Insulation is the unsung hero of your home’s construction — working behind the scenes to enhance energy efficiency, regulate temperature and improve comfort. Among the various types of insulation available, faced and unfaced insulation are two common options.
But which is best for your property’s needs?In this blog post, the experts at Installed Building Products Portland dive into the key differences between unfaced and faced insulation. Read on to explore the factors homeowners should consider when deciding which is right for their property.
What Is Faced Insulation?
Faced insulation is created from kraft paper or foil, which is attached to one side of the insulation material. Due to its construction, faced insulation can provide many unique benefits when properly applied to your property, including:
-
- Vapor barrier: The facing helps prevent moisture infiltration, protecting the structural integrity of your home.
- Thermal performance: Facing materials also helps strengthen your thermal insulation for reduced heat transfer.
- Easy installation: Compared to unfaced insulation, faced insulation is much easier to install, especially in confined spaces.
What Is Unfaced Insulation?
Unlike faced insulation, unfaced insulation doesn’t have attached-facing materials. Instead, it consists solely of the insulation material itself, usually in the form of fiberglass or mineral wool.
While unfaced insulation might not have the same vapor barrier properties as its faced counterpart, it does offer unique benefits of its own, including:
- Versatility: Unfaced insulation is suitable for various environments and construction projects, making it extremely versatile.
- Cost: Valued for its cost-effectiveness, unfaced insulation is often much less expensive to install.
- Retrofitting: When adding to existing insulation, unfaced insulation is often the preferred choice.
Key Differences Between Faced & Unfaced Insulation
The biggest differences between unfaced and faced insulation are the vapor barrier properties, installation requirements, environmental considerations and performance in different climates.
Faced insulation offers superior protection against moisture infiltration, making it ideal for areas that are more prone to dampness and water penetration. By contrast, unfaced insulation offers greater installation flexibility and is better for environments where moisture control isn’t a significant concern.
Choosing the Right Insulation for Your Needs
When selecting insulation, it’s important to consider various factors, including climate, location within the building, budget and building codes and regulations. Here’s a general breakdown of when you may want to use faced insulation vs. unfaced insulation:
When To Use Faced Insulation
- You have cathedral ceilings that need to be insulated.
- Your space requires insulation with a fire rating.
- You need to prevent downward heat flow.
When To Use Unfaced Insulation
- You’re adding new insulation over existing insulation.
- The area you’re insulating doesn’t require facing (ex. Using spray foam insulation to insulate walls).
Installation Tips & Best Practices
Whether choosing faced or unfaced insulation, it’s important to trust an installation professional with the job. DIY insulation installation can result in a variety of common mistakes, including compressing insulation, leaving gaps and neglecting to seal air leaks.
By trusting a skilled professional with the job, you can ensure the insulation is installed correctly and in compliance with local building codes and regulations.
Choose IBP Portland for Your Insulation Needs
Whether you want to enhance energy efficiency, improve comfort or satisfy building codes, choosing the appropriate insulation can make all the difference in the long-term performance of your home.
At IBP Portland, we offer the comprehensive insulation solutions that families need to keep their properties energy-efficient, comfortable and protected against unwanted thermal transfer. No matter what insulation material you need, our team has the skills and tools to deliver lasting solutions.
Request insulation installation in Portland, OR, by calling our team at 503-894-7661 today.
