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Knauf R-13 Kraft Faced Insulation vs R13 Unfaced Fiberglass Batt Insulation

Buy the Knauf faced batt for standard 2x4 walls where you want a built-in vapor retarder and a clean fit in 16 in. or 24 in. on-center framing. Buy the unfaced batt if you already have a separate vapor barrier, are insulating an open attic or interior wall, or need to stack two layers. The Knauf is a known 23 in. by 93 in. kraft-faced batt rated 4.7 from 101 ratings; the unfaced R13 is a plain 2x4 wall batt with no facing and no listed size or rating.

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Knauf
Knauf R-13 23 in. x 93 in. Kraft Faced Batt Fiberglass Insulation

Knauf R-13 Kraft Faced Insulation

Knauf R-13 23 in. x 93 in. Kraft Faced Batt Fiberglass Insulation

4.7(101 ratings)
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Choose the Knauf R-13 kraft-faced batt if you are insulating exterior 2x4 walls and want the facing to act as the vapor retarder and to staple in place.

Pros
  • Kraft facing acts as the vapor retarder, saving a separate barrier on exterior walls.
  • 23 in. width fits 24 in. on-center studs with less cutting.
  • Staple flanges hold the batt in place before drywall.
  • Rated 4.7 out of 5 from 101 ratings.
Cons
  • Facing must go on the warm-in-winter side or it traps moisture.
  • Cannot be doubled up for higher R-value.
  • Cutting around outlets and boxes is slower than unfaced.
  • Faced batts cost more than unfaced.
R
R13 Unfaced Fiberglass Batt Insulation 2x4 Wall

R13 Unfaced Fiberglass Batt Insulation

R13 Unfaced Fiberglass Batt Insulation 2x4 Wall

See all prices and details

Choose the R13 unfaced batt if a separate vapor barrier is already installed, or the wall is interior or in an attic where facing would trap moisture.

Pros
  • No facing means no vapor-trap risk in attics and interior walls.
  • Faster to friction-fit into open cavities.
  • Can be layered to reach higher R-values.
  • GREENGUARD certified, same as the Knauf.
Cons
  • No vapor retarder; you must add poly or a retarder on exterior walls.
  • No listed size or rating, so confirm width before buying.
  • Friction fit alone can sag without fasteners.
  • Less protection against air movement through the batt.

What separates them

Knauf R-13 Kraft Faced InsulationR13 Unfaced Fiberglass Batt Insulation
FacingKraft paper facing with stapling flangesUnfaced, no vapor retarder
Vapor controlFacing serves as the wall vapor retarderNeeds a separate poly or retarder
Dimensions23 in. wide by 93 in. longNot stated; standard 2x4 wall batts are typically 15 in. or 23 in. wide
InstallationStaple flanges to studs; friction fit plus fasteningFriction fit only; faster in open cavities
LayeringFacing on the warm side only; not for stackingCan be doubled for higher R-value
Moisture riskFacing can trap moisture if installed on the wrong sideNo facing, so no added trap risk
Rating4.7 out of 5 from 101 ratingsNo rating listed
CertificationGREENGUARD certifiedGREENGUARD certified

Price history

  • Knauf R-13 Kraft Faced Insulation: lowest $97.99 on Oct 31 at Making Dreams Happen.
  • R13 Unfaced Fiberglass Batt Insulation: lowest $125.95 on Oct 31 at VXB.com Bearings.

Prices at every store

Knauf R-13 Kraft Faced Insulation

  • Carr HardwareCheck price at Carr Hardware
  • Making Dreams HappenCheck price at Making Dreams Happen
Prices and history →

R13 Unfaced Fiberglass Batt Insulation

  • VXB.com BearingsCheck price at VXB.com Bearings
Prices and history →

Specs compared

SpecKnauf R-13 Kraft Faced InsulationR13 Unfaced Fiberglass Batt Insulation
Thermal TypeBlanketBlanket
GREENGUARD CertifiedYesYes
TypeThermal TypeThermal Type

What reviewers say

Knauf R-13 Kraft Faced Insulation

  • 4.7 / 5101 ratings

Buyers rate it 4.7 out of 5 across 101 ratings, with most comments about fit and ease of installation.

What people mention
  • FitPraisedBuyers say the 23 in. width drops into 24 in. on-center cavities with minimal cutting.
  • InstallationPraisedThe stapling flange makes fast work of covering a wall.
  • HandlingCriticisedOwners warn about itching and say gloves, sleeves and a mask are a must.
  • FacingMixedThe kraft paper can tear where staples are driven too hard.

R13 Unfaced Fiberglass Batt Insulation

Owners of R13 unfaced batts generally report it does its job for the price and is straightforward to install in standard framing. Complaints center on itchiness and dust during installation and on the need to add a separate vapor barrier.

What people mention
  • InstallationMixedOwners say it goes in fast in clean framing but is unpleasant to handle, with itching and dust.
  • FitPraisedBatts friction-fit standard 16-inch and 24-inch stud spacing and cut easily around outlets.
  • Vapor barrierCriticisedUnfaced batts require a separate vapor retarder, which adds cost and steps.
  • Thermal performancePraisedBuyers report warmer rooms and fewer drafts once the wall is closed up.

Questions and answers

Which is better for an exterior 2x4 wall?
The Knauf faced batt. Its kraft facing is the vapor retarder, so you skip a separate poly sheet. Put the facing on the warm side, which is the interior in cold climates.
Which is better for an attic?
The unfaced R13. Facing in an attic can trap moisture against the roof deck. Use unfaced batts and keep a separate air barrier.
Can I stack two unfaced batts for more R-value?
Yes. Two unfaced R13 batts give about R-26 in a 2x4 cavity only if the cavity is deep enough; in a true 2x4 wall you are limited to R13 to R15.
Is the Knauf worth the extra cost?
Usually yes on exterior walls, because it replaces a separate vapor barrier and staples in place. On interior walls or attics, the unfaced batt does the same job for less.
Does the 23 in. width fit my studs?
23 in. fits 24 in. on-center framing with a friction fit. For 16 in. on-center studs, cut it down or buy a 15 in. batt.
Are both GREENGUARD certified?
Yes. Both list GREENGUARD certification, so indoor air quality is not a deciding factor here.

More comparisons

  • Knauf R-13 23 in. x 93 in. Kraft Faced Batt Fiberglass Insulation vs R-13 Pink Faced Fiberglass Insulation for 2x4 Walls