Do I need paper backed insulation?
Do I need paper backed insulation?
Unfaced insulation—the type without paper—is what you would use if you are adding insulation to your attic or to place between floors when living space is above and below. Unfaced is also your best choice for adding soundproofing to interior walls.
Is faced insulation better than unfaced?
The Difference Between Faced And Unfaced Insulation Faced just means that kraft paper is attached to the insulation itself. The paper helps improve the sturdiness of the insulation so it doesn’t fall down as much. Unfaced insulation is just as good as faced, but it doesn’t have that paper attached to it.
Why does some insulation have paper backing?
The paper creates a vapor barrier that helps keep the water vapor in the warm, moist, heated indoor air from migrating outward into the wall or other structure. For this reason, faced insulation is typically installed on the “warm in winter” side of the wall.
Can I remove the facing from insulation?
Luckily, the Kraft paper facing is easy to remove. Simply pull on the facing with one hand and use the other hand to push the batt or roll away from the facing. Then, you’ll be able to proceed with the repair.
Is paper backed insulation a vapor barrier?
The most common is paper-faced insulation. This type of insulation has a Kraft paper face with two flanges. The insulation is installed into the wall cavity with the paper facing into the house. This is very important — the paper, which is the vapor barrier, always faces the warm side of the house.
Does faced insulation need to be stapled?
To install faced products by pressure fit, gently place the insulation into the cavity space between framing members. The insulation must fit snugly at the sides and ends. Some CertainTeed products, such as SpeedyR, are prodcuced without stapling flanges specifically to be friction fit, and do not need to be stapled.
What happens if you put insulation in backwards?
So if it is installed upside down, the paper moisture barrier can actually keep moisture in-between the paper and the sub-flooring. This can lead to mold issues, as well as structural deterioration. Also, the paper is flammable so not properly installing it can create a fire hazard.
Does faced insulation need to be covered?
To satisfy building codes, most faced insulation must be covered with half-inch-thick wallboard or other code-approved material to reduce the chances of its igniting during a fire. But compressing insulation that is thicker than the width of the framing pieces diminishes its R-value.
Is it OK to put roll insulation on paper?
As you add the insulation, keep the paper backing facing down toward the room below. Avoid compressing the batting because diminishing its loft also diminishes its ability to prevent warm air from migrating out of the heated space below. Cut batting with a utility knife if you have more roll than space to fit.
What do you call the backing on insulation?
Backing — also called facing — on insulation is a paper or plastic vapor barrier that prohibits the migration of moisture. Facing generally goes against whichever space is warmer in winter.
When to use vapor barrier with insulation or fiberglass?
Regardless of whether fiberglass insulation is installed in a wall, attic, or crawlspace; the paper facing should always face toward the inside of the home. That’s because the paper contains a layer of asphalt adhesive which prevents water vapor from passing through it.
When does batt insulation need to be exposed?
If substantial contact is not maintained and continuous clear access to an open plenum or void exists between the installed batt insulation and an approved non-combustible wall construction material, then an exposed application results.¹ A flame spread rated facing installed over kraft, standard foil or other non-rated facing does not meet code.