Faced Vs Unfaced Batt Insulation Attic

Kraft faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder which helps prevent mold and mildew.

Faced vs unfaced batt insulation attic.

Faced insulation is a vapor retarder and may need to be used in your home depending on your local building codes. 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. Unfaced means the insulation lacks a vapor retarder paper or plastic facing. The upside is you save money by not having to pay to add your own vapor barrier.

Kinds of insulation that don t involve facing of any sort include spray foam blown in insulation and rigid foam boards. Any time you use a faced insulation the paper needs to be facing toward the living space. When it s batts or rolls of unfaced insulation it s meant to be used to add r rating values but should be installed behind the faced insulation. You can buy them unfaced or simply remove the paper or foil backing.

Before choosing blown vs. Blown in insulation requires a professional. Batt insulation take time to read this column. Insulation in rolls called batts comes in two varieties.

Faced or the type with paper is typically used in first time applications such as in walls ceilings floors and in crawl spaces. The same applies to faced unfaced and other kinds of insulation products. Faced insulation is a little but not a lot more expensive than unfaced simply because of the extra material it includes. Watch this video to find out more.

Always use unfaced batts both when laying product for the first time and to prevent moisture from becoming trapped between new and old layers of insulation. Faced insulation if the attic doesn t have any existing insulation use faced insulation with the paper facing toward the heated living space. Whether you choose faced or unfaced insulation for the attic depends on the. Attic insulation is accomplished with either fiberglass blankets batt or blown in insulation.

Batt insulation is available at home centers and lumberyards. Place a new layer of unfaced batts perpendicular to the old layer to cover any gaps in the lower layer. 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.