Kraft Paper

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Kraft Paper

What is Kraft Paper?

Strong paper made from wood pulp using the kraft process, commonly used in construction for vapor barriers, building wraps, protective coverings, and insulation facing applications due to its strength and moisture resistance properties.

Description

Kraft paper is strong paper made from wood pulp using the kraft process, commonly used in construction for vapor barriers, building wraps, protective coverings, and insulation facing applications due to its strength and moisture resistance properties. The kraft process produces paper with superior strength characteristics compared to other papermaking methods, making it ideal for construction applications where durability and moisture resistance are important. Kraft paper serves multiple functions in building construction, from vapor control to surface protection.

The primary purposes include providing vapor barrier properties, creating protective coverings for materials and surfaces, serving as building wrap and weather barriers, acting as insulation facing material, offering temporary protection during construction, providing moisture resistance in building assemblies, and meeting building code requirements for vapor barriers.

Manufacturing process involves the kraft pulping method, chemical treatment, paper formation, and quality control measures that create strong, durable paper products.

FAQs

  • What is kraft paper?

    Kraft paper is strong paper made from wood pulp using the kraft process, commonly used in construction for vapor barriers, building wraps, and protective applications.

  • Why is kraft paper stronger than regular paper?

    The kraft process uses chemical treatment that preserves long wood fibers and removes lignin, resulting in paper with superior strength and durability.

  • What construction applications use kraft paper?

    Common applications include vapor barriers, insulation facing, building wraps, surface protection, and temporary coverings during construction.

  • Is kraft paper waterproof?

    Kraft paper is moisture-resistant but not completely waterproof; coated versions provide enhanced moisture resistance for vapor barrier applications.

  • How do you install kraft paper as a vapor barrier?

    Install with proper orientation, overlap seams, seal joints with tape, and fasten securely to framing while maintaining continuity.

  • What’s the difference between kraft paper and building paper?

    Kraft paper refers to the manufacturing process, while building paper is a broader category that includes various papers used in construction, including kraft paper.

  • Can kraft paper be recycled?

    Yes, kraft paper is recyclable, though construction-used kraft paper with coatings or adhesives may have recycling limitations.

Fun Fact

Fun Fact: The kraft process was invented in 1879 by German chemist Carl F. Dahl and gets its name from the German word “kraft” meaning strength! Kraft paper can be up to 40% stronger than paper made by other processes. The brown color of natural kraft paper comes from the lignin that remains in the pulp – it’s not added dye! Interestingly, kraft paper was originally developed for making paper bags and packaging, but its strength properties made it perfect for construction applications starting in the early 1900s!

CSI Code

07 26 00

NAHB Code

720