Insulation..Which way round ie. foil facing inwards or ...

> Thanks, I have started to put the insulation in place
with the foil facing inwards however I feel that the
foil should face outwards as I have also looked on
the Celotex website and their diagrams show the foil
as facing outwards.

Celotex has foil on both sides, what exactly have you bought?


> Another question: My house was built in 30's and the
rafters are not all standard dimensions apart from
each other and also vary by a couple of inches from
the wall plate to the ridgeboard!!! The insulatin is
not stitting a snugly as I like and resulting in
slight gaps along the edges. Is this a problem?

Yes, it HAS to be a tight(airtight) fit. That's why it costs lots to have professionally installed, it's a time consuming job. Best you can do is fill the gaps with expanding foam, do all the gaps in one go so as not to waste the cans of foam (half used cans are next to useless)

If you want to learn more, please visit our website.

Today&#;s Homeowner exists to help you maintain or improve your home safely and effectively. We uphold strict editorial standards and carefully vet the advice and resources referenced in our articles. Click below to learn more about our review process and how we earn money.

Why You Can Trust Us

When installing insulation anywhere in your home, it&#;s vital to understand which direction the facing should go. The facing refers to the paper or foil side of insulation products. Always install the facing toward the heated or air-conditioned part of your home. This creates a vapor barrier that prevents moisture from passing through and getting trapped in the insulation.

Types of Products

The two main types of insulation that use facing are:

Made from melted glass spun into fibers with a paper facing on one side. The facing provides a moisture barrier.

Made from natural materials like basalt or slag. It also has a paper or foil facing to block moisture.

Both fiberglass and mineral wool batts come in faced and unfaced versions. Unfaced products work better for interior walls, while faced products should go on exterior walls, attics, and crawlspaces.

Langfang Clear Chemical are exported all over the world and different industries with quality first. Our belief is to provide our customers with more and better high value-added products. Let's create a better future together.

Additional resources:
Should you tile the floor first or last?

Which Way to Install Facing

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.
• Under floors, the facing should point up toward the subfloor above.

The facing paper on the insulation blocks moisture from condensing (changing from a vapor to a liquid) on the insulation. If installed incorrectly, moisture can become trapped between the facing and cause mold, rotting, and reduced R-value. R-value is the measurement of the insulation&#;s thermal performance.

Vapor Barriers

The facing of the insulation serves as a vapor barrier. Vapor barriers resist moisture penetration, keeping humid interior air from reaching cold surfaces where it could condense. In cold climates, vapor barriers go on the warm side of insulation. In hot, humid climates, they go on the exterior side.

Even with faced insulation appropriately installed, it&#;s wise to have a separate vapor barrier facing the heated space. This layer adds extra moisture protection. Options for dedicated vapor barriers include:

• 4&#;6 millimeter plastic sheeting
• Kraft-faced fiberglass batts
• Smart vapor retarder paint
• Vapor barrier primer

So, Is Proper Facing Direction Crucial for Insulation?

Yes, facing direction is extremely important for insulation installation. Installing the facing incorrectly can lead to trapped moisture, mold growth, material rotting, and reduced insulation effectiveness. Making sure the insulation is installed correctly will maintain your home&#;s insulation R-value and structural integrity. Don&#;t cut corners when insulating your home &#; proper installation is worth the effort.

FAQs About Facing Insulation

Should I staple the facing?

Yes, in most cases. Securely attach the facing to studs or joists with staples so it doesn&#;t sag or shift. Staples also help create a tight vapor barrier.

Should I compress the insulation?

No. Let the insulation loft to its total thickness without compressing it. Compressing insulation lowers the R-value. Staple the facing tightly without air gaps or puckers.

Can faced insulation cause condensation?

Installed correctly, with the facing toward the interior, faced insulation prevents condensation. Facing that traps moisture inside the insulation by pointing toward the exterior can cause problems.

Should I use both vapor barrier and faced insulation?

Yes, using both together is wise. The facing on insulation acts as a vapor barrier. However, adding a dedicated vapor barrier (like plastic sheeting) on the interior provides extra moisture protection.

What if I install the facing backward?

Reinstall the insulation properly if you notice this mistake. Leaving the facing toward the exterior traps moisture in the insulation, causing mold, rotting, and reduced performance.

For more Foil Faced Insulation Boardinformation, please contact us. We will provide professional answers.