What distinguishes faced batts from unfaced batts?

Faced batts are distinguished by having a vapor retarder on one side. This vapor retarder is typically made from materials like kraft paper or foil, which helps to reduce moisture movement through the insulation. By having this barrier, faced batts can prevent moisture in the air from condensing within the wall cavity, thereby reducing the risk of mold growth and maintaining the overall effectiveness of the insulation.

In contrast, unfaced batts do not have this vapor retarding feature, which can make them more suitable for certain applications where moisture control is not a significant concern. The presence of the vapor retarder in faced batts allows them to serve a dual purpose: providing thermal insulation while also managing moisture, which is crucial in areas prone to high humidity or where moisture accumulation could lead to structural issues.

The distinctions regarding effectiveness, materials, and installation requirements do not define the primary difference between faced and unfaced batts as clearly as the presence of the vapor retarder does. Therefore, recognizing the role of the vapor retarder is key in understanding the functional differences between these two types of insulation batts.