Faced Vs Unfaced Batt Insulation Attic

Insulation being unfaced doesn t mean it s a bad choice.

Faced vs unfaced batt insulation attic.

I ve always said adding insulation to your attic is some of the best money you can spend to make your house more energy efficient but whether to use faced or unfaced insulation is a great question. For many contractors the decision to use one kind of insulation over the other depends solely on preference rather than a by the book decision making process. Insulation in rolls called batts comes in two varieties. Batt insulation is available at home centers and lumberyards.

Batt insulation take time to read this column. Unfaced means the insulation lacks a vapor retarder paper or plastic facing. The key difference between the two is that faced insulation keeps moisture out because it has kraft paper or plastic on one side whereas unfaced only provides insulation. You can buy them unfaced or simply remove the paper or foil backing.

When you go to get a roll or batt of insulation you may notice they are available as either faced or unfaced. Attic insulation is accomplished with either fiberglass blankets batt or blown in insulation. Air migrates from warmer spaces toward colder spaces and insulation is designed to help prevent or at least slow that migration. Kraft faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder which helps prevent mold and mildew.

Now here s a situation where a homeowner what looks like many years ago added insulation they added a three inch layer but. It means ensuring that it s the right product for your space. Faced or the type with paper is typically used in first time applications such as in walls ceilings floors and in crawl spaces. If a moisture barrier is required or recommended in your climate zone you will want to use the faced board again reflective facing is a good choice to insulate your walls.

Blown in insulation requires a professional. What is the right insulation for an attic. Before choosing blown vs. Any time you use a faced insulation the paper needs to be facing toward the living space.

Unfaced batt insulation is often used for beefing up the r rating with the r rating being the insulation rating scale that says how much or how effective insulation needs to be in that space. Like blanket or batt insulation foam board comes in faced and unfaced varieties. 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.