Use faced insulation for areas requiring moisture and vapor control, like exterior walls, basements, and unvented attics. The attached paper barrier faces the heated/conditioned living space. Use unfaced insulation for interior walls (soundproofing), between floors, and when topping up existing insulation to prevent moisture traps.
Yes, faced or unfaced insulation matters significantly depending on your climate, local building codes, and the specific location you are insulating. The facing acts as a vapor barrier (or retarder) to prevent moisture from condensing inside your walls.
Faced or unfaced insulation in basement walls is a common question we get. Use faced insulation in basement walls when insulating between studs, with the facing toward the interior. However, if you're adding insulation over existing insulation, choose unfaced to avoid creating a double vapor barrier.
Different parts of the house demand different insulation materials. For example, faced insulation is better used on exterior walls, attic ceilings, basements, and bathrooms, while unfaced one is commonly used on interior walls, crawl spaces, or between floors.
Faced insulation—which includes an attached kraft paper or foil vapor barrier—is designed to stop moisture from condensing inside wall cavities. It is primarily used for first-time installations in new builds or major renovations, specifically on exterior walls, attic ceilings, and basement walls.
Interior walls are frequently left uninsulated during construction because the energy efficiency benefits aren't as great as insulating exterior walls, floors and ceilings.
Mice are curious and always searching for safe, snug, and warm nesting sites. Attics filled with blown-in insulation provide an excellent option–from the mice's point of view. As long as there is a ready food source. Mice are omnivorous and will eat and chew on almost anything including wood and electrical wires.
Installing insulation without a vapor barrier in an exterior wall can cause condensation inside the wall cavity. In cold climates, this moisture buildup leads to mold, mildew, and wood rot. Use faced insulation or vapor control to prevent structural and health issues.
The healthiest, non-toxic insulation for your home is natural sheep's wool or hemp insulation. These materials contain no chemical binders or formaldehyde, actively regulate indoor humidity to prevent mold, and do not off-gas.
Foam insulation is a common target because it's easy for them to chew through. The material offers little resistance, allowing mice to create tunnels or nests within the insulation. But mice aren't just interested in chewing for the sake of it—they're also drawn to the warmth and shelter insulation provides.
Yes, you can install unfaced insulation over existing faced insulation. In fact, it is the standard and recommended method for adding a second layer of insulation.
What time of year is Insulation cheapest?
R19 Insulation offers superior thermal insulation compared to R13. With a typical thickness of 6.25 inches, R19 fiberglass is designed for use in 2x6 wall cavities, making them suitable for colder climates where higher thermal resistance is necessary.
Rats are a primary food source for a wide variety of animals. Their most significant natural and artificial predators include:
The Amish control mice through non-chemical, self-sustaining methods, relying on active trapping, natural scent repellents, and structural exclusion. Rather than using commercial poisons, they focus on physical barriers and natural predators to keep rodent populations in check.
There is no single "chew-proof" insulation that will unilaterally stop a highly motivated rodent, but combining borate-treated dense-pack cellulose or mineral wool with physical exclusion materials creates an impassable barrier. Traditional fiberglass is highly susceptible to nesting.
Closed cell spray foam is rigid once set. It is a better thermal insulator and was previously sold to stabilise failing roofs. But if it has been used inappropriately or installed poorly, it might put stress on timbers, restrict air circulation and put them at risk of decaying.
The Environmental Protection Agency banned spray-on asbestos insulation in 1973, certain types of pipe and block insulation in 1975 and new asbestos insulation products in 1989. In 2024, the EPA banned most uses of chrysotile asbestos products, including imports.
Because spray foam can trap moisture, hide the condition of the roof, make it difficult for surveyors to inspect, which means risks like timber decay, dry rot, and not forgetting increased fire risk. If you've got it or you're buying a property that does, this is something you need to know upfront.
An uninsulated garage door is perhaps the biggest culprit for heat loss in your garage, as there is no barrier to slow the heat transfer out of your garage. In order to protect your garage from heat loss, you need a door with insulation.
No, standard Tyvek cannot be used as a traditional vapor barrier. Tyvek is a housewrap designed as an air and moisture barrier. It keeps bulk water out but is highly vapor-permeable, allowing moisture to escape the wall to prevent rot and mold.
Potential problems with spray foam insulation
reduce air circulation and ventilation within a roof space. lead to dampness and condensation on the underside of a roof because it forms an air barrier and stops moisture from escaping. place timber-framed roofs at risk of decay.
The ultimate "number one" mice killer depends on your specific needs—whether you prefer fast-acting poison or a safe, pet-friendly option.
You might think that spotting one mouse means you only have one mouse. This rarely happens. Mice live in family groups and reproduce quickly. If you see one mouse during the day, it usually means the hidden population has grown large enough that they're competing for food and space.