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 or unfaced insulation in an attic.

Simply peel the facing paper off the top layer of insulation. Faced insulation has flanges on the outside of the batt that need to be stapled to the wall studs and joists. When local building codes require a vapor retardant faced insulation is one of the best options. The kraft paper on one side of faced insulation keeps moisture from spreading throughout the walls or ceiling.

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. Creating a moisture barrier. Unfinished or uninsulated attics need a layer of protection against air migration. The good news is that the solution to your problem isn t that difficult.

To make things safe cover your unfaced insulation with drywall to prevent the risk of a fire. To this end you insulate your home. Here s what you need to know about the facing on attic insulation. The facing should aim down toward the living space.

In crawl spaces unfaced insulation is generally only used when adding to existing insulation. If you re putting it in an exterior wall the facing is on the interior side of the home where drywall will be laid. As a result of evaporation people breathing and plant respiration air carries some. The same is true for an attic floor.

You should only use faced insulation as the first layer of insulation. What is the right insulation for an attic. Unfaced insulation is just insulation without an attached moisture barrier. Paper faced insulation means that one side of the insulation material comes lined with paper.

Faced insulation if the attic doesn t have any existing insulation use faced insulation with the paper facing toward. 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.