Insulation Facings

Written by  The U.S. Department of Energy's Office of EERE

Facings are fastened to insulation materials during the manufacturing process. A facing protects an insulation's surface, holds the insulation together, and facilitates fastening. Some types of facing can also act as an air barrier, radiant barrier, and/or vapor barrier. Some even provide flame resistance.

Insulation Facings

 

 

 

 

Topic Summary

Common facing materials include kraft paper, white vinyl sheeting, and aluminum foil. All of these materials act as an air barrier and vapor barrier. Aluminum foil can also act as a radiant barrier. Your climate and where and how you're installing the insulation in your home will determine what type of facing and/or barrier, if any, you'll need.

Some of the same materials used as insulation facings can be installed separately, bordering the insulation to provide an air barrier, vapor barrier, and/or radiant barrier.


Article source: The U.S. Department of Energy’s Office of Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy (EERE). For the most up-to-date information please visit the EERE website.

Last modified on Mon, Oct 11, 2010
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