What is the difference between faced and unfaced insulation?

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.

Is it better to use faced or unfaced insulation?

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.

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.

Why do you use 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.

Why is insulation faced or unfaced?

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.

When to Use Faced or Unfaced Insulation

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.

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.

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.

Can you put unfaced 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. Let Accurate Insulation handle your home insulation project from start to finish.

Which side of insulation faces out?

The first layer should have the facing against the drywall to act as a vapor barrier. (The general rule for insulation is that the facing always goes toward the conditioned space.)

Should I put plastic over insulation before 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.

What insulation should I use for exterior walls?

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.

Can I use unfaced insulation in garage?

You can either use faced or unfaced insulation when insulating your garage. If you use faced insulation, the paper side should face the inside of the garage. Alternatively, when using unfaced insulation, it is recommended that you add a vapor barrier over the garage walls after installing the insulation.

Is unfaced insulation cheaper?

Unfaced insulation does not contain the thin protective layer of paper or plastic (making it a slightly cheaper alternative.) It is most commonly used in new construction and remodeling projects. It's also used in walls, floors, ceilings, attics, and basements, wherever existing insulation may be.

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)

Should I use faced or unfaced insulation in my basement ceiling?

Faced insulation is actually recommended on basement ceilings and ceilings in general. The covering or "face" of the insulation prevents it from falling out and trickling down into the basement air. This is especially advantageous if the insulation is made of fiberglass, which can harmful if it's ingested.

Should I remove old attic insulation before adding new?

Expert contractors that specialize in insulation advise that removing old fiberglass insulation is best before installing new cellulose insulation because of possible mildew, mold, or rodent excrement.

Does doubling insulation Double R-value?

Doubling the thickness of insulation will double the insulation's R-value, cutting heat loss in half. Each time the insulation layer is doubled in thickness, this rule applies.

How should faced insulation 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.

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).

Can you staple unfaced insulation?

Unfaced insulation goes up more quickly than insulation with paper or plastic facing. Flaps on faced insulation must be stapled between rafters to hold it in place. However, the lack of facing means that you must add a moisture barrier over the insulation.

Can you use a tarp as a vapor barrier?

Lay a heavy plastic tarp -- 6 mil or thicker -- over the entire area. If you must use multiple sheets, overlap them by at least 2 feet. Use stones to hold the plastic down. The plastic acts as a vapor barrier, eliminating much of the migration of water vapor from the ground to the crawl space.

Is Tyvek 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.

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.

What type of insulation should be in between garage and house?

Fiberglass Insulation

Fiberglass is the most commonly used type of insulation in garages (just as it's the most popular type in homes). It's sold in precut batts and long blankets that fit between wall studs and ceiling joists.