Installing Unfaced Attic Insulation

Learn how one caller made an installation mistake and increased his chances of mold and condensation when he tried to add unfaced insulation over his blown in attic insulation.

Installing unfaced attic insulation.

Choose your insulation type. Once you have successfully cut it down to size gently fit it into the cavity without using force. Set a t square or metal straightedge over the insulation and press it down firmly. It s important not to lay faced insulation on top of faced insulation.

Place the insulation with the facing side down on a piece of scrap plywood. Fold out the paper flange along one side of the insulation. If you re using unfaced insulation in an area where a vapor barrier is required or recommended you may be able to add your own barrier using plastic sheeting. 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.

Find out how to install unfaced insulation correctly over blown in insulation. In crawl spaces unfaced insulation is generally only used when adding to existing insulation. What is the right insulation for an attic. Unfold the mounting tab along each vertical edge of the batt.

Use a staple gun and. Unfinished or uninsulated attics need a layer of protection against air migration. Unfaced insulation is just insulation without an attached moisture barrier. 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.

As a result of evaporation people breathing and plant respiration air carries some. Calculate how much you need. Now here s a situation where a homeowner what looks like many years ago added insulation they added a three inch layer but. You can buy them unfaced or simply remove the paper or foil backing.

Before installing determine the insulation material best suited for your home. Position the flange flat against the side face of the wall. Lay unfaced fiberglass roll or batt insulation between or across ceiling joists in attics with some existing insulation. Place unfaced insulation on top of existing material such as loose fill.

Installing insulation has almost the same steps for all. Check pipes and vents. Place a new layer of unfaced batts perpendicular to the old layer to cover any gaps in the lower layer. Fastening insulation gently press the insulation between two studs with its moisture barrier facing out toward the room.

Flatten the tabs against the front edge of the stud on each side of the batt.