
Kraft-Faced Insulation is best used on walls and floors to prohibit the growth of mold and mildew. While the paper lining does its best to prevent moisture from seeping into your home, we highly recommend that you use spray foam in your attic. Spray foam gives a tighter seal than fiberglass insulation, which is ideal for your attic.
How to insulate your house with kraft paper faced insulation?
- Cut the insulation roll or batt to fit the length of the framing cavity, if necessary. ...
- Fit the insulation into the framing cavity, starting at the top (for walls) or at one end (for ceilings/floors/roofs). ...
- Fold out the paper flange along one side of the insulation. ...
When to use faced or unfaced insulation?
Where To Use Faced And Unfaced Insulation. Unfaced insulation can be used anywhere to insulate two areas thermally and noisily. Faced insulation is used when two spaces need to be insulated from moisture in addition to heat and noise. Faced insulation is best for outer walls, attic roofs, garages, bathrooms, and kitchen walls. ...
Should I use faced or unfaced insulation?
When installing between the roof rafters of finished attic spaces, you can use either faced or unfaced batting. When using insulation that has paper or plastic batting, that moisture barrier should face outward toward the attic space. Even if the attic space is unheated, it’s typically warmer than the outside air in winter.
What is the difference between faced and unfaced insulation?
- Tends to be more expensive than unfaced alternatives.
- You can only install one layer of faced insulation, because the edges may trap moisture between them if you try to install multiple layers. ...
- Can be more flammable than unfaced alternatives, so you should ensure that it does not make contact with heating or electrical devices.
What is the difference between unfaced and kraft face insulation?
What is kraft face insulation?
About this website

When should you use Kraft-faced 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.
Do I have to use faced insulation?
Unfaced insulation is non-combustible. However, it's common for a layer of faced insulation to be used in the exterior walls and attic ceilings to prevent water from entering the home, while unfaced insulation can be added to improve the heat retention ability and reduce the risk of fire.
Do I need a vapor barrier if I use Kraft-faced insulation?
Fiberglass Insulation In most climates, it needs a vapor barrier. 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.
Is foil faced insulation worth it?
Insulation increases comfort and reduces utility bills. Foil faced insulation is the best type of insulation for retaining heat in the winter and keeping heat out in the summer.
Do I need to use faced insulation in attic?
Faced Insulation: If the attic doesn't have any existing insulation, use faced insulation with the paper facing toward the heated living space. Unfaced Insulation: When adding more insulation to an attic that already has insulation, use unfaced insulation.
Can Kraft faced insulation be left exposed?
Never leave faced insulation exposed. The facings on kraft-and foil-faced insulation will burn and must be installed in substantial contact with an approved ceiling wall or floor construction material. Flame-resistant foil (FSK-25) is the only insulation facing that can be left exposed.
What happens if you don't use a vapor barrier?
The short answer is: if your wall doesn't have a vapor retarder, there is no need to worry. Builders worry way too much about vapor diffusion and vapor retarders. It's actually very rare for a building to have a problem caused by vapor diffusion.
What insulation does not need a vapor barrier?
Because of its greater density and water resistant properties, mineral wool acts as a vapor barrier and, unlike fiberglass, does not need an additional vapor barrier to be effective. As mentioned earlier, fiberglass can lose much of its insulating ability when moist.
Is kraft face a vapor barrier?
The facing on kraft-faced insulation is made of kraft paper with an asphalt coating that makes the paper impermeable to water vapor. 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.
What is the difference between Kraft faced and faced insulation?
What is the difference between unfaced and Kraft-faced insulation and how is it installed? Unfaced means the insulation lacks a vapor retarder (paper or plastic facing). Kraft-faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder, which helps prevent mold and mildew.
Where do you use foil faced insulation?
Foil-faced insulation is designed with one side of the reflective foil to eliminate heat loss....Foil-faced insulation can use in a wide range for commercial and residential applications:Exterior wall,Roof,Ceiling applications (like in cathedral ceilings – frequently required for use in ceilings without attics)
Does foil insulation cause condensation?
