When it comes to insulating your attic, choosing between faced and unfaced insulation can be confusing.
While both types of insulation have their benefits, selecting the right one for your attic requires a deeper understanding of the differences between the two.
Faced insulation is ideal for attics where moisture is a concern, as the facing acts as a vapor barrier that prevents moisture from passing through. And unfaced insulation is best suited for attics where moisture is not a concern, and there is ample ventilation.
In this blog post, we will explore the advantages and disadvantages of faced and unfaced insulation in attic and provide guidance on which one is correct for your specific attic needs.
We’ll dive into the basics of insulation, explain the differences between the two types, and help you decide on the best insulation solution for your home. So, let’s get started and find out which insulation type is right for your attic!
Faced Insulation VS Unfaced Insulation
Understanding the differences between faced and unfaced insulation is key to making an informed decision about which type of insulation is best for your attic. In this section, we’ll take a closer look at each factor to help you determine which insulation solution is right for you.
| Factor | Faced Insulation | Unfaced Insulation |
| Material | Fiberglass batts, mineral wool, or natural fibers | Fiberglass batts, mineral wool, or natural fibers |
| Insulation Capacity (R-value) | Typically ranges from R-11 to R-38 | Typically ranges from R-11 to R-49 |
| Vapor Barrier | Includes a facing that acts as a vapor barrier | Does not include a vapor barrier |
| Fire Resistance | Some faced insulation products are fire-resistant | Unfaced insulation is not fire-resistant |
| Installation | Can be more difficult to install due to the facing | Generally easier to install than faced insulation |
| Price | $0.50 to $2 per square foot | $0.50 to $1.75 per square foot |
| Lifespan | Can last up to 100 years | Can last up to 100 years |
| Use for | Best suited for attics where moisture is a concern | Best suited for attics with good ventilation |
Material
Both faced and unfaced insulation comes in a variety of materials, such as fiberglass batts, mineral wool, and natural fibers.
These materials are designed to provide a barrier between your living space and the outside environment, keeping your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter.
Insulation Capacity (R-value)
The insulation capacity of faced and unfaced insulation is measured by its R-value. Faced insulation typically ranges from R-11 to R-38, while unfaced insulation can range from R-11 to R-49. The higher the R-value, the better the insulation will reduce heat loss or gain.
Vapor Barrier
Faced insulation includes a facing that acts as a vapor barrier. This facing prevents moisture from passing through the insulation and entering your home.
Unfaced insulation, however, does not include a vapor barrier. This makes it a good choice for attics with good ventilation or where moisture is not a concern.
Fire Resistance
Some faced insulation products are treated with fire-resistant chemicals to reduce the risk of a fire starting. Unfaced insulation is not treated with these chemicals and is not fire-resistant.
Installation
The installation process for faced insulation can be more difficult than for unfaced insulation due to the facing.
Faced insulation must be carefully cut and fitted around obstacles such as electrical wires and HVAC ducts. Unfaced insulation is generally easier to install since it does not have a facing.
Cost
Faced insulation is slightly more expensive than unfaced insulation due to the added cost of the facing. However, the cost difference between the two insulation types is generally insignificant.
Lifespan
Both faced and unfaced insulation can last up to 100 years when installed and maintained properly.
The lifespan of the insulation will depend on factors such as the material used, the thickness of the insulation, and the level of moisture in the attic.
Use for
The use of faced and unfaced insulation depends on the specific conditions in your attic.
Faced insulation is best suited for attics where moisture is a concern, as the facing acts as a vapor barrier.
On the other hand, unfaced insulation is best suited for attics with good ventilation where moisture is not a concern.
The use of each type of insulation should be carefully determined to ensure the best results.
When Should You Go For Faced Insulation In Your Attic?
Are you tired of sky-high energy bills and an uncomfortable home environment? If so, it might be time to consider upgrading your attic insulation.
Faced insulation is a type of fiberglass or mineral wool insulation with a vapor barrier or “face” attached to one side. This barrier prevents moisture from penetrating the insulation and causing damage to your home.
If you live in a humid or moist climate, faced insulation can be a great choice for you. The vapor barrier on the faced insulation will help keep excess moisture out of your attic, preventing mold growth and structural damage over time.
But what if you live in a dry climate? Is faced insulation still a good choice for you?
While faced insulation may be less critical in dry climates, it can still offer benefits. For example, if you have an older home with poor ventilation, faced insulation can help to prevent moisture buildup in your attic, even in a dry climate.
if you’re looking to improve your home’s energy efficiency and prevent moisture damage in your attic, faced insulation can be a great choice.
When Should You Go For Unfaced Insulation In Your Attic?
