Knowledge Builders

what is the purpose of paper backing on insulation

by Dr. Victoria Fahey III Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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The Purpose of Insulation Facing
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. For this reason, faced insulation is typically installed on the "warm in winter" side of the wall.
May 28, 2019

Full Answer

Is paper a good insulation?

Paper reduces the convection, conduction and radiation of heat and therefore it is a good insulator of heat. Are papers insulator? Yes, paper is an insulator. In fact, it is said to be a good insulator.

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. ...

More items...

What is insulation with foil backing?

  • thermal performance, since as aforementioned it combines both rigid panels and foil strengths, thus upgrading insulation power. ...
  • rigid insulation core of foil faced insulation is particularly important for the strength and robustness of the entire product. ...
  • The material is also very light which only adds to its easy installation process. ...

Should insulation paper face in or out?

You can use either faced or unfaced batting for this installation. When using insulation that has either paper or plastic facing, that moisture barrier faces outward, toward the attic space. Even if the attic space is unheated, it typically is warmer than the outside air in winter.

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Why does insulation have a paper backing?

Vapor barriers—sheets of plastic or kraft paper—keep water vapor out of the wall cavity, so the insulation stays dry. Not every type of insulation needs a vapor barrier. But if it does, the barrier should face inside in northern, heating climates, and outside in humid southern climates.

What is the paper on the back of 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.

Does the paper backing on insulation go in or out?

Regardless of whether fiberglass insulation is installed in a wall, attic, or crawlspace; the paper facing should always face toward the inside of the home. That's because the paper contains a layer of asphalt adhesive which prevents water vapor from passing through it.

When should I use unfaced insulation?

Unfaced insulation—the type without paper—is what you would use if you are adding insulation to your attic or to place between floors when living space is above and below. Unfaced is also your best choice for adding soundproofing to interior walls.

Can paper 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.

How do you install wall insulation with paper backing?

0:060:49Installing Faced Batt Insulation - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe fit should be snug. And the vapor retarder should face the conditioned interior space unless youMoreThe fit should be snug. And the vapor retarder should face the conditioned interior space unless you were instructed otherwise. For your safety carefully remove any loose wood or nails as you proceed.

Is paper backed insulation a vapor barrier?

The Purpose of Insulation Facing 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. For this reason, faced insulation is typically installed on the "warm in winter" side of the wall.

Should I use faced or unfaced insulation in my 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.

What side of the insulation faces out?

Picking the right face is essential with fiberglass insulation that has a vapor barrier (meaning with Kraft paper or foil attached on one side). It should always face the warm-in-winter side. Thus, in cold climates, it should face the interior; in hot humid climates, it should face the exterior.

Is it OK to use unfaced insulation in attic?

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.

Do you use faced or unfaced insulation in exterior walls?

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.

Does faced insulation need to be covered?

To satisfy building codes, most faced insulation must be covered with half-inch-thick wallboard or other code-approved material to reduce the chances of its igniting during a fire. There is a type of faced insulation approved for exposed installations.

What is Kraft face insulation?

Kraft-faced, or paper-faced, insulation comes in batts and long rolls. The batts are precut to fit into cavities on standard 8-foot-high walls. Roll insulation is best for floors, ceilings, and roofs with a long joist or rafter bays and for tall walls.

Where is faced insulation installed?

For this reason, faced insulation is typically installed on the "warm in winter" side of the wall. In other words, the facing usually faces in toward the living space (or into the attic or basement area, in unfinished attics and basements).

What is the purpose of a facing on a wall?

The Purpose of Insulation Facing. 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.

Does insulation add heat to a room?

It is a popular misunderstanding that insulation adds heat to an insulated space. In reality, all it does is slow the migration of heat from the warm side of the insulation to the cold side. The R-value of kraft-faced insulation typically is printed on the kraft paper facing.

Can faced insulation be installed on a wood frame?

In very humid climates, building codes may not allow faced insulation at all. The basic installation steps are the same for walls, ceilings, floors, and roofs in wood-frame houses: Cut the insulation roll or batt to fit the length of the framing cavity, if necessary. Place the insulation with the facing side down on a piece of scrap plywood.

Do you staple insulation flanges?

Codes in some areas may require you to staple the insulation flanges on the front (exposed) side of the framing to create a continuous vapor barrier.

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.

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 Faced Insulation

Faced Insulation is a type of roll or batt insulation with a kraft paper attached to one side which acts as a vapor barrier. In addition, insulation comes complete with a vapor barrier/retarder.

What is Unfaced Insulation

Unfaced Insulations are made from fiberglass roll or batt insulation products and have no kraft paper attached to them. Unfaced Insulations, therefore, lack vapor barrier/retarder.

What R-Value Faced or Unfaced Insulation Do You Need?

R-value is used to determine the air resistance offered by an insulation product. R-value is often a correlation to the thickness of the insulation. As insulation compresses (either by age or contact), it loses R-Value.

