Can you remove kraft paper from insulation?

Author: Madelyn Gerhold  |  Last update: Friday, September 5, 2025

If you cannot find unfaced rolls, you can simply pull the kraft paper (vapor retarder) off without much loss of insulation. You should not tack down rolled insulation. Insulation need to be fluffy to block heat flow.

What is the purpose of kraft paper on 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.

Can kraft-faced insulation be left exposed?

Kraft or foil facedFaced insulation is a batt or roll of fiberglass insulation with an attached kraft paper or foil facing. Kraft and standard foil facings can burn and must not be left exposed. If an exposed application is required, use FSK-25 flame-resistant faced insulation.

Is the paper backing on insulation flammable?

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today cautioned consumers to heed manufacturers' warnings on fiberglass and rock wool home insulation that paper vapor barriers are flammable and should not be left exposed when installed.

Does kraft-faced insulation need to be covered?

Kraft facing should not be left exposed. For insulation material to be left exposed, building codes require the surface of the material to have a flame spread index of 25 or less. Insulation with kraft facing does not have the required flame spread index and must be covered by an appropriated material like drywall.

Marquetry - remove kraft paper from face

Do you take the paper off insulation?

Yes, it's ok. There's no substantial difference between the resulting fiberglass batt and a new, unfaced batt aside from marginally less fiberglass due to what pulls off with the paper.

Is kraft paper a vapor barrier?

✨Trivia Answer✨ Kraft paper acts as a vapor barrier, protecting your home from moisture. 💡 Tip: Kraft-faced insulation should be installed with the paper side facing toward the living space.

Is Kraft-faced insulation a fire hazard?

Kraft facing should never be left exposed. Products are largely made of newspaper, which is highly combustible. Even though it's heavily treated with fire-retardant chemicals prior to installation, it is a recognized fire hazard by the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

How do you remove face from insulation?

One tip for removing is to run a long blade (an old bred knife works fine) along the sides of joists to cut the kraft facing. Then you can simply roll up the old insulation, and even pull it towards you as you roll it up. Then clean up the cavities as needed. Makes a messy job slight less messy.

What is the difference between faced and Kraft-faced insulation?

Faced insulation, also known as "kraft-faced insulation," is fiberglass insulation with a vapor barrier or vapor retarder. This prevents moisture build-up on the walls and ceilings of your home, especially during humid temperatures.

Is it OK to use kraft faced insulation on interior walls?

Different parts of the house demand different insulation materials. For example, faced insulation is better used on exterior walls, attic ceilings, basements, and bathrooms, while unfaced one is commonly used on interior walls, crawl spaces, or between floors.

Is yellow or pink insulation better?

In general, the color of insulation doesn't equal better performance over another color. Whether it's pink, white, brown, or yellow—color doesn't influence dependability, reliability, or the products effectiveness.

Is kraft paper flammable?

molo kraft paper products are completely fire retardant and are difficult to ignite / self-extinguishing. This rating is consistent with use in all types of occupancies. All products should always be kept away from any open flame or heat source to avoid possible damage.

Should attic insulation be faced or unfaced?

You can use faced or unfaced batting when installing between the roof rafters of finished attic spaces. When using paper or plastic batting insulation, 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.

Does kraft paper breathe?

From what I understand, and have read, one has to understand a couple things. Kraft faced insulation is a vapor barrier. But it is not an air barrier. Meaning, if the wind is blowing, you will feel air passing around the kraft faced insulation... if the air is moist, it has bypassed your vapor barrier.

Can you take paper off insulation?

Luckily, the Kraft paper facing is easy to remove. Simply pull on the facing with one hand and use the other hand to push the batt or roll away from the facing. Then, you'll be able to proceed with the repair.

Is it worth replacing old fiberglass insulation?

If you're experiencing high energy bills, uncomfortable rooms, and other problems like moisture it's likely time to replace the insulation in your existing home. If you have traditional insulation in your home, like fiberglass or cellulose, those materials have a tendency to sag, settle, and shift over time.

What is the difference between R13 and R15 insulation?

You can use both in similar places and climates. R15 insulation offers slightly more thermal resistance than R13 insulation, but it also costs more. Ultimately, it's difficult to justify paying a significantly higher price for R15 when R13's insulative properties are only slightly lower than R15.

What is the most flammable insulation?

Cellulose. The most flammable insulation material is cellulose. This commonly used environmentally-friendly insulation is made of up to 80 percent recycled paper fiber.

Should basement walls be faced or unfaced insulation?

Due to this greater likelihood of vapor transmission, facings are ideal when insulating basement walls. The vapor retarder facing should face the living space rather than the wall.

What are the cons of kraft paper?

The main disadvantage is that Kraft paper cannot get wet, a little water will soften the paper, so the bag must be stored in a dry place. If you want to store liquid products, try not to use Kraft paper.

Is kraft paper a good insulator?

Kraft paper is made from wood pulp, causing it to be very durable and tear-resistant. It's also highly favored for its high dielectric strength, which means it can insulate against high levels of electricity. These properties of the paper make it perfect for wrapping electric cables in home appliances.

Does kraft paper absorb moisture?

Consequently, it is well known that water molecules are transported in papers by diffusion of water vapor through the void spaces as well as in a condensed form through fiber cell walls [2]. It follows that papers with high porosity and large pore size, such as Kraft paper, have poor moisture barrier.

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