Unfaced insulation is a type of fiberglass or mineral wool insulation with no vapor barrier or “face” attached to it. This means it doesn’t have the added protection against moisture that faced insulation does.
Unfaced insulation can be a great choice if you live in a dry climate. Without the vapor barrier, unfaced insulation allows for better ventilation in your attic, preventing moisture buildup and mold growth.
In addition, unfaced insulation is typically less expensive than faced insulation, making it a more budget-friendly option for homeowners. And because it doesn’t have the added weight of the vapor barrier, it’s also easier to handle and install.
But what if you live in a humid climate? Is unfaced insulation still a good choice for you?
While it may not offer the same level of protection against moisture as faced insulation, unfaced insulation can still be effective if installed properly.
Types Of Attic Insulation
Upgrading your home’s attic insulation is a cost-effective way to improve energy efficiency, lower utility bills, and increase comfort. This section will explore the different types of attic insulation and their unique features and benefits.
Fiberglass Insulation
Features
- Made of tiny glass fibers that are spun into rolls or batts.
- Inexpensive compared to other types of insulation.
- Easy to install as it can be cut with a utility knife to fit into any space.
- Resistant to moisture, fire, and mold.
Benefits
- Provides good insulation value to your home.
- Helps to reduce energy costs and keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
- Has a long lifespan of up to 25 years.
- Does not settle or shrink over time, maintaining its insulation value.
Cellulose Insulation
Features
- Made from recycled materials such as newspaper, cardboard, and other paper products.
- Can be blown into wall cavities or attics or installed as loose-fill insulation.
- Has a similar cost to fiberglass insulation.
- Eco-friendly and reduces waste.
- Resistant to fire and pests.
Benefits
- Provides good insulation value.
- Has a higher R-value than fiberglass insulation.
- Can fill small gaps and voids to prevent air leaks.
- Helps to reduce energy costs and keeps your home warm in winter and cool in summer.
- With correct installation can last for a maximum of 20 years.
Spray Foam Insulation
Features
- Made from a chemical reaction between two liquid components that are sprayed into place.
- Expands and hardens to fill gaps and cracks.
- More expensive than other types of insulation.
- Can be installed by a professional or as a DIY project.
- Resistant to moisture, fire, and mold.
Benefits
- Provides a high R-value per inch of thickness, making it a more efficient insulator.
- Seals air leaks to make your home more energy-efficient.
- Helps to prevent moisture infiltration and mold growth.
- With correct installation can last for a maximum of 80 years.
Radiant Barrier Insulation
Features
- Made of reflective materials like foil or aluminum.
- Installed under the roof to reflect heat back into the attic.
- Relatively inexpensive compared to other types of insulation.
Benefits
- Helps to reduce cooling costs in the summer.
- Provides a barrier against radiant heat transfer.
- Does not absorb moisture or aid mold growth.
- Easy to install by a professional or as a DIY project.
Mineral Wool Insulation
Features
- Made of rock or slag fibers spun into rolls or batts.
- More expensive than other types of insulation.
- Resistant to fire and high temperatures.
Benefits
- Provides good insulation value and soundproofing.
- Can be installed in high-temperature areas like around chimneys and furnaces.
- Its inability to absorb moisture aids in the prevention of mold growth.
- With correct installation can last for a maximum of 100 years.
How To Choose The Right Insulation For Your Attic?
Insulation can help to keep your home cool in the summer and warm in the winter and can also help to reduce your energy bills by preventing heat loss. One area of the home that often requires insulation is the attic.
This section will discuss how to choose the right insulation for your attic.
Determine Your Attic’s Insulation Needs
Before choosing insulation for your attic, it is important to determine the current and recommended insulation levels for your region.
The recommended R-value (a measure of thermal resistance) for attic insulation can vary based on your location and climate. The higher the R-value, the more insulation your attic has, and the better it will protect your home from heat loss and gain.
Choose the Right Insulation Type
There are several types of insulation to choose from, including blown-in insulation, batt insulation, and spray foam insulation.
Batt insulation is the most common type and is made of cotton, fiberglass, or mineral wool. It comes in pre-cut panels that fit between attic joists.
Blown-in insulation is constructed of loose-fill materials such as cellulose or fiberglass that are blown into the attic space.
Spray foam insulation is made of liquid foam that expands to fill gaps and cracks in the attic space.
Each type of insulation has its own pros and cons, so it is important to choose the type that best suits your attic’s needs.
Consider Insulation Quality
The quality of insulation can vary depending on the manufacturer, so it is important to choose a high-quality product that will provide maximum thermal resistance.
