QA

Question: When To Use Foil Faced Batt Insulation

What do you use foil faced insulation for?

Foil faced insulation is the best type of insulation for retaining heat in the winter and keeping heat out in the summer. This insulation product is designed to slow heat transfer and enhance acoustical performance. It also works as a barrier for methane, radon, vapor, termites and other vermin.

Is foil insulation any good?

Foil is used in space-faring craft because of these great properties preventing radiant heat loss. Because space is a vacuum, there is very little heat lost by conduction, so foil is absolutely perfect.

Does foil faced insulation need to be covered?

To satisfy building codes, most faced insulation must be covered with half-inch-thick wallboard or other code-approved material to reduce the chances of its igniting during a fire. But compressing insulation that is thicker than the width of the framing pieces diminishes its R-value.

Where is faced insulation required?

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. The insulation should be snug in the cavity, but not compressed.

Can I use foil-faced insulation on interior walls?

Interior Basement Wall AP™ Foil-Faced insulation is lightweight and easy to install. It can be installed on the interior of a basement wall by either direct attachment or using wood furring strips.

Is foil-faced insulation an air barrier?

Furthermore, when properly installed, AP Foil-Faced Polyiso Continuous Insulation functions as a water-resistive barrier, vapor barrier and air barrier, eliminating the need to install additional components.

Does foil insulation cause condensation?

The scientific construction of multiple layers of aluminum, fiber and reflective air spaces minimizes condensation-formation on or within this type of insulation, when installed in building spaces.

How long does foil insulation last?

As a general rule, insulation should be replaced or retrofitted every 15 to 20 years. However, it may need replacing or retrofitting sooner depending on the type of insulation installed, the R rating of the original insulation, compression and movement over time, and whether any damage has occurred.

Can you double layer foil insulation?

As briefly touched on above, foil insulation is suitable for insulating any aspect of your home. You can either install a single layer or multiple layers of foil insulation, and you can mix it with other products.

Where do you put foil backed insulation?

The foil insulation goes on top of the moisture barrier, followed by the roof covering. If you use bubble foil or rigid foam insulation, it also goes on top of the moisture barrier. Remember that there has to be an air space between the foil and the roofing.

Should I put plastic over insulation before drywall?

Normally interior walls do not require a vapor barrier, but there are some situations where it is highly recommended. A continuous plastic vapor barrier behind the drywall will protect the interior walls of these areas from water damage.

Can you leave faced insulation exposed?

Never leave faced insulation exposed. The facings on kraft-and foil-faced insulation will burn and must be installed in substantial contact with an approved ceiling wall or floor construction material. Flame-resistant foil (FSK-25) is the only insulation facing that can be left exposed.

When should you use faced insulation?

Faced, or the type with paper, is typically used in first-time applications, such as in walls, ceilings, floors, and in crawl spaces. Any time you use a faced insulation, the paper needs to be facing toward the living space. So in an attic the paper faces downward and in a crawl space, it faces upward.

How do you use faced insulation?

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. The insulation should be snug in the cavity, but not compressed.

Which side of insulation faces out?

Hi Kim, Regardless of whether fiberglass insulation is installed in a wall, attic, or crawlspace; the paper facing should always face toward the inside of the home. That’s because the paper contains a layer of asphalt adhesive which prevents water vapor from passing through it.

Does foil-faced insulation reflect heat?

In fact, foil bubble insulation can reflect upwards of 95-97% of the radiant heat that strikes it making it very effective. By incorporating air bubbles, this material also reduces the conduction of the very small percentage of energy that it does absorb, making it even more energy efficient.

Why do light fixtures have foil?

Light fixtures contain a foil backing on the inside of the base. The combination of the foil and the insulation deflects the heat from the light bulbs away from the ceiling where the electrical wires are located. Removing the foil insulation may cause the fixture to operate in an unsafe manner.

Is faced insulation better than Unfaced?

Faced insulation is easier to install. This is because the insulation is held together by the paper vapor barrier, allowing the faced insulation to be rolled, moved, and stapled without falling apart. Unfaced insulation does not have the same cohesive strength, so it’s more susceptible to tearing during installation.

Is Tyvek a vapor barrier?

Is DuPont Tyvek® a vapor barrier? No, DuPont Tyvek® is not a vapor barrier. It is made with unique material science to keep air and bulk water out while allowing moisture vapor inside walls to escape.

Do you need a vapor barrier with Rockwool insulation?

Mineral wool typically doesn’t require a vapor barrier. Its high-density level allows it to absorb moisture before it has a chance to penetrate the interior walls of the foundation.