Is Kraft Paper Needed For Attic Insulation

The first thing that you need to know is what type of insulation will work best for your home.

Is kraft paper needed for attic insulation.

They also state that the vapor retarder is a one way ticket to allow moisture out of the structure but not back in. 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. 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 purpose and way to apply is basically the same. Some builders rely on batts with attached kraft paper facing to do that job but tom recommends unfaced batts covered in plastic with all the seams taped shut. This is usually kraft paper but sometimes other types of paper can be used. When using insulation that has either paper or plastic facing that moisture barrier faces outward toward the attic space.

Kraft faced or paper faced insulation comes in batts and long rolls. Kraft faced insulation is manufactured with a paper facing on one side of the insulation. An unfaced insulation product does not mean that this. Kraft faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder which helps prevent mold and mildew.

Unfaced means the insulation lacks a vapor retarder paper or plastic facing. Some escapes through air leaks. The painted drywall of your home and perhaps the kraft paper lining of your wall and ceiling insulation are slowing the vapor s exit. The batts are precut to fit into cavities on standard 8 foot high walls.

All kraft faced insulation is easy to cut with a sharp utility knife or insulation knife. Some goes right through the walls and ceilings. Roll insulation is best for floors ceilings and roofs with a long joist or rafter bays and for tall walls. Unfaced insulation is fiberglass only and does not have any type of facing attached to it.

Kraft paper the asphalt impregnated brown paper facing available on insulation is rarely called for these days. According to owens corning and certainteed makers of insulation kraft paper is a retarder not a barrier. 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. It has to do with the way it is processed.

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. You can install the paper facing however you want as long as the building inspector lets you of course. Any potential changes can be secured by asking your local insulation dealer. Why doesn t it matter.