Kermit writes from Kansas City, Kansas: "I too have exposed Kraft insulation in my attic and would like to use something other than gypsum for a fire barrier. Does Owens Corning make a fiber insulation board that would work as a fire barrier and add insulation value?"

Answer: Owens Corning does not manufacture a board type product that can be used in place of gypsum but wood is also acceptable as a fire barrier. I am not aware of any insulation product that also acts as a 15-minute thermal barrier.

I am curious about why you have exposed Kraft facing in the attic. If the attic is not conditioned (heated and/or cooled) insulation should be placed between the joists on the floor with the vapor retarder facing the warm-in-winter side, which is down toward the living space below. In that case the Kraft paper facing would not be exposed. Perhaps you simply need to turn the insulation over.

If the attic space is conditioned, then you do want the facing toward the inside while leaving space between the insulation and the roof deck for ventilation. If the space is conditioned, it is probably living space and I would think you would want to cover the insulation with drywall.

One of my technical resources for such information is Lee Burlingame, Residential/Commercial Product Specialist in the Insulating Systems Business (ISB). He is aware of your question and is happy to talk with you if you want to discuss the situation with him. Here is his contact information:

 Phone: 419-248-7149
 Cell: 419-350-4335
 lee.burlingame@owenscorning