If using faced insulation, keep the paper vapor retarder facing up and against the subfloor. The insulation should fit snugly against the subfloor and between the joists.
When installing faced insulation, the facing should always point toward the interior, heated, or air-conditioned space. For example: On exterior walls, the facing should touch the drywall. In attics, the facing should point down toward the ceiling below.
The paper acts a moisture barrier. It should have been installed face down towards the conditioned space. By having the paper on top there is a potential of trapping moisture in the insulation and ruining the insulation.
Therefore, when installing foil faced insulation always fit the foil side where the temperature difference is greatest. So, any time you use a single side foil insulation, the foil needs to be facing toward the living space. So in a loft the foil faces downward.
Kraft-faced insulation has an asphalt-backed kraft paper attached to one side of the insulation.
If using faced insulation, keep the paper vapor retarder facing up and against the subfloor. The insulation should fit snugly against the subfloor and between the joists.
If you're wondering whether to put the foil side of foam insulation board shiny side in or out, consider whether you want to make the space inside warmer or cooler. If you want to make the space warmer, the foil should face inside so it can reflect radiant heat back into the room.
Foil has a shiny side and a dull side because of how it is manufactured. Unless you are using foil that's labeled non-stick, which does have a non-stick side, it does not matter what side you use. Both the shiny and dull sides can be used the same way to cook, freeze, and store food.
What is the difference between unfaced and Kraft-faced insulation and how is it installed? Unfaced means the insulation lacks a vapor retarder (paper or plastic facing). Kraft-faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder, which helps prevent mold and mildew.
If the insulation is in an unfinished basement, a crawlspace or a drive-under garage, the brown should be facing upward and not visible when you're inside and looking up. If it's in an unfinished attic, the brown should be facing down and, again, not visible if you are looking at it from within the attic.
Most types of insulation come as faced. 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.
In finished attic rooms with or without dormers, insulate (2A) between the studs of "knee" walls, (2B) between the studs and rafters of the exterior walls and the roof, (2C) and ceilings with unconditioned spaces above. (2D) Extend insulation into joist space to reduce air flows.
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.
When installing fiberglass insulation in your home, be sure to put the paper or foil vapor barrier facing toward the heated and cooled living area of the home (down in attics, up under floors, in on walls) to prevent condensation from occurring.
Pink towards the heat! For most insulation, the paper acts like a vapor barrier. Inside your house, that goes towards the warm side (usually the walls). Think of it like a cozy sweater facing inwards.
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.
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.
Spray a film of water on the window using a spray bottle. Apply the bubble wrap while the window is still wet and press it into place. The bubble side goes toward the glass. To remove the bubble wrap, just pull it off starting from a corner.
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.