I’m finishing an attic and want to know if I need to insulate the attic floor before laying the flooring. If so, which way should I face the paper backing on fiberglass insulation? You talk about facing it toward the heated space, but if both spaces are heated, which way should it face, or should I use nothing at all? -Nicole

Hi Nicole,

The paper facing on insulation contains a waterproof layer that acts as a vapor barrier to keep moisture from condensing when warm and cold air meet. In your case, since both the attic above and room below are heated, you can use unfaced insulation without a vapor barrier, faced insulation, or no insulation at all.

The reasons to consider installing insulation when finishing an attic are to provide soundproofing and keep the heat downstairs when the attic room isn’t being used. If you plan on using faced insulation, put the facing down toward the lower level ceiling, since hot air—and the moisture in it—rises.

Good luck with your project,

Danny

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Danny Lipford

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Danny Lipford is a home improvement expert and television personality who started his remodeling business, Lipford Construction, at the age of 21 in Mobile, Alabama. He gained national recognition as the host of the nationally syndicated television show, Today's Homeowner with Danny Lipford, which started as a small cable show in Mobile. Danny's expertise in home improvement has also led him to be a contributor to popular magazines and websites and the go-to source for advice on everything related to the home. He has made over 200 national television appearances and served as the home improvement expert for CBS's The Early Show and The Weather Channel for over a decade. Danny is also the founder of 3 Echoes Content Studio, TodaysHomeowner.com, and Checking In With Chelsea, a décor and lifestyle blog.

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