Faced Or Unfaced Insulation In An Attic

Facing is a thin layer of paper or plastic attached to one side of batting insulation which is sold in a roll.

Faced or unfaced insulation in an attic.

If there is already insulation between the joists increase the r value by installing unfaced roll insulation right on top. The insulation is against the wall not towards the first floor. Or should i use unfaced. The good news is that the solution to your problem isn t that difficult.

Simply peel the facing paper off the top layer of insulation. When to use faced or unfaced attic insulation attic insulation is available with and without a paper facing. The facing contains a thin layer of asphalt which acts as a vapor barrier to block moisture. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.

It is basically designed to keep drywall dry. The kraft paper itself is highly flammable. The kraft paper on one side of faced insulation keeps moisture from spreading throughout the walls or ceiling. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product.

When local building codes require a vapor retardant faced insulation is one of the best options. However there are also insulations like spray foam insulation that is designed to be moisture retardant anyway when facing isn t required. Facing is a layer attached to roll or batt insulation as a vapor barrier to help protect the living space from excess humidity or moisture. Among the many insulation options available for the homeowner there is one that stands above the rest paper faced insulation.

It s important to use the right type of insulation to prevent moisture problems in your attic. Faced or the type with paper is typically used in first time applications such as in walls ceilings floors and in crawl spaces. Paper faced insulation means that one side of the insulation material comes lined with paper. I don t want a potential mold problem.

This is usually kraft paper but sometimes other types of paper can be used. You should only use faced insulation as the first layer of insulation. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material.

So in an attic the paper faces downward and in a crawl space it faces upward. 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. Any time you use a faced insulation the paper needs to be facing toward the living space. If your attic floor has no insulation install faced batts or faced rolls between each joist with the moisture barrier facing down against the drywall or plaster ceiling below.