Is Kraft Paper Needed For Attic Insulation

Not every type of insulation needs a vapor barrier.

Is kraft paper needed for attic insulation.

It has to do with the way it is processed. Any potential changes can be secured by asking your local insulation dealer. Friction fit insulation between and parallel to the attic framing members. Measure the depth of your current insulation.

Kraft faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder which helps prevent mold and mildew. 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. The facing on kraft faced insulation is made of kraft paper with an asphalt coating that makes the paper impermeable to water vapor. But if it does the barrier should face inside in northern heating climates and outside in humid southern climates.

Ensure insulation extends to the outside edge of the exterior top plates and to the peak of the cathedral ceiling. Measure the area needing insulation. This is usually kraft paper but sometimes other types of paper can be used. 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.

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. Fasten kraft face tabs of insulation to the. Creating a moisture barrier. 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.

What is the right insulation for an attic. If you install fiberglass batt insulation with a kraft paper vapor retarder in a home which way do you face the vapor retarder. When using kraft faced batts. The purpose and way to apply is basically the same.

Paper faced insulation means that one side of the insulation material comes lined with paper. They also state that the vapor retarder is a one way ticket to allow moisture out of the structure but not back in. Ensure ends of insulation are butted together and flush to underside of framing. For many building science questions the answer is it depends for this one the answer is clear.

Calculate additional insulation needed. R 38 is the industry standard and the minimum thickness for r 38 is 12 inches. As a result of evaporation people breathing and plant respiration air carries some. Kraft paper does act as a vapor retarder to slow the movement of interior moisture through the wall cavity and insulation.

Vapor barriers sheets of plastic or kraft paper keep water vapor out of the wall cavity so the insulation stays dry. According to owens corning and certainteed makers of insulation kraft paper is a retarder not a barrier.