Should I Insulate My Roof Rafters

Whether you need to insulate your roof rafters will depend on what you intend to do in the space directly beneath the rafters.

Should i insulate my roof rafters.

Having chosen to insulate your rafters and potentially use the loft space as an extension of your living area. Materials commonly used for the insulation of the roof deck include. Insulating between rafters will do no good because the attic should be ventilated and the rafter insulation would be between two unheated spaces. Consider using high density r 30 batts which are as thick as r 25 batts but fit into 2x10 framing.

Even small gaps can allow the passage of. For example if the space beneath the rafters is going to be used for a living area then you will need to insulate the roof rafters. If your attic is often used or perhaps you plan to convert it in the future you will need to insulate the inner surfaces of the roof. You are correct and your girlfriend is wrong.

The rafters are joined together by a horizontal ridge board at the top and tied together by ceiling joists at the bottom. It creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew and ruins the air trapping pockets that block heat flow. Knock these to dos off your list to ensure that your insulation will last for years and keep conditioned air where it belongs. Water is insulation s enemy.

Other key prep steps before you insulate. Although there are many different. If you have roof rafters in your attic that aren t insulated you re throwing money away. This means insulating between or below the sloping beams that form the construction and support a sloping roof.

Other considerations to get the best performance out of spray foam insulation you must cover the roof rafters and surrounding areas as thoroughly as possible. A vent baffle should be installed between the insulation and the roof decking to maintain the ventilation channel. While attics especially in older homes are rarely insulated you can easily insulate yours with the help of this. If you use open cell spray foam on your roof rafters you should cover the finished application with a paint or sealant that retards water vapor.

The technically correct approach depends on a number of factors. You may also insulate your roof to help regulate the temperature in an attic that is a part of your living space. You can also add rigid foam insulation under the rafters which adds r value and eliminates thermal bridging through wood rafters. Because heat escapes easily through the roof uninsulated rafters can make your energy bills go up when you turn your heating system on.