NEW ORLEANS Blog

How To Properly Install Kraft-Faced or Paper-Faced Batt Insulation

Batt Insulation is probably what you think of when you think of insulation. It is the fluffy strips found between the studs, rafters, and joists in your house. Most batt insulation you see has kraft paper on the backing. An asphalt coating covers the paper and creates a vapor barrier that prevents water vapor from heated indoor air from migrating to the wall or structure it is protecting. Additionally, Batt insulation can be hand-cut, so there are no fitting issues and no gaps between the insulation and the wall. 

Installing Faced Batt insulation can be tricky. Whether you are installing it yourself or you hire a professional to install it, it is important to know the correct way it should be placed. Proper installation can reduce the amount of energy it takes to cool your house by up to 50%. 

Below are some tips and tricks to make sure your paper-faced insulation works effectively: 

1. The facing should face in toward the living space — Because this type of insulation works to prevent heated and humid air from migrating to the wall or structure, the paper should face the “warm in the winter” side, aka your living spaces. 

2. There should be no gaps between the wall and the insulation — Paper-Faced insulation comes in pre-cut strips and large rolls. The strips are cut to fit standard industry sizes, and the rolls are easy to cut by hand. This means that it is customizable and should fit perfectly in any section of your wall without compressing and squishing the insulation. 

3. The flange should be stapled to one side of the wall — The paper facing on the insulation has flaps on the sides called “flanges.” When installing between studs, fold out the flange and position it against the side or front face of the wooden stud. Staple and repeat on the other side. This creates a continuous barrier. 

4. Pipes are installed differently — When faced insulation is installed around pipes, it should be peeled in half. One side will have the paper and the other will be only insulation. The unfaced layer should be placed on the back of the pipe, while the faced layer should sit on the front of the pipe. 

These tips should assist you if you decide to install paper-faced batt insulation or if you want to check a professional’s work. To make sure the job gets done correctly, call Koala Insulation of Greater New Orleans. Our professional installers and a helpful sales representative will make sure you get the best quality possible!