Faced Or Unfaced Insulation In An Attic

You should only use faced insulation as the first layer of insulation.

Faced or unfaced insulation in an attic.

Among the many insulation options available for the homeowner there is one that stands above the rest. Faced insulation has flanges on the outside of the batt that need to be stapled to the wall studs and joists. Paper faced insulation means that one side of the insulation material comes lined with paper. When local building codes require a vapor retardant faced insulation is one of the best options.

Creating a moisture barrier. As a result of evaporation people breathing and plant respiration air carries some. Simply peel the facing paper off the top layer of insulation. The same is true for an attic floor.

Unfaced insulation is just insulation without an attached moisture barrier. What is the right insulation for an attic. Faced insulation if the attic doesn t have any existing insulation use faced insulation with the paper facing toward. 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. Here s what you need to know about the facing on attic insulation. To make things safe cover your unfaced insulation with drywall to prevent the risk of a fire. In crawl spaces unfaced insulation is generally only used when adding to existing insulation.

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 when adding more insulation to an attic that already has insulation use unfaced insulation. The facing should aim down toward the living space. To this end you insulate your home.

As you ve discovered since you already had insulation in your attic the layer of new insulation you added should have been unfaced to prevent moisture from becoming trapped between the layers. Unfinished or uninsulated attics need a layer of protection against air migration.