Foil insulation helps prevent condensation by blocking warm air from entering a space. Condensation is caused when hot air meets cold air and particles can no longer hold onto water molecules. Because foil insulation reflects warm air from entering, a mixture of hot air and cold air cannot create condensation.
Foil faced fiberglass insulation question vs craft paper
Insulation, Radiant and Vapor Barriers - Foil faced fiberglass insulation question vs craft paper - Hey all, I need your advise. I will be building a house and want to know if it is better to use craft or foil faced R11 glass. It is 2x6 walls with 2 spray foam and R11 in the cavities. The exterior will have 1 iso board
Faced or Unfaced Insulation: Which To Use & Where To Use It
For example, when insulating a ceiling, the paper side should face down and not up.When insulating an exterior wall, the paper side will be to the interior with the drywall installed against the paper. When to Use Faced Insulation
What is face insulation?
Faced Insulation is fiberglass insulation with a kraft paper vapor barrier on one side. It’s stapled into place with the paper side facing the interior of the home. Unfaced insulation has no kraft paper vapor barrier attached to it and is held into place by pressure or friction.
How is unfaced insulation held in place?
Unfaced insulation is held into place by the pressure or friction fit in joints and rafters when installing it .
What is the term for the situation where water vapor penetrates through a building material?
The situation where water vapor penetrates through the building material is referred to as permeability. Both vapor barriers and vapor retarders are rated through a system called a perm, which is the term related to “permeance” and” permeability.”
Why is it important to insulate your home?
Home Insulation promotes comfort. Whether you need it or not is an important question, but insulating your home is one of the most important investments in home construction.
Why is sound insulation used in a room?
Insulation also involves sound. The interior of a room is installed with a soundproof material to minimize sound from coming in and getting out.
What is the impact of climatic conditions on the choice of vapor fabric?
The climatic condition of the region a person resides in has a significant impact on the choice of Vapor Fabric to use and where to install the Vapor material, e.g., whether to install it on the outer or the inner walls.
What is a facing in a building?
A facing, therefore, is a material that is attached to the fiberglass insulator/insulation meant to help control the effects of vapor or moisture on the fabric of the building.
What is an unfaced batt?
Unfaced batts are made slightly wider (.25 inches) than kraft faced batts and serve as friction between studs and are held in place without stapling. A vapor barrier such as plastic sheeting is then stapled to the studs on the inside (heated side) to provide a vapor barrier.
What is used to keep insulation in place?
Unfaced insulation is typically used in the crawl space. Twine is used to keep the insulation held in place and from falling on the ground. A vapor barrier is needed in the crawl space and is provided by a layer of plastic sheeting on the ground.
What is the difference between unfaced and kraft insulation?
Kraft faced insulation is manufactured with a paper facing on one side of the insulation. The paper serves as a vapor barrier and the paper tabs are used to fasten the insulation in place. Unfaced insulation is fiberglass only and does not have any type of facing attached to it. Unfaced insulation is used where a vapor barrier is not needed or a separate vapor barrier is used. This can be confusing so let me give some applications to clear things up.
What is unfaced insulation?
Unfaced insulation is fiberglass only and does not have any type of facing attached to it. Unfaced insulation is used where a vapor barrier is not needed or a separate vapor barrier is used. This can be confusing so let me give some applications to clear things up.
Why does moisture destroy walls?
The moisture will destroy your walls because it causes the wood to rot and mold to grow. Kraft faced insulation is made with a paper facing on it that acts as a vapor barrier.
What is the difference between face and unfaced insulation?
Faced insulation should be used to insulate the roof of the attic while unfaced insulation can be used to insulate the attic floor. Correctly installing both faced and unfaced installation in the attic will increase the energy efficiency of the home.
Why do you need face and unfaced insulation?
Faced and unfaced insulation play different roles in the insulation of a house and must be applied correctly to limit heat loss, sound, and vapor transfer. Faced insulation used with the vapor barrier facing the wrong way can lead to moisture trapped, leading to mold growth and rot of the home’s wooden structure.
What is the best insulation for a garage?
Faced insulation is best for outer walls, attic roofs, garages, bathrooms, and kitchen walls. Unfaced insulation is recommended on all inner walls and also as an additional layer of insulation over faced insulation .
