Should I tape faced insulation?

Author: Aracely Toy  |  Last update: Monday, September 29, 2025

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.

Does faced insulation need to be covered?

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.

Do I need to tape insulation joints?

Foil tape should be used when installing foil faced insulation boards on a floors and roofs. So for instance on a floor insulation project you would need to seal all joints between the boards to ensure a continuous layer of foil.

Is it OK to leave faced insulation uncovered?

Yes it's only a fire hazard if it's left exposed. Modern fiberglass insulation also uses a kraft paper face which needs to be covered. The paper facing exists for a reason, do not remove it.

Do you need to tape faced insulation?

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.

Tip of the Week: Should You Tape Insulation Seams?

Can I leave faced insulation exposed in the garage?

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

How often should I 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.

What happens if you don't tape joints?

When you skip taping, those seams become open invitations for moisture to seep in. This can lead to mold growth, warping, and, in severe cases, structural damage.

Is tape good for insulation?

Thermal insulation tape is an excellent option for constructing products or structures that must reflect heat. Certain types of insulation tapes may contain metallic plastic or foil that can reflect heat. Other types of tape may have an interior foam barrier with a foil or metallic covering to reflect radiant heat.

Should I put plastic over faced insulation?

Yes, covering your insulation with a vapor barrier plastic before installing drywall is crucial. It prevents moisture buildup that can lead to mold, rot, and even structural damage. A polyethylene vapor barrier also adds a layer of fire protection, making your home safer.

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).

What insulation can be left uncovered?

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.

Can you put faced insulation over faced insulation?

“Faced” insulation should not be placed on top of existing insulation in the attic. Any new batt or roll insulation installed over existing insulation in the attic needs to be without a vapor retarder (face). The vapor retarder on top of or between layers of insulation can trap moisture.

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.

Does it matter if insulation is faced?

Facing Acts as a Moisture Barrier

If this moisture gets trapped in the folds of insulation, it can lead to mold and mildew. Furthermore, excessive moisture can damage the framing lumber of a home's structure over a long period of time. Facing creates a vapor barrier through which moisture does not travel.

Is joint tape necessary?

Taping Your Drywall

The joint compound can turn into powder if you neglect to apply tape to shore it up. In cases where excessive movement is expected, drywall mesh may be necessary, but is more expensive and more difficult to smooth out, so it's typically only used for potentially problematic areas.

What happens if you leave tape on too long?

If tapes are left in place for too long, the adhesive can start to degrade and either peel away from the wall which would allow paint to bleed underneath it or stick too firmly and cause damage to the surface when removed.

Do you have to mud the entire drywall before painting?

Do I need to mud the entire drywall? No. The mud is used to fill seams and other indentations in the drywall. It does not need to be applied over the entire surface.

How to secure faced insulation?

Cut the insulation to fit as necessary. Leave the pieces about 1 inch larger than the cavity to fill the space completely. Staple the flanges of faced insulation to the interior faces of the wall studs or stud edges.

Why is faced insulation so expensive?

For one, the paper backing in the insulation makes it more combustible than unfaced insulation. Additionally, layers of faced insulation cost slightly more than unfaced insulation because of the vapor barrier. On average, faced insulation costs about $0.10 to $0.25 more per square foot than unfaced insulation.

Does R13 insulation need to be stapled?

All you'll need is a few staples and your wall is insulated. Its thermal insulation performance (R-13) compliments an interior wall assembly nicely (for exterior walls we do suggest blown-in or R20).

Can faced insulation be left exposed?

Faced insulation

Kraft or foil facedFaced insulation is a batt or roll of fiberglass insulation with an attached kraft paper or foil facing. Kraft and standard foil facings can burn and must not be left exposed.

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.

Where is most heat loss in a garage?

Heat loss can occur through air leaks in windows, doors and walls. Warm air can also leave through materials like glass or uninsulated walls or doors. Common areas for air leaks and heat loss in the garage include the following: Walls: A lot of garages have uninsulated walls.

Previous article
What temperature will set off a smoke detector?
Next article
When not to use a drain snake?