Is Kraft Paper Needed For Attic Insulation

Kraft paper the asphalt impregnated brown paper facing available on insulation is rarely called for these days.

Is kraft paper needed for attic insulation.

The purpose and way to apply is basically the same. Unfaced insulation is fiberglass only and does not have any type of facing attached to it. When insulation was first developed it was only an inch or two thick and the attached kraft facing was stapled to studs to keep it from sagging. Kraft faced insulation is manufactured with a paper facing on one side of the insulation.

The batts are precut to fit into cavities on standard 8 foot high walls. Roll insulation is best for floors ceilings and roofs with a long joist or rafter bays and for tall walls. First the kraft paper is a vapor retarder meant to reduce the potential for moisture problems caused by diffusion. Why doesn t it matter.

Kraft faced insulation should be installed in exterior walls exterior basement walls and attic ceilings by pressing the product into the wall cavity with the paper side facing outward towards the installer. When using insulation that has either paper or plastic facing that moisture barrier faces outward toward the attic space. It has to do with the way it is processed. You can install the paper facing however you want as long as the building inspector lets you of course.

The first thing that you need to know is what type of insulation will work best for your home. Kraft faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder which helps prevent mold and mildew. Any potential changes can be secured by asking your local insulation dealer. An unfaced insulation product does not mean that this.

Batts in the rafters simply jamming batts between the rafters of a cathedral ceiling or insulated attic will interfere with the roof s ability to breathe. Even if the attic space is unheated it typically is warmer than the. This is usually kraft paper but sometimes other types of paper can be used. It could just as well be a paper faced material or an unfaced material this kind of material lacks the paper that gives it steadiness.

The paper serves as a vapor barrier and the paper tabs are used to fasten the insulation in place. The painted drywall of your home and perhaps the kraft paper lining of your wall and ceiling insulation are slowing the vapor s exit. Unfaced means the insulation lacks a vapor retarder paper or plastic facing. All kraft faced insulation is easy to cut with a sharp utility knife or insulation knife.

Kraft faced or paper faced insulation comes in batts and long rolls. According to owens corning and certainteed makers of insulation kraft paper is a retarder not a barrier. Some goes right through the walls and ceilings. Some escapes through air leaks.