Why should exterior walls be insulated?
Exterior walls should be insulated with faced insulation to prevent moisture from ruining the framework of the house. Faced insulation with the kraft paper on the inside should be used, and care should be taken that it fits snugly between the wooden framework of the house.
Where should kraft paper be used to insulate?
For example, the kraft paper should face the inside of the basement or crawl space when insulating the walls.
When applying the second layer of insulation, unfaced insulation is sufficient?
When applying the second layer of insulation, unfaced insulation is sufficient. Another layer of faced insulation might trap moisture between the two layers, and that will cause rot.
Where to use faced insulation?
However, the usual strategy that is followed is to use faced insulation in outer walls and unfaced insulation on inner walls and where there is only a slight temperature difference between an upper and lower room, like in an attic.
What Is Kraft Faced Fiberglass Batt Insulation?
Kraft faced fiberglass batt insulation has a kraft paper facing with an asphalt coating that creates an impermeable barrier to water vapor. This insulation is utilized in any climate within the United States as an additional protective barrier in exterior and basement walls to help protect against moisture. It is a sustainable product, since it utilizes sand and recycled glass as its primary raw materials. Contractors choose kraft faced fiberglass batt insulation due to its availability, cost-effectiveness and ease of installation.
What is a Kraft faced batt?
Kraft faced fiberglass batt insulation is a cost-effective, easy-to-use insulation product that is a popular choice to act as an additional barrier in exterior and basement walls, which are prone to mois ture.
What is service partners?
Service Partners is the largest distributor of residential insulation products and related accessories in the nation with over 75 local branches to meet contractors’ needs across the U.S. We’d love to partner with you on your project to help you find what you need, when you need it. Get in touch with our team today!
What is Johns Manville insulation?
Johns Manville Formaldehyde-free™ Kraft-faced thermal and acoustical insulation offers R-Values up to R-49, and is offered in precut batts to fit standard wall cavities or rolls for custom installation in any size cavity. Kraft-faced insulation is ideal for moisture control in exterior walls, reduces sound transmission through walls, ceilings and floors, and can be used in a variety of wood-framed, engineered wood and steel frame construction applications, including new construction and retrofit.
What is thermally efficient?
Thermally Efficient: Effective resistance to heat transfer, with R-values up to R-49.
Does bonded glass break down?
Superior Performance: Stable bonded glass fibers will not slump within the wall cavity, settle or break down during normal applications.
Why doesn’t it matter?
First, the kraft paper is a vapor retarder meant to reduce the potential for moisture problems caused by diffusion. Sounds like a good idea, but the vast majority of moisture problems are caused by air leakage, not diffusion, even in places like Maine. Do the air sealing; stop worrying so much about vapor retarders.
Why doesn't it matter kraft paper?
Why doesn’t it matter? First, the kraft paper is a vapor retarder meant to reduce the potential for moisture problems caused by diffusion. Sounds like a good idea, but the vast majority of moisture problems are caused by air leakage, not diffusion, even in places like Maine.
Is vapor retarder paint good for Maine?
In a really, really cold climate, it may matter, but even in Maine and Ontario, vapor retarder paint would be a better way to go. If you want to slow down the vapor diffusion, why not do it before it hits the drywall?
Can you put vapor retarder on a wall?
The warm-in-winter suggestion says that if you’re trying to limit the diffusion of water vapor, put the vapor retarder on the humid side of the wall, where…uh…it’s not able to retard much vapor. In a really, really cold climate, it may matter, but even in Maine and Ontario, vapor retarder paint would be a better way to go.
Can you put kraft paper on the wrong side?
The upshot here is that If you put the kraft paper on the wrong side and it gets wet, it won’t trap moisture. The wetter it gets, the better it dries. If you put it on the right side, where the humidity is, it’s not much of a vapor retarder. Also on the graph is the permeance of polyethylene.
What is the difference between unfaced and kraft face insulation?
What is the difference between unfaced and Kraft-faced insulation and how is it installed? Unfaced means the insulation lacks a vapor retarder (paper or plastic facing). Kraft-faced insulation includes a paper vapor retarder, which helps prevent mold and mildew.
What is kraft face 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.
