced 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 cover insulation with plastic?

Without a vapor barrier in place, condensation inside the walls could ruin the insulation and promote the growth of harmful mold and bacteria. Plastic, specifically 6-mil polyethylene plastic, is the most commonly used vapor barrier.

What kind of insulation should I put in my attic?

Generally speaking, the US Department of Energy recommends maintaining the following overall R-Value levels in your attic: R30 in hot climates (like California) R38 in temperate climates (this is typically the desired level for residences in California)

Which insulation is best for attic?

Many people consider fiberglass batt to be the best attic insulation. It consists of plastic reinforced by small glass fibers. The batt version comes in blanket form — i.e., small, pre-cut sections that you can lay down wherever you need to.

Which way should insulation face in an attic?

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.

Should insulation seams be taped?

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).

Is foil faced insulation better?

Foil faced insulation is the best type of insulation for retaining heat in the winter and keeping heat out in the summer. This insulation product is designed to slow heat transfer and enhance acoustical performance. It also works as a barrier for methane, radon, vapor, termites and other vermin.

Which side of insulation 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.

Can you put faced insulation over faced insulation?

Can you put faced insulation over faced insulation? No, faced insulation should not be added over existing insulation since the vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture.

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.

What insulation should I use in my ceiling?

Depending on where you live and the part of your home you're insulating (walls, crawlspace, attic, etc.), you'll need a different R-Value. Typical recommendations for exterior walls are R-13 to R-23, while R-30, R-38 and R-49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces.

What is the difference between Kraft-faced and unfaced insulation?

What is the difference between unfaced and Kraft-faced insulation and how is it installed? Unfaced means the insulation lacks a vapor retarder (paper or plastic facing). Kraft-faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder, which helps prevent mold and mildew.

Do vapor barriers cause mold?

One of the more common problems with crawl spaces that do not have a crawl space vapor barrier system is that they create high moisture levels, which may result in mold growth – as dampness creates the ideal environment for mold growth.

Can you put too much insulation in attic?

It's possible to over-insulate an attic as too much will cause moisture buildup and eventually result in mold. Eventually, adding more insulation leads to diminishing returns in trapping heat as well.