Difference Between Faced And Unfaced Attic Insulation

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.

Difference between faced and unfaced attic insulation.

Unfaced insulation should be used when you re adding insulation to your attic that already has insulation so that you don t have to worry about the moisture trap. A space s r rating varies depending on the climate zone in which it is located. What is the right insulation for an attic. There are many types of insulation that are unfaced such as spray foam and loose fill fiberglass.

For example an attic should have insulation quality and volume that is rated between r 49 and r 60 in zone 7 regions like buffalo new york where it gets downright icy in the winter. Unfaced batts are laid perpendicularly atop existing batts to improve heat retention. Faced insulation is a vapor retarder and may need to be used in your home depending on your local building codes. I ve always said adding insulation to your attic is some of the best money you can spend to make your house more energy efficient but whether to use faced or unfaced insulation is a great question.

Faced insulation has a vapor barrier or a vapor retarder the facing that helps prevent moisture from moving from one space to another. Now here s a situation where a homeowner what looks like many years ago added insulation they added a three inch layer but it has facing on it and that could create a. The facing also helps protect the surface hold.