Attic Kraft Paper

Do the air sealing.

Attic kraft paper.

Attic insulation is available with and without a paper facing. Paper faced insulation means that one side of the insulation material comes lined with paper. Sounds like a good idea but the vast majority of moisture problems are caused by air leakage not diffusion even in places like maine. The vapor retarder kraft paper is facing toward the conditioned side.

The facing contains a thin layer of asphalt which acts as a vapor barrier to block moisture. The house was built in 1967 so i had to pull up the existing insulation in order to air seal. Whether it is made from paper or plastic it always faces whichever space is typically warmest in winter. This is usually kraft paper but sometimes other types of paper can be used.

It s important to use the right type of insulation to prevent moisture problems in your attic. It has to do with the way it is processed. 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. They also state that the vapor retarder is a one way ticket to allow moisture out of the structure but not back in.

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. Any potential changes can be secured by asking your local insulation dealer. Insulating attic floors unfinished or uninsulated attics need a layer of protection.

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. 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. According to owens corning and certainteed makers of insulation kraft paper is a retarder not a barrier. Kraft paper the asphalt impregnated brown paper facing available on insulation is rarely called for these days.

First the kraft paper is a vapor retarder meant to reduce the potential for moisture problems caused by diffusion. The purpose and way to apply is basically the same. 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.