Which Side Up?

When insulating a ceiling (floor joists) with fluffy KRAFT-BACKED insualtion, which side does the KRAFT-BACK go on? The manufacturer's instructions indicate that the paper should go up against the sub-floor. But I was wondering if this is different in regards to studio building.

Your in PA, so I would assume we both have the same situation with insulation. The paper faced backing is supposed to face the heated side. In the case of the ceiling (floor) joists, I would have it facing down (so the drywall is then against it). Also remember (something cool I learned) when your putting the insulation up, dont cover the studs with the paper tabs (as many do) instead staple the tabs along the inside of the studs. If you dont, and you "Glue and Screw" your drywall on, essentially (if the paper tabs are overlapping the studs) all your doing is gluing the drywall to those paper tabs. :? Leave the studs exposed and then the glue will be between the actual studs thenselves, and drywall as you want it to be. :wink: You may already know this all, but I didnt, and thought it may be useful info to pass on. Back to your question,,,,Keep the paper backing facing in. (against the drywall) Thats also what codes here, at least in my town, requires! AJ

Brad, this all relates to your vapor barrier work. Recall having to take the stuff against the wall down? and then you put it against the studs which would be between the foundation and wall board. paper is supposed to face the warm side. If you're using rc or other clips to decouple the drywall layer of the ceiling from the floor joists, don't worry about where the staples go. That suggestion is to prevent the drywall from having bumps in it when screwed tight in standard construction.. If you're gluing the drywall to your joists and having contact with the paper, I guess that'd be something to avoid though.

Cram wrote:

Brad, this all relates to your vapor barrier work. Recall having to take the stuff against the wall down? and then you put it against the studs which would be between the foundation and wall board. paper is supposed to face the warm side. If you're using rc or other clips to decouple the drywall layer of the ceiling from the floor joists, don't worry about where the staples go. That suggestion is to prevent the drywall from having bumps in it when screwed tight in standard construction.. If you're gluing the drywall to your joists and having contact with the paper, I guess that'd be something to avoid though.

Yup - I knew this, but the "instructions" on the packaging showed the paper up, which was weird to me. I guess this is for unfinished ceilings in the basement that have no heat beneath them. Thanks bud!