Historical: Unfaced Fiberglass Batt Insulation - 2016

Fiberglass batt insulation is a thermal insulating product with high thermal performance, moisture resistance, fire resistance, and is sound absorbent. Fiberglass insulation is fabricated using a molten glass batch consisting of raw materials (sand, borates, soda ash, lime) and recycled glass cullet. The molten glass is spun into fibers and an atomized binder is applied as the fibers settle onto a conveyer to form batts which are then conveyed through an oven to cure the binder. Originally phenol-based formaldehyde binders were used, but concerns about indoor air quality led to the development and use of formaldehyde-free binders by all four fiberglass insulation manufacturers (Johns Manville first, then CertainTeed, Knauf Insulation, and Owens Corning). The entire industry switched to formaldehyde-free binders by 2015 for lightweight fiberglass products. Fiberglass batts can be either unfaced or faced with a Kraft paper, foil, or polyethylene film vapor retarder. This product describes unfaced fiberglass batt insulation (distinct from faced fiberglass batt). Unfaced fiberglass batt insulation is installed by placing the batts into the wall cavity, allowing friction to hold the insulation in place. Frequently the insulation is then covered with a separate vapor retarder (e.g. polyethylene film), which is placed over and stapled to the studs before installing gypsum board. Moisture-resistant gypsum board is generally used without a separate vapor retarder for unfaced fiberglass batt in places such as bathrooms to allow moisture to escape. This product excludes any vapor retarders that may be used with unfaced fiberglass batt.

A more up to date CP is available here: https://pharos.habitablefuture.org/common-products/2080060