Which way does the insulation go?

(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.

What kind of insulation is best for basement ceiling?





fiberglass

Start with getting any moisture issues under control, then use water-resistant insulation like closed-cell spray foam or XPS foam board. Most homeowners opt for fiberglass, but fiberglass has the chance of trapping moisture.

Which way does insulation face in a basement ceiling?

When installing faced insulation on a basement ceiling, the insulation covering should face the basement floor to prevent debris from the insulation from falling out.

Should I use faced or unfaced insulation in my basement ceiling?

The covering prevents insulation from falling out and drifting down into the basement air and keeps things cleaner. In cases where the insulation will be covered with suspended or drywall ceiling, unfaced insulation is entirely suitable.

Should I insulate my basement ceiling of the basement is unheated?





Insulating the basement ceiling will keep most of the heat upstairs in the living space. As a result, the basement will be colder in the winter making it important to also insulate any water pipes or heating/cooling ducts in the basement.

Should a finished basement ceiling be insulated?

It is important to note that most experts agree ceiling insulation is only a consideration when a basement will remain unfinished. If the basement will be a finished living space, then wall insulation will provide sufficient coverage.

Do you put vapor barrier on basement ceiling?

You want the vapor barrier on the oppsite side – the upper side of a basement ceiling. You can achieve that if you have, for example, sheet vinyl or something else that seals over the floor above.

Should ceiling insulation be faced?

Facing creates a moisture barrier through which moisture does not travel. Whether it’s made of paper or plastic, it always faces whichever space is typically warmest in winter.

Is faced insulation better than Unfaced?



Faced just means that kraft paper is attached to the insulation itself. The paper helps improve the sturdiness of the insulation so it doesn’t fall down as much. Unfaced insulation is just as good as faced, but it doesn’t have that paper attached to it.

Where do you use unfaced insulation?

Unfaced insulation is great for new construction, remodels, walls, floors, ceilings, basements, attics and crawlspaces. It’s best used for interior wall applications that do not face the outside and also in rooms that don’t need moisture control, like living rooms, dining rooms and studies.

What happens if insulation is installed backwards?

The problem is that the paper acts as a vapor barrier. 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.

Does unfaced insulation need a vapor barrier?



In most climates, it needs a vapor barrier. Some builders rely on batts with attached kraft-paper facing to do that job, but Tom recommends unfaced batts, covered in plastic with all the seams taped shut.

Can I use unfaced insulation in basement walls?

Place faced insulation between the studs with the vapor retarder facing the interior of the room. For the band joist, use unfaced cut-to-fit pieces of insulation and place them snugly into the space. Cover with an interior finish material, such as drywall, as soon as the insulation is in place.

Why is faced insulation cheaper than Unfaced?

The modest difference between them indicates that faced insulation costs about $0.10 to $0.25 more per square foot than unfaced insulation, which is likely attributed to the vapor barrier.

Is unfaced insulation cheaper?

If you want to add to existing insulation in your home, unfaced insulation may be the best and more affordable option. Unfaced insulation does not contain the thin protective layer of paper or plastic (making it a slightly cheaper alternative.) It is most commonly used in new construction and remodeling projects.

Do I need to cover unfaced insulation?



Fiberglass Insulation

In most climates, it needs a vapor barrier. Some builders rely on batts with attached kraft-paper facing to do that job, but Tom recommends unfaced batts, covered in plastic with all the seams taped shut.

How do you keep insulation Unfaced?

The friction of the fiberglass insulation material against the rafters, baffles and plywood or wood slats is typically enough to hold it in place. You can assist the friction hold by adding metal wires or bands on the inside of rafters near the edges.

Can you remove facing from insulation?

The batts may want to pull out as you remove the paper, so it might make sense to simply do it on the floor and reinstall backward so you have a cleaner face exposed to the room.