Unfaced insulation installed in wall cavities will do all of the following EXCEPT:

• A. provide a vapor barrier
• B. reduce air infiltration
• C. insulate the wall
• D. help with sound control

Answer: (A)

Unfaced insulation, commonly used in wall cavities, is designed to provide thermal resistance and improve energy efficiency. It contributes to insulating the wall by reducing heat transfer, which directly correlates with option C. It also helps with sound control, as the insulation material can dampen sound waves, minimizing noise transmission between spaces, aligning with option D. Additionally, unfaced insulation can limit air infiltration to a certain extent due to the dense materials filling the cavities, which corresponds to option B.

However, unfaced insulation does not provide a vapor barrier. Vapor barriers are specifically designed to control moisture migration and are typically made from materials that restrict vapor diffusion, such as polyethylene sheeting. Unfaced insulation simply lacks this moisture-resistant characteristic, making it ineffective as a vapor barrier. Thus, the material primarily focuses on thermal and acoustic benefits, without contributing to moisture control.