What You Need to Know When Installing Insulation

Installing home insulation solutions is pretty much an easy job and a do-it-yourself kind of project. Still, you can always call a professional for structural and vapor/moisture-related problems.

Conclusion

Faced Insulation and Unfaced Insulation are very interesting topics to engage in. They say East West Home is the best. So no matter where we go, and no matter how long we are away, we finally return home. A home is a place of peace and comfort.

Why do decorators use lining paper?

The most common reason for a decorator to use a lining paper is to smooth out the wall. This is important in order to get a good, flat finish on your walls.

Why does wallpaper stain?

There are two ways in which staining might occur to your wallpaper. Firstly, substances on the wall itself might leach into the wallpaper once hung and cause staining. The use of lining paper eliminates this risk as the wallpaper itself is not in direct contact with the wall. Secondly, when paste is applied to some wallpaper, the added moisture can cause colours to bleed or run. As lining paper speeds up the drying process, it can help to reduce this issue.

Does wallpaper trap air?

Every layer of paper you apply to the walls of your home creates an extra layer of insulation. The trapped air in between the lining paper and the wall and subsequently the lining paper and the wallpaper will help to trap air – keeping your home warmer and saving you energy.

Do woven wallpapers shrink when wet?

Some wallpapers, especially woven ones, tend to expand when wet and shrink when dry. This can leave gaps between sheets of wallpaper, even if you have taken every care not to let this happen whilst hanging the paper.

Can wallpaper peel off after drying?

Often if wallpaper is applied directly to a bare plastered wall or to a previously painted wall, after drying the wallpaper may peel off. Thanks to the use of lining paper, your wallpaper will have increased durability and is much more likely to stay in place if lining paper is used.

What are the benefits of foil backed insulation?

Now, there are also different versions and types of these boards which influence their overall performance, but some of the most important benefits of foil backed insulation panels are: thermal performance , since as aforementioned it combines both rigid panels and foil strengths, thus upgrading insulation power.

Why is foil faced insulation important?

rigid insulation core of foil faced insulation is particularly important for the strength and robustness of the entire product. These boards will not bend, break or sag but will, on the contrary, contribute to the overall integrity of the wall structure. The material is also very light which only adds to its easy installation process.

What is PIR board?

These are usually PIR boards (referring to the insulation core) covered with highly reflective foil on one or both sides of the panels. This way the best characteristics of both rigid insulation boards and reflective foil insulation are combined in order of getting one product of superb quality.

What is cavity wall insulation?

Basically, when originally designed, cavity walls were supposed to hold the cold air trapped between the inner and outer leaf of the wall which was divided by a cavity.

When is the best time to add insulation?

Since the winter is slowly approaching, now would be a good time to consider your insulation options. Basically, if you do not want to end up freezing during harsh winter months and thinking you should have thought about adding insulation sooner, you better start conducting a thorough inspection of your home and decide upon which part just craves ...

Is foil backed insulation a DIY job?

Thus installing foil backed insulation panels is practically a DIY job, which could also lower your costs. Another cost-related issue refers to the maintenance and replacement costs. These panels can basically have an indefinite life span, if installed correctly.

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Url:https://www.energyvanguard.com/blog/in-or-out-where-does-the-paper-facing-of-batt-insulation-go/

6 hours ago  · What is the purpose of paper backing on insulation? The Purpose of Insulation Facing. 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. For this reason, faced insulation is typically installed on the "warm in winter" side of the wall. Click to see full answer.

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Url:https://www.thebalancesmb.com/how-to-install-insulation-tip-and-tricks-844837

3 hours ago  · What is the purpose of paper backing on insulation? The Purpose of Insulation Facing 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. For this reason, faced insulation is typically installed on the "warm in winter" side of the wall.

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28 hours ago George asks, Is it ok to use the roll type insulation with the paper backing in the attic. If so, does the paper go up or down? Thanks. The paper is the vapor barrier ands it always faces the living space, which in an attic is the ceiling below. Good luck!

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Url:https://www.gowallpaper.co.uk/news-and-advice/5-reasons-to-use-lining-paper

33 hours ago  · Faced Insulation is a type of roll or batt insulation with a kraft paper attached to one side which acts as a vapor barrier. In addition, insulation comes complete with a vapor barrier/retarder. A Faced Insulation is stapled onto the framing with the paper side facing the home’s interior to install it. The faced should always be against the drywall as the drywall will …

7.All the Pros of Foil Backed Insulation Boards

Url:https://www.insulationshop.co/all_the_pros_of_foil_backed_insulation_boards.html

24 hours ago  · Reason #5 – Insulation. Every layer of paper you apply to the walls of your home creates an extra layer of insulation. The trapped air in between the lining paper and the wall and subsequently the lining paper and the wallpaper will help to trap air – keeping your home warmer and saving you energy.

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