Any “Problems” with using faced insulation in an unheated flooring/basement? I have a lot of faced insulation and need to insulate an unheated crawl space and then cover with Tyvek. (In Northern Maine) Area is currently open to the environment but will eventually be enclosed.
Is it advisable to insulate with facing “UP” or does it matter??
Thanks,
Chuck
Replies
Put the facing up, or put it down and slash X's on it. Don't forget the Tyvek.
Slash x's?
Why tyvek?
Slashing X's compromises the kraft-faced vapor retarder so there won't be any condensation problems. My first choice, if I had to use fiberglass, would be to use unfaced, but since he has the faced he might as well use it.
Then, the best way to install it would be to install with vapor retarder up, but it's much easier to install with the VR down, so the X's allows that to happen.
The Tyvek help keep critters out, allows vapor to pass through but blocks the air-washing that kills fiberglass's effectiveness, and keeps the fiberglass from falling out over time.
Tyvek is not my favorite housewrap BTW, I was just responding to the OP's question. I didn't feel like trying to talk him out of the least-effective housewrap, because in that location it should work just fine.