Is Kraft Paper Needed For Attic Insulation

It has to do with the way it is processed.

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. Vapor barriers sheets of plastic or kraft paper keep water vapor out of the wall cavity so the insulation stays dry. 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. If you install fiberglass batt insulation with a kraft paper vapor retarder in a home which way do you face the vapor retarder.

Fasten kraft face tabs of insulation to the. Kraft faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder which helps prevent mold and mildew. Paper faced insulation means that one side of the insulation material comes lined with paper. As a result of evaporation people breathing and plant respiration air carries some.

Not every type of insulation needs a vapor barrier. Illustration by ian worpole. Ensure ends of insulation are butted together and flush to underside of framing. 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.

R 38 is the industry standard and the minimum thickness for r 38 is 12 inches. Measure the depth of your current insulation. Friction fit insulation between and parallel to the attic framing members. To the inside of the home or the outside of the home.

Measure the area needing insulation. Creating a moisture barrier. They also state that the vapor retarder is a one way ticket to allow moisture out of the structure but not back in. But if it does the barrier should face inside in northern heating climates and outside in humid southern climates.

Unfinished or uninsulated attics need a layer of protection against air migration. Ensure insulation extends to the outside edge of the exterior top plates and to the peak of the cathedral ceiling. This is usually kraft paper but sometimes other types of paper can be used. Any potential changes can be secured by asking your local insulation dealer.

When using kraft faced batts. 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. 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. Kraft paper does act as a vapor retarder to slow the movement of interior moisture through the wall cavity and insulation.

What is the right insulation for an attic. The purpose and way to apply is basically the same.