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.
if it is hot outside, the reflective part of your foil insulation must face outside. if it is freezing outside, the best orientation of the reflective part is inside. if you press the foil side of the insulation tight up against the wall (foil facing outward), the radiant barrier will not work.
If installed incorrectly, moisture can become trapped between the facing and cause mold, rotting, and reduced R-value.
Unlike faced insulation, unfaced insulation is non-combustible since it does not contain any combustible materials such as paper or plastic. Also, as mentioned above, unfaced insulation is much cheaper than its faced counterpart. Additionally, unfaced insulation is a great way to soundproof your interior walls.
Insulation slows down the transfer of thermal energy, so it works both ways. It will slow the loss of thermal energy when it's cold outside and slow transfer of thermal energy into your house when it's hot outside.
(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.
Besides safety concerns, installation inexperience can result in insulation mistakes that can affect both the quality of your insulation and installation. Improper placement can leave gaps and cause energy loss, lessening the insulation's lifespan.
They are always installed with the paper side facing the conditioned air space, whether that be heat in the winter or AC in the summer.
R13 insulation is generally more affordable, which makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious projects. However, R19 insulation offers better long-term advantages because of its higher R-value.
Unfaced batts are typically used as attic insulation; faced batts are often used to insulate walls. Mineral wool batts (R-value: 4-4.2 per in.) are made by melting reclaimed slag (a waste product from steel mills) and basalt stone, then spinning the molten material into fibers.
Removing old insulation is generally recommended if it's damaged, contaminated with mold, or infested with pests. However, if the insulation is in decent shape and just needs a boost, adding a new layer on top can be a cost-effective option.
To fix insulation boards to a wall using this method, start by ensuring the wall is clean and dry. Fix battens around the top and bottom of each wall. Be sure to apply a batten to each corner and around window and door frames. Then, fix the battens vertically around the room at a minimum of 600mm centres.
Kraft-faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder, which helps prevent mold and mildew. Kraft-faced insulation should be installed in exterior walls, exterior basement walls, and attic ceilings by pressing the product into the wall cavity with the paper side facing outward, towards the installer.
Which direction does the paper go? A: The paper should always be placed towards the living space according to the manufacturers we are familiar with.
The DOE Insulation Fact Sheet (DOE/CE-0180) can be ordered from the Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy Clearinghouse or accessed from the Internet at www.ornl.gov/ roofs+walls. Fiberglass and rock wool batts—2x4 walls can hold R-13 or R-15 batts; 2x6 walls can have R-19 or R-21 products.
For walls, r13 insulation is a good choice in most instances, and because your basement is below the ground, there's some natural protection from the earth around it.
You will want to bring up your attic up to R-38:
If your attic has 5-6″ of existing insulation, you'll want to install an R-19 to achieve a total of R-38.
Should I Put Vapor Barrier Plastic Over Insulation Before Drywall? 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.
Adding two R-13, 3.5” batts to a 2”x6” (5.5”) wood stud cavity will not provide an R-26. The total of 7” of insulation is reduced in thickness to 5.5” thereby losing the R-value associated with its full thickness.
Stapling insulation is the best way to ensure your underfloor insulation withstands the test of time.
In many cases you can add new insulation on top of old insulation, unless the old insulation is wet, mouldy, or vermiculite. If the old insulation is dry but appears to have previously been wet, you should look for the cause and repair the problem.
One of the most important rules of insulation installation order is to install the thickest layer of insulation first, and then add thinner layers on top of it. This is because the thicker the insulation, the higher the R-value, and the more effective it is at preventing heat transfer.
It is possible to over-insulate your house so much that it can't breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal your home's interior. But if it becomes too tightly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture can get trapped inside those layers. That's when mold starts to grow.