Face Or Unface Insulation In Uninsulated Attic

Faced insulation has flanges on the outside of the batt that need to be stapled to the wall studs and joists.

Face or unface insulation in uninsulated attic.

The facing should aim down toward the living space. Unfaced means the insulation lacks a vapor retarder paper or plastic facing. The same is true for an attic floor. Simply peel the facing paper off the top layer of insulation.

Unfaced insulation when adding more insulation to an attic that already has insulation use unfaced insulation. 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. The primary reason to insulate any part of the home is to provide a thermal barrier between conditioned heated or cooled interior space and the outdoors or unheated spaces such as an unfinished. Faced insulation if the attic doesn t have any existing insulation use faced insulation with the paper facing toward the heated living space.

The same applies to faced unfaced and other kinds of insulation products. You can buy them unfaced or simply remove the paper or foil backing. 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 facing outward towards the installer. Kraft faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder which helps prevent mold and mildew.

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. Place a new layer of unfaced batts perpendicular to the old layer to cover any gaps in the lower layer. The good news is that the solution to your problem isn t that difficult. Watch this video to find out more.

If you re putting it in an exterior wall the facing is on the interior side of the home where drywall will be laid.