Is faced insulation OK in attic?

You can use either faced or unfaced batting for this installation. When using insulation that has either paper or plastic facing, that moisture barrier faces outward, toward the attic space. Even if the attic space is unheated, it typically is warmer than the outside air in winter.

Is faced insulation required?

Faced, or the type with paper, is typically used in first-time applications, such as in walls, ceilings, floors, and in crawl spaces. Any time you use a faced insulation, the paper needs to be facing toward the living space. Unfaced is also your best choice for adding soundproofing to interior walls.

What is the code for insulation in an attic?

Sacramento and most of California are in Zone 3, which requires attic insulation with an R-value between 30 and 60.

Do I need a vapor barrier in my attic?

All attics — vented or unvented — should have an air barrier (a properly detailed airtight drywall ceiling, for example) regardless of climate. Omitting a ceiling vapor barrier by arguing that “you have to let the moisture escape” or “because the house has to breathe out the top” is actually correct, in a way.

Can you use R19 insulation in attic?

Most homes only have R19 in attics. To give you an idea that’s only 5 1/2 inches of insulation. That’s ok for your walls. So by adding another R19 “5 1/2 inches will give you an R38 value.

Which way should insulation face in attic?

The first layer should have the facing against the drywall to act as a vapor barrier. (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.

Is it OK to put plastic over faced insulation?

Can you put plastic over faced insulation? While we hear a lot about dual vapor barriers and the 5 to 1 rule, installing plastic sheets directly over faced insulation does not cause a moisture problem if installed correctly.

How do you tell if your attic is properly ventilated?

How to determine whether you need better attic ventilation

Look at your eaves and roof.
Touch your ceiling on a warm, sunny day.
Thick ridges of ice on your eaves in winter are a sign of poor attic ventilation.
Warm air that escapes living space also carries moisture that will condense on rafters or roof sheathing.

Can you use unfaced insulation in walls?

A: No; only use unfaced fiberglass insulation. The facing acts as a vapor retarder that helps reduce the amount of moisture entering a wall, ceiling or floor. In hot climates, your original layer of insulation should already have a vapor retarder facing the living area of your home.

What does unfaced insulation mean?

Unfaced insulation is a blanket insulation product, usually made of fiberglass, but sometimes made of cotton, sheep’s wool, mineral wool, plastic, or other materials. It differs from faced insulation in that it is not covered with a vapor barrier on either side. The “facing,” therefore, refers to the vapor barrier on the insulation.

What is poly faced insulation?

PSK facing is the short name of polypropylene scrim kraft facing. It is an insulation material for various metal buildings, such as warehouse, factory, supermarket, gym, office, and so on. With good corrosion resistance, the general purpose insulating material is ideal for use in chemically hostile environment.