Can you use faced insulation in basement ceiling?

Faced insulation -- insulation with a paper covering -- is suitable for use when you're insulating the ceiling of a basement that you're not planning on finishing. The covering prevents insulation from falling out and drifting down into the basement air and keeps things cleaner.

Also, should you put insulation in basement ceiling?

Unconditioned Basements If there is no need for this heat, the basement ceiling should be insulated to keep the heat upstairs in the living space (if some heat is desired in the basement, see "Conditioned Basements" below). Insulating the basement ceiling will keep most of the heat upstairs in the living space.

Furthermore, which way does insulation face in a basement? 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.

Also asked, do I need a vapor barrier in basement ceiling?

2 Answers. If the basement is finished and has no moisture issues, the vapor barrier is not needed. If it has moisture issues, the vapor barrier is probably a problem. There is a very very very good chance that the plastic was only added to hold the insulation in - so it doesn't drop on the drop ceiling.

What R value should I use in my basement ceiling?

If it is an unfinished basement in North America that you wish to insulate, then an R-value of 12 or higher is recommended. R-value is the insulation's ability to resist heat flow. For basement ceilings, batt or blanket insulation is the insulation of choice.

37 Related Question Answers Found

How do you cover insulation in a basement ceiling?

How to Cover Fiberglass Insulation

Seal the insulation by stapling a polymembrane sheet over it.
Install paneling or sheetrock over insulation located in the wall.
Install plywood flooring over insulation located in the floor.
Work with an insulation expert to ensure safe, code-compliant results.

Will insulating basement make house warmer?

Wall insulation slows the heat loss from your basement to the outside. While ceiling insulation will help keep your first floor warmer with less energy consumption, it will likely make your basement that much colder.

Does basement ceiling insulation help noise?

Energy efficiency isn't a common reason to insulate your basement, but sound-proofing is. With the right insulation, ceiling tiles, or sheetrock, adding to the basement ceiling will help keep noise from transferring between levels.

Should I use faced or unfaced insulation in basement?

Before You Start. Most insulation jobs use blanket insulation — also known as faced or unfaced batt insulation — between studs in a framed wall. Rigid foam board provides better insulation than fiberglass, keeping water vapor in its gaseous state and decreasing condensation on your walls.

What insulation is best for ceilings?

Homeowners rely on this type of insulation—which is usually made of polyurethane, polystyrene, or polyisocyanurate—for both exterior and interior wall sheathing. Foam boards work well to insulate everything from foundation walls and basement walls to unfinished floors and ceilings.

Do I need to insulate my basement before finishing?

Most new building codes require a R-11 insulation or better in your walls when you remodel the basement. A few tips regarding insulation when basement finishing: • Use un-faced fiberglass insulation because it breaths so moisture will not be trapped against the wall, and there is no paper that will mold over time.

Will insulating basement reduce humidity?

Basement walls are usually always going to be cooler than the air, and, a such, will be were condensation forms in a humid environment. Insulating with walls with XPS or EPS foam will help too, it'll keep the moist air further away from the cold wall.

Where should I put the vapor barrier in my basement?

Not to be confused with a vapor barrier—which is placed on the warm side of the wall just in front of the insulation and behind the drywall— a moisture barrier goes against the basement wall and behind the insulation and framing. The best option for insulating a basement is to use spray foam insulation.

Do you vapor barrier ceiling?

Plastic vapor barriers should only be installed in vented attics in climates with more than 8,000 heating degree days. You can forego the plastic and use a vapor retarder (kraft-faced insulation or latex ceiling paint) in all other climates except hot-humid or hot-dry climates.

How do you insulate an already finished basement?

Insulating Basement Walls

Moisture Is Present In EVERY Basement.
Avoid Fiberglass Insulation In Contact With Foundation Walls.
Expectations – Be Honest With Yourself.
Vapor Barriers.
Spray Foam Insulation.
Rigid Foam Board.
Foam Board and Fiberglass Insulation.
Basement Wall Insulation References.

Do I need a vapor barrier between floors?

Vapor Barrier Between Floors. I don't entirely understand what you have, but vapor barriers between floors are not necessary. Perhaps a radiant barrier below some radiant floor heat could be justified, but based upon moisture movement and temperatures, a typical VB would probably be a mute point.

Do you need to insulate basement walls below grade?

If your basement has stone-and-mortar walls, you can't insulate them with rigid foam. While reduced costs might tempt you to use fibrous insulation such as fiberglass batts, mineral-wool batts, or cellulose, these materials are air permeable and should never be installed against a below-grade concrete wall.

Can you cover insulation with plastic?

Fiberglass insulation will not degrade unless exposed to water. The fiber could become airborne if a vent is blowing on it or it is disturbed in some way. It can be covered with a plastic vapor barrier to protect your home air quality. The plastic can be bought at any big box store.

Should you put plastic over insulation?

Condensation occurs whenever warm air meets cold air. Without a vapor barrier in place, condensation inside the walls could ruin the insulation and promote the growth of harmful mold and bacteria. Plastic, specifically 6-mil polyethylene plastic, is the most commonly used vapor barrier.

Does insulation go behind wiring?

Installation. When you insulate around wiring, it is important that you fill as much space as possible with insulation. First, you can tear or cut the insulation sheets in half and lay half behind the wire and half in front. If the wire is too tight to the wall to make that easy, you have a second option.

Do I need faced or unfaced insulation?

Faced insulation has Kraft paper on one side to act as a vapor retarder and help prevent moisture from entering the wall cavity. Unfaced insulation is insulation only, for use when a vapor retarder isn't needed. State and local building codes determine vapor retarder requirements.

What happens if insulation is installed backwards?

In an upside down installation, where the paper faces the unheated portion of the home, moisture from the humid inside air can condense and become trapped inside of the insulation during cold winter months. This will likely result in fungal growth (mold) and rot.