Regardless of whether fiberglass insulation is installed in a wall, attic, or crawlspace; the paper facing should always face toward the inside of the home . That’s because the paper contains a layer of asphalt adhesive which prevents water vapor from passing through it.
What happens if insulation is installed backwards?
So if it is installed upside down, the paper moisture barrier can actually keep moisture in-between the paper and the sub-flooring. This can lead to mold issues, as well as structural deterioration. Also, the paper is flammable so not properly installing it can create a fire hazard.
Which side of insulation foam faces out?
If you’re wondering whether to put the foil side of foam insulation board shiny side in or out, consider whether you want to make the space inside warmer or cooler. If you want to make the space warmer, the foil should face inside so it can reflect radiant heat back into the room.
What is facing on insulation?
“Facing” is a layer attached to roll or batt insulation as a vapor barrier to help protect the living space from excess humidity or moisture. It is basically designed to keep drywall dry .
Do you leave the paper on insulation?
Leaving the paper and/or foil facing of insulation exposed is prohibited by International Residential Code (IRC) , which is the most common building code adopted and used in the United States for one and two family dwellings and townhouses.
Does it matter which way you install insulation?
(The general rule for insulation is that the facing always goes toward the conditioned space .) The second layer of insulation should be unfaced so that moisture doesn’t collect between the layers.
Can I remove the facing from insulation?
Luckily, the Kraft paper facing is easy to remove. Simply pull on the facing with one hand and use the other hand to push the batt or roll away from the facing. Then, you’ll be able to proceed with the repair.
Does foil insulation need an air gap?
not emitting heat), and it’s basically the inverse of reflectivity. Foil has an emissivity of 0.03, or 3%. ... You MUST have an air gap in order to get either the emissivity quality or the reflectivity quality that you’re looking for, otherwise the foil will not work as a radiant barrier.
Which way should the foil face?
The performance of the foil is the same, whichever side you use . The shiny side is face-up on the roll, and the dull side is on its underside. In other words, feel free to use whatever side makes you happy.
What is the R value of 1 inch Styrofoam?
Styrofoam insulation is the cheapest material. R-values can range from 3.6 to 4.2 per inch .
What is the purpose of paper backing on insulation?
The paper creates a vapor barrier that helps keep the water vapor in the warm, moist, heated indoor air from migrating outward into the wall or other structure . For this reason, faced insulation is typically installed on the “warm in winter” side of the wall.
Do you need a vapor barrier with faced insulation?
The vapor retarder shall be installed on the warm-in -winter side of the thermal insulation.” A lot of people call this a “vapor barrier” requirement, and believe polyethylene is required by the code, but kraft facing on batt insulation (which has a permeance of about 0.4) meets this code requirement all by itself.
When should you use faced insulation?
Faced insulation is ideal for ceiling, floor, attic, finished basement, and exterior falls installations . Unfaced insulation is useful for noise reduction, energy conservation, and keeping pollutants out.
Is the paper backing on insulation flammable?
The facing is either kraft paper or kraft paper coated with aluminum foil. ... Kraft paper is flammable . To satisfy building codes, most faced insulation must be covered with half-inch-thick wallboard or other code-approved material to reduce the chances of its igniting during a fire.
Can foil faced insulation be left exposed?
Never leave faced insulation exposed. The facings on kraft-and foil-faced insulation will burn and must be installed in substantial contact with an approved ceiling wall or floor construction material. Flame-resistant foil (FSK-25) is the only insulation facing that can be left exposed .
