Installing Unfaced Attic Insulation

What is the right insulation for an attic.

Installing unfaced attic insulation.

Once you have successfully cut it down to size gently fit it into the cavity without using force. Choose your insulation type. Fold out the paper flange along one side of the insulation. Cut the insulation roll or batt to fit the length of the framing cavity if necessary.

Fastening insulation gently press the insulation between two studs with its moisture barrier facing out toward the room. As a result of evaporation people breathing and plant respiration air carries some. Lay unfaced fiberglass roll or batt insulation between or across ceiling joists in attics with some existing insulation. Set a t square or metal straightedge over the insulation and press it down firmly.

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. Unfaced insulation is just insulation without an attached moisture barrier. Place the insulation with the facing side down on a piece of scrap plywood. Unfinished or uninsulated attics need a layer of protection against air migration.

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. 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. You can buy them unfaced or simply remove the paper or foil backing.

Unfold the mounting tab along each vertical edge of the batt. Position the flange flat against the side face of the wall. Before installing determine the insulation material best suited for your home. Flatten the tabs against the front edge of the stud on each side of the batt.

Check pipes and vents. It s important not to lay faced insulation on top of faced insulation. The basic installation steps are the same for walls ceilings floors and roofs in wood frame houses. Place a new layer of unfaced batts perpendicular to the old layer to cover any gaps in the lower layer.

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. Now here s a situation where a homeowner what looks like many years ago added insulation they added a three inch layer but. Calculate how much you need. 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.

Use a staple gun and.