Faced vs. Unfaced Fiberglass Insulation: Which is Better for Soundproofing?
The product looks similar. Pink. Yellow. White. Fibrous. Compressible. Yet one has a paper-like layer. The other does not. This layer is not packaging. It is not accidental. It is intentional. It changes everything. Fiberglass sound insulation is available in two distinct configurations: faced and unfaced. Specifiers who ignore the distinction risk moisture damage, acoustic failure, and code violations. This report establishes the difference clearly. No marketing. No ambiguity. The Facing Defined Faced fiberglass sound insulation includes a membrane attached to one side. This membrane is typically kraft paper, foil, or plastic film. It is bonded during manufacturing. It is not removable. The facing serves multiple functions: Vapour retarder: moisture migration control Air barrier: prevents airflow through insulation Mechanical protection: contains fibres during handling Reflectivity: foil facings reduce radiant heat transfer Unfaced fiberglass sound insulation has no membrane....