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DIY Faced or Unfaced Insulation for a Basement Ceiling

Nichole Liandi

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. In cases where the insulation will be covered with suspended or drywall ceiling, unfaced insulation is entirely suitable. The two types of insulation have slightly different installation methods.

Faced Insulation Installation

The right type of insulation to use depends on the application.

Step 1

Place a stepladder at one end of the room, positioned in the corner, between two of the parallel ceiling joists extending across the room.

Step 2

Unroll a section of faced insulation. Lift the end up on the ladder and place even with the sill joist at the side of the ceiling, faced side down. Staple the paper facing on either side of the insulation to the inside edges of the joists, placing staples every 6 to 8 inches.

Step 3

Unroll the insulation and continue to stuff between the joists, stapling as you go, until you reach the end of the ceiling. Cut the insulation to fit with a utility knife.

Step 4

Move the ladder to the next pair of joists. Place strips of insulation until the ceiling is covered.

Unfaced Insulation Installation

Step 1

Place a stepladder at one end of the room, positioned in the corner, between two of the parallel ceiling joists extending across the room.

Step 2

Unroll a section of unfaced insulation. Lift the end up on the ladder and place even with the sill joist at the side of the ceiling. Wedge an insulation hanger in between the joists every 6 to 8 inches to hold the insulation in place.

Step 3

Unroll the insulation and continue to stuff between the joists, holding in place with hangers, until you reach the end of the ceiling. Cut the insulation to fit with a utility knife.

Step 4

Move the ladder to the next pair of joists. Place strips of insulation until the ceiling is covered.