Is Kraft Paper Needed For Attic Insulation

The purpose and way to apply is basically the same.

Is kraft paper needed for attic insulation.

Paper faced insulation means that one side of the insulation material comes lined with paper. Not every type of insulation needs a vapor barrier. R 38 is the industry standard and the minimum thickness for r 38 is 12 inches. Kraft paper does act as a vapor retarder to slow the movement of interior moisture through the wall cavity and insulation.

For many building science questions the answer is it depends for this one the answer is clear. 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. Kraft faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder which helps prevent mold and mildew.

The facing on kraft faced insulation is made of kraft paper with an asphalt coating that makes the paper impermeable to water vapor. What is the right insulation for an attic. To the inside of the home or the outside of the home. 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.

Vapor barriers sheets of plastic or kraft paper keep water vapor out of the wall cavity so the insulation stays dry. 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. Ensure ends of insulation are butted together and flush to underside of framing. Measure the area needing insulation.

Calculate additional insulation needed. They also state that the vapor retarder is a one way ticket to allow moisture out of the structure but not back in. According to owens corning and certainteed makers of insulation kraft paper is a retarder not a barrier. Illustration by ian worpole.

As a result of evaporation people breathing and plant respiration air carries some. Measure the depth of your current insulation. Creating a moisture barrier. Any potential changes can be secured by asking your local insulation dealer.

It has to do with the way it is processed. Unfinished or uninsulated attics need a layer of protection against air migration. Friction fit insulation between and parallel to the attic framing members. But if it does the barrier should face inside in northern heating climates and outside in humid southern climates.

Fasten kraft face tabs of insulation to the. 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.