Attic Kraft Paper

Whether it is made from paper or plastic it always faces whichever space is typically warmest in winter.

Attic kraft paper.

When insulation was first developed it was only an inch or two thick and the attached kraft facing was stapled to studs to keep it from sagging. The facing contains a thin layer of asphalt which acts as a vapor barrier to block moisture. First the kraft paper is a vapor retarder meant to reduce the potential for moisture problems caused by diffusion. 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.

Paper faced insulation means that one side of the insulation material comes lined with paper. It s important to use the right type of insulation to prevent moisture problems in your attic. This is usually kraft paper but sometimes other types of paper can be used. 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. The facing on kraft faced insulation is made of kraft paper with an asphalt coating that makes the paper impermeable to water vapor. Kraft paper the asphalt impregnated brown paper facing available on insulation is rarely called for these days. As the kraft paper tabs on the existing insulation are stapled i inevitably ended up with a lot of tears around light junction boxes top plates etc.

The vapor retarder kraft paper is facing toward the conditioned side. It has to do with the way it is processed. Insulating attic floors unfinished or uninsulated attics need a layer of protection. The house was built in 1967 so i had to pull up the existing insulation in order to air seal.

Attic insulation is available with and without a paper facing. Any potential changes can be secured by asking your local insulation dealer. 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. Stop worrying so much about vapor retarders.

Sounds like a good idea but the vast majority of moisture problems are caused by air leakage not diffusion even in places like maine. Kraft faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder which helps prevent mold and mildew. Do the air sealing.