Does faced insulation need to be covered?

Author: Jeramy McLaughlin  |  Last update: Friday, March 6, 2026

No, if the facing is installed per instructions and the facing remains unbroken with only minor gaps around electrical boxes, etc. Any tears or large gaps should be repaired with high quality waterproof tape. In fact installing plastic sheeting over the facing can result in trapping moisture between the two layers.

Can you leave faced insulation exposed?

Faced insulation

Kraft and standard foil facings can burn and must not be left exposed. If an exposed application is required, use FSK-25 flame-resistant faced insulation.

Do you need to put plastic over faced insulation?

You should always install a vapor barrier to protect exposed ceiling insulation even if it's temporary. Consult with a building or safety expert to confirm where else in the structure a vapor barrier may be required.

Does kraft faced insulation need to be covered?

Kraft facing should not be left exposed. For insulation material to be left exposed, building codes require the surface of the material to have a flame spread index of 25 or less. Insulation with kraft facing does not have the required flame spread index and must be covered by an appropriated material like drywall.

What insulation does not need to be covered?

ECOCELL Blankets can be left exposed or even painted. Unlike other insulation materials, ECOCELL does not have to be covered with gypsum board. Leaving ECOCELL exposed is another reason ECOCELL is the cost effective solution for insulating basements and crawlspaces.

Right Vs Wrong: Installing Insulation Batts In Exterior Walls - Part One

When not to use faced 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.

Is it OK to have insulation exposed?

Exposed insulation poses several safety risks, especially in homes with children and pets. Fiberglass insulation is not highly flammable, but it can still pose a fire risk. Exposed insulation can increase the risk of ignition and rapid flame spread. Always keep exposed insulation away from heat sources.

Does faced insulation need to be taped?

Faced insulation will have some covering, such as foil or paper. Without that “face,” it will be challenging to apply tape. When the facing side of insulation goes against the actual bay of the attic or crawlspace, then there is no need to tape it because you cannot reach it.

What is the difference between faced and kraft-faced insulation?

Faced insulation, also known as "kraft-faced insulation," is fiberglass insulation with a vapor barrier or vapor retarder. This prevents moisture build-up on the walls and ceilings of your home, especially during humid temperatures.

Should you staple faced insulation?

If you're using faced insulation, install it with the vapor retarder positioned down toward the room. Hold the insulation up with one hand, while stapling the flange on both sides every 6" - 8" with the other hand. Leave a little extra on each end to cover the top plate of the outside wall.

When should you not use a vapor barrier?

Because a vapor barrier is a low permeable barrier, it keeps moisture from passing through. This is beneficial to keep moisture away from a dry surface but will trap moisture behind it if installed on a water-damaged concrete wall, causing the wall to fail further.

Can I put foam board over faced insulation?

Yes, foam board insulation is an excellent complement to batt insulation. Foam board insulation can add insulation and eliminate thermal bridging when used in wall and ceiling assemblies insulated with batts. It can potentially replace the vapor barrier and house wrap as well.

Is faced insulation a fire hazard?

Kraft facing should never be left exposed. Products are largely made of newspaper, which is highly combustible. Even though it's heavily treated with fire-retardant chemicals prior to installation, it is a recognized fire hazard by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Is yellow or pink insulation better?

In general, the color of insulation doesn't equal better performance over another color. Whether it's pink, white, brown, or yellow—color doesn't influence dependability, reliability, or the products effectiveness.

Can kraft faced insulation be left exposed?

Kraft-faced insulation must not be left exposed, but must be covered with gypsum board or another approved interior finish.

What is R13 faced insulation used for?

R13 batt insulation is typically used to attenuate sound in interior wall cavities. It is akin to a large blanket, designed specifically to fill a wall, floor, or ceiling cavity.

Is it okay to use faced insulation in an attic?

You can use faced or unfaced batting when installing between the roof rafters of finished attic spaces. When using paper or plastic batting insulation, that moisture barrier should face outward toward the attic space. Even if the attic space is unheated, it's typically warmer than the outside air in winter.

Does foil-faced insulation need to be covered?

AP™ Foil-Faced insulation must be covered with an approved thermal barrier and cannot be left exposed.

What happens if you install insulation without a mask?

If you do not like the sensation of dirt or dust on your skin, you will want to wear gloves and cover exposed skin. The dust of cellulose can still be hazardous for your eyes and lungs. If you are near cellulose being installed and do not wear a mask, you will inhale dust and irritate your lungs.

Does faced insulation have paper backing?

Kraft-faced insulation has an asphalt-backed kraft paper attached to one side of the insulation.

Does insulation need to be covered?

Fiberglass insulation needs to be covered in any occupied area of the home because it can enter the air and end up in your eyes, lungs and skin. If you have exposed fiberglass insulation in a common area of your home, you need to cover it — but drywall isn't the only solution.

Can I leave faced insulation exposed in the garage?

If the garage is attached to the house and the insulation is between the garage and the house it needs to be covered with fireproof drywall. All other walls are NOT in violation. The only way the fiberglass particles become air-born is when the fiberglass is moved.

Does pink insulation have asbestos?

What is the pink fluffy stuff on the walls? The pink fluffy material is usually fiberglass insulation, commonly used for its safety and efficiency. It does not contain asbestos.

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