Faced vs. Unfaced Insulation

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Insulation is used to prevent the transmission of heat or sound from one area to another. It is used to keep heat and sound in or out of the house or confine it to a specific place within the house.

There are several types of thermal insulation, such as fiberglass insulation, cellulose insulation, spray foam insulation, radiant barrier insulation, etc.

Insulation is an essential part of every house as it keeps the house warm during winter and cold during summer. For determining the right type of insulation for your house, it is very important to know the differences between faced and unfaced insulation.

What is Faced Insulation?

Faced insulation is generally blanket-like insulation made out of fiberglass. It is commonly used for home insulation and is primarily used to keep the walls dry. Faced insulation consists of a vapor retarder (the facing) or barrier that will block moisture movement from one space to another. 

The vapor retarder also helps in holding the insulation together, fastening the material to building components, and protecting the surface. Vapour retarder or facing can be made up of any type of material. The common ones include aluminum foil, kraft paper, foil kraft paper, and vinyl. 

Faced insulation usually comes in a long roll and batt form where the insulation adheres on one side to a kraft paper or plastic for installation purposes. It can be used in several parts of a house, such as a floor, finished basement, attic, exterior walls, and ceiling.

How to Install Faced Insulation?

1. Faced insulation comes in batts and long rolls.
2. Batts are utilized to fill the wall cavities, and rolls are used for ceilings, floors, and roofs with a long joist or rafter bays and tall walls.
3. It is easy to cut insulation material with a sharp utility knife.
4. After cutting to a desired shape and size, it is simply stapled to the joists or studs. 
5. In cold climatic conditions, insulation with a vapor barrier is faced towards the outside of the house.
6. In contrast, in warm climatic conditions, insulation with a vapor barrier is faced towards the inside of the house.

Advantages of Faced Insulation

Following are some of the advantages of faced insulation:

1. Easy installation.
2. It prevents the movement of moisture.
3. Widely available with standard widths and thickness making it easier to fit.

Disadvantages of Faced Insulation

Following are some of the disadvantages of faced insulation:

1. It is highly flammable. Thus, it should not come in close contact with heating sources of any kind, including light fixtures and electrical devices.
2. It is not recommended to add insulation over existing insulation.
3. It can be itchy to install.
4. It compresses easily, leading to a loss of insulating properties. 

What is Unfaced Insulation?

Unfaced insulation is blanket-like insulation without any vapor retardant, such as plastic or paper and fiberglass. It is normally used over existing insulation and in areas where vapor barriers are not necessary. 

Unfaced insulation does not prevent moisture spread but helps in noise reduction, conserving energy, retaining heat/cool air, and keeping the pollutants out. Unfaced insulation is best for crawl spaces, attics, basements, remodels, walls, floors, ceilings, and for new construction. 

It is normally used in rooms that don’t need moisture control, like living rooms, dining rooms, study rooms, and interior wall applications that do not face the outside.

How to Install Unfaced Insulation?

1. Unfaced insulation is not stapled but is held in place by friction.
2. It comes in batts or rolls.
3. Lay unfaced fiberglass roll or batt insulation on top of existing material and press the insulation firmly into place between joists or studs.
4. Take care not to compress insulation; if it is compressed too much, the efficiency is reduced.
5. Join batts loosely to perpendicular joists with plastic straps to avoid shifting.

Advantages of Unfaced Insulation

Following are some of the advantages of unfaced insulation

1. Unfaced insulation can be used in close proximity to heat sources as it is inflammable.
2. It acts as a soundproof barrier, reducing the noise transmission.
3. It helps in conserving energy as it retains hot or cold air.
4. It keeps pollutants out of the house.

Disadvantages of Unfaced Insulation

Following are some of the disadvantages of unfaced insulation

1. It lacks a moisture barrier.
2. Installation is difficult and time-consuming.

FAQs

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