Many standard insulation facings will burn and must not be left exposed in an occupied space.

Combustible facings must be covered with gypsum board or another code-approved interior finish. Use only flame-resistant facings for exposed applications such as garages,storage rooms,utility rooms and laundries. To comply with codes,interior finish materials must have flame spread ratings of 200 or less. NAIMA recommends that vapor retarders not rated to be exposed also be covered in areas not ordinarily occupied but accessible for service work. Gypsum board is commonly used. NAIMA recommends that all combustible vapor retarders should bear printed statements that the vapor retarder is flammable and should not be left exposed and special care must be taken to keep open flame and other sources of heat away from the facing.

Batts and rolls may be installed one on top of the other in ceilings where there is adequate space. In most cases, only the bottom layer should have a vapor retarder, which should face down toward the space that is warm in winter. Additional layers of insulation should be unfaced. If unfaced insulation is not available, use the faced type but remove the facing completely before installation.

When the ICC codes (International Residential, Building or Energy Conservation Code) require a vapor retarder, batts which are inset stapled meet that requirement. A copy of the ICC code interpretation is available from NAIMA upon request.

Repair small tears and gaps in the vapor retarder if desired by using duct tape or polyvinyl tape. However taping vapor retarder facings is not standard practice as small tears and gaps are not expected to cause moisture issues.

Care should be taken not to staple into electrical wiring when installing faced insulation or separate vapor retarders.

When kraft faced batts are used to meet Class II