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Faced insulation is a type of blanket insulation that is typically made of fiberglass. It differs from unfaced insulation only in that it has a vapor barrier (also called vapor retarder) that blocks moisture from moving from one space to another. The vapor barrier is usually made of kraft paper. Faced insulation is sold in rolls or batts that are stapled to joists or beams.<\/p>\n
The choice between faced and unfaced installation usually comes down to climate. However, some people in climates where faced insulation is required or recommended choose to buy unfaced and then pair it with a material such as plastic sheeting to form a makeshift vapor barrier. Some professionals argue that strategy is superior.<\/p>\n
Tell us some details about your needs and get connected to pre-screened companies in your area. Compare free price quotes from multiple companies and save time and money instantly! No obligations to hire or purchase ever!<\/strong><\/p>\n Find an Insulation Pro >><\/p>\n<\/p><\/div>\n There are three classes of vapor barriers, and faced insulation fits into just one of them. This is important to understand because even if you are required by local building codes to install a vapor barrier, faced insulation is not your only option. <\/p>\n
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\n <\/ul>\n Keep reading for more detailed information about whether you need a vapor barrier at all and, if so, what class to buy.<\/p>\n International building code requires vapor barriers in some regions of the country but not others. At the risk of oversimplifying, the vapor barrier is required in most cold climates but is not required in most warm climates.<\/p>\n For specific information about your region, check out this climate map and find your zone. The International Residential Code (IRC) requires a Class I or II vapor barrier on the interior side of walls in zones 5, 6, 7, 8 and marine 4.<\/p>\n Vapor barriers are not required or prohibited by IRC in zones 1, 2, 3 and 4. However, some experts will tell you they\u2019re a good idea anyway. Just be sure to use only Class II or III barriers in warmer clients, never Class 1. <\/p>\n If all of this is confusing, call your local building department for advice. <\/p>\n <\/p>\n Faced insulation is used in exterior walls, attics, finished basements, floors and ceilings. It is stapled to studs and joists, unlike unfaced batts. The insulation can also be used to fill cracks around doors and windows, but you\u2019ll need to peel off the facing.<\/p>\n Climate also dictates how the vapor barrier should be positioned. In most cold climates, the insulation should be placed with the vapor barrier facing the outside of the house. In warmer climates, it should be placed facing the inside of the house. <\/p>\n Faced insulation ranges in price from $0.50 to $2 per square foot of wall<\/strong>, installed. The price varies based on the R-value (level of energy efficiency), the area of the house where it is being installed and geographic location. A job that costs $0.75 per square foot<\/strong> in one area of the country might cost $2 per square foot<\/strong> in another, so the best way to estimate price is to get quotes from local contractors.<\/p>\n Generally, faced insulation is slightly more expensive than unfaced.<\/p>\n
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\n <\/ul>\n Unfaced insulation is another type of blanket insulation, also typically made of fiberglass. Unlike faced insulation, it does not have a vapor barrier that blocks moisture from moving from one space to another. Unfaced insulation is sold in rolls or batts that are held in place by friction, not stapled.<\/p>\n Sometimes, unfaced insulation is paired with plastic sheeting to form a makeshift vapor barrier that some professionals argue is superior to faced insulation. Unfaced insulation is required in some climates – usually colder climates – and not others. <\/p>\n Surprisingly, the lack of a vapor barrier does not affect the R-value of the insulation. Unfaced insulation is no more or less energy efficient than comparable faced insulation. Both are available with varying R-values, as well as in varying lengths and widths.<\/p>\n Unfaced fiberglass batts usually cost about $0.50 to $1.75 per square foot of wall, including installation. R-value, the area of the home and geographic location are the major factors that influence price. On average, unfaced insulation costs $0.10 to $0.25 less per square foot to install than faced insulation. <\/p>\n
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\n <\/ul>\nTypes of Vapor Barriers <\/h4>\n
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The Right Vapor Barrier For Your Region <\/h4>\n
Faced Insulation Installation <\/h4>\n
How Much Does Faced Insulation Cost? <\/h4>\n
Faced Insulation Pros <\/h4>\n
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Faced Insulation Cons <\/h4>\n
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Unfaced Insulation <\/h4>\n
How Much Does Unfaced Insulation Cost? <\/h4>\n
Unfaced Insulation Pros <\/h4>\n
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Unfaced Insulation Cons <\/h4>\n
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