Insulation in rolls called batts comes in two varieties.
Face or unface for attic.
Facing is a thin layer of paper or plastic attached to one side of batting insulation which is sold in a roll.
The upside is you save money by not having to pay to add your own vapor barrier.
The same is true for an attic floor.
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.
The facing should aim down toward the living space.
You can buy them unfaced or simply remove the paper or foil backing.
The same applies to faced unfaced and other kinds of insulation products.
If you re putting it in an exterior wall the facing is on the interior side of the home where drywall will be laid.
Faced insulation has flanges on the outside of the batt that need to be stapled to the wall studs and joists.
Kraft faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder which helps prevent mold and mildew.
So in an attic the paper faces downward and.
Any time you use a faced insulation the paper needs to be facing toward the living space.
Get free shipping on qualified unfaced attic insulation or buy online pick up in store today in the building materials department.
Unfaced means the insulation lacks a vapor retarder paper or plastic facing.
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.
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.
If the attic doesn t have any existing insulation use faced insulation with the paper facing toward the heated living space.
Place a new layer of unfaced batts perpendicular to the old layer to cover any gaps in the lower layer.
Faced or the type with paper is typically used in first time applications such as in walls ceilings floors and in crawl spaces.
Faced insulation is a little but not a lot more expensive than unfaced simply because of the extra material it includes.
Faced insulation is a vapor retarder and may need to be used in your home depending on your local building codes.