Is Kraft Paper Needed For Attic Insulation

The facing on kraft faced insulation is made of kraft paper with an asphalt coating that makes the paper impermeable to water vapor.

Is kraft paper needed for attic insulation.

Creating a moisture barrier. Not every type of insulation needs a vapor barrier. Friction fit insulation between and parallel to the attic framing members. This is usually kraft paper but sometimes other types of paper can be used.

The purpose and way to apply is basically the same. But if it does the barrier should face inside in northern heating climates and outside in humid southern climates. Kraft paper does act as a vapor retarder to slow the movement of interior moisture through the wall cavity and insulation. Any potential changes can be secured by asking your local insulation dealer.

Ensure insulation extends to the outside edge of the exterior top plates and to the peak of the cathedral ceiling. As a result of evaporation people breathing and plant respiration air carries some. Ensure ends of insulation are butted together and flush to underside of framing. Fasten kraft face tabs of insulation to the.

Calculate additional insulation needed. If you install fiberglass batt insulation with a kraft paper vapor retarder in a home which way do you face the vapor retarder. The paper creates a vapor barrier that helps keep the water vapor in the warm moist heated indoor air from migrating outward into the wall or other structure. R 38 is the industry standard and the minimum thickness for r 38 is 12 inches.

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. But for a thorough job especially in bathrooms and other high moisture areas a continuous 6 mil plastic sheeting vapor barrier is much more effective. Paper faced insulation means that one side of the insulation material comes lined with paper. Measure the area needing insulation.

Illustration by ian worpole. For many building science questions the answer is it depends for this one the answer is clear. It has to do with the way it is processed. Kraft faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder which helps prevent mold and mildew.

To the inside of the home or the outside of the home. Unfinished or uninsulated attics need a layer of protection against air migration. According to owens corning and certainteed makers of insulation kraft paper is a retarder not a barrier. Measure the depth of your current insulation.

What is the right insulation for an attic. If your current insulation is only 5 inches deep you ll need to add seven inches of insulation to achieve the 12 inch r 38 rating.