Is Kraft Paper Needed For Attic Insulation

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.

Is kraft paper needed for attic insulation.

Even if the attic space is unheated it typically is warmer than the. You can install the paper facing however you want as long as the building inspector lets you of course. Unfaced means the insulation lacks a vapor retarder paper or plastic facing. Some escapes through air leaks.

They also state that the vapor retarder is a one way ticket to allow moisture out of the structure but not back in. 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. 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. Some goes right through the walls and ceilings.

When using insulation that has either paper or plastic facing that moisture barrier faces outward toward the attic space. Kraft faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder which helps prevent mold and mildew. Roll insulation is best for floors ceilings and roofs with a long joist or rafter bays and for tall walls. The painted drywall of your home and perhaps the kraft paper lining of your wall and ceiling insulation are slowing the vapor s exit.

Any potential changes can be secured by asking your local insulation dealer. Kraft faced or paper faced insulation comes in batts and long rolls. This is usually kraft paper but sometimes other types of paper can be used. Outside is very cold and dry so the water vapor in your home is trying to leave.

The batts are precut to fit into cavities on standard 8 foot high walls. The paper serves as a vapor barrier and the paper tabs are used to fasten the insulation in place. First the kraft paper is a vapor retarder meant to reduce the potential for moisture problems caused by diffusion. According to owens corning and certainteed makers of insulation kraft paper is a retarder not a barrier.

Why doesn t it matter. The purpose and way to apply is basically the same. All kraft faced insulation is easy to cut with a sharp utility knife or insulation knife. 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.

Kraft faced insulation is manufactured with a paper facing on one side of the insulation. An unfaced insulation product does not mean that this. It has to do with the way it is processed. Kraft paper the asphalt impregnated brown paper facing available on insulation is rarely called for these days.