Look for insulation that has been tested and certified by a reputable third-party organization, such as the Insulation Institute.
Hire a Professional Insulation Contractor
Installing attic insulation can be a complex and time-consuming process, so it is recommended that you hire a professional insulation contractor to do the job.
A professional contractor will have the experience and tools to properly install insulation and ensure it meets local building codes and safety standards.
Additional Tips While Insulating Attic
By following these additional tips, you can ensure that your attic insulation is effective and efficient, providing long-lasting benefits for your home and wallet.
Seal Air Leaks Before Insulating
Before adding insulation to your attic, it is important to seal any air leaks. Air leaks can occur around attic access points, electrical boxes, plumbing vents, and other areas where there are gaps or holes in the ceiling.
Sealing air leaks with caulking, weather stripping, or foam sealant will help prevent air from leaking in or out of your home, improving energy efficiency and comfort.
Use Proper Safety Precautions
When insulating an attic, it is important to take safety precautions to protect yourself from hazards such as falling, exposure to insulation fibers, and electrical shock.
Wear protective clothing, gloves, and a mask to protect yourself from insulation fibers. Use a secure ladder and work platform to prevent falls.
Turn off power to any electrical boxes in the attic before working near them.
Consider Ventilation
Proper ventilation is important for attic insulation to work effectively. Attic ventilation allows air to circulate and helps to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to mold and other moisture-related problems.
Ensure that your attic has adequate ventilation through gable vents, soffit vents, or ridge vents.
Add Insulation to the Attic Hatch or Door
The attic hatch or door can be a major source of heat loss and gain, so it is important to add insulation to it as well.
You can add a layer of foam board insulation to the hatch or door to improve energy efficiency.
Insulate Ductwork
If there are HVAC ducts running through your attic, make sure to insulate them as well.
Uninsulated ductwork can lose significant amounts of heat or cool air, reducing energy efficiency and comfort.
How To Stack Your Insulation Properly?
Proper insulation in your attic is important for maintaining comfortable indoor temperatures and energy efficiency.
However, it’s equally important to stack your insulation properly, taking into account the type and orientation of insulation to prevent moisture buildup and mold growth within your home.
Cold Weather
- In cold climates, the vapor barrier on faced insulation must face the interior of the home. This helps prevent moisture buildup and mold growth within the home’s walls.
- If you have a layer of faced insulation installed facing the home’s interior, you must take it off before adding a layer of unfaced insulation. Then, you can pile the faced insulation on top of the layer of unfaced insulation, with the vapor barrier facing the interior of the home.
- You can add another layer of unfaced insulation on top of an existing layer of unfaced insulation without encountering any problems.
- As long as the vapor barrier faces the interior of the home, you can stack faced insulation on top of unfaced insulation in order to create a vapor barrier.
Hot Weather
- In warm climates, the vapor barrier on faced insulation must face the home’s exterior. This helps prevent moisture buildup and mold growth within the home’s walls.
- You can add another layer of unfaced insulation on top of an existing layer of faced insulation without encountering any problems.
- You can add another layer of unfaced insulation on top of an existing layer of unfaced insulation without encountering any problems.
- To create a vapor barrier using faced insulation, it’s necessary to remove the existing insulation and replace it with faced insulation that has a vapor barrier oriented towards the exterior of the home. Then, you can add a layer of unfaced insulation on top of the faced insulation.
Bottom Line
The choice between faced and unfaced insulation for your attic depends on a variety of factors, including your climate, the presence of a vapor barrier, and your insulation goals.
It’s important to consider these factors and consult a professional to ensure you choose the right type of insulation for your home.
With the right insulation, you can enjoy a comfortable indoor environment and energy efficiency while protecting your home from moisture buildup and mold growth.
FAQ
Is it OK to leave faced insulation uncovered?
Never leave faced insulation uncovered. The facings on kraft and foil-faced insulation are flammable and must be installed in substantial contact with an approved ceiling, wall, or floor construction material to prevent a potential fire hazard. Only flame-resistant foil (FSK-25) is safe to be left exposed. It’s crucial to follow these guidelines to ensure the safety and protection of your home.
Should attic walls be insulated?
Insulating your attic’s walls is unnecessary, as the purpose of insulation along the ceiling joists is to maintain comfortable indoor temperatures throughout the year. However, it’s important to have proper ventilation on the roof of your attic to allow for air circulation and prevent moisture buildup.
What thickness is best for attic insulation?
When it comes to attic insulation, the recommended thickness is typically more than 20-30cm. However, the ideal thickness can vary depending on the type of insulation you use and your specific insulation goals. Advanced thinner materials may offer similar insulating properties with a lower thickness.
