Vaulted Roof Insulation

Bernice from midland ontario wants to know how to get more insulation into her vaulted or cathedral ceiling the common problem with structures like this that we call compact roofs is that there is not usually enough space for a lot of insulation and a lot of ventilation.

Vaulted roof insulation.

Foam insulation is an excellent although expensive solution. The drywall becomes stained the insulation becomes damp and the roof wood can even begin to rot. This type of roof assembly is designed so the air can flow up the soffit vent through an insulation baffle pass through the 1 5 gap between the insulation and roof sheathing then exit through a ridge vent. When renovating an older home whose roof rafters are only 2x6 really 5 1 2 x 1 5 in dimension the available space for insulation and ventilation is limited therefore limiting the options for a combination of good under roof ventilation and high insulation r values in the cathedral ceiling.

In fact when the only space you have is that left by a 2x8 or even a 2x10 you really can t do a perfect job of both. Install vaulted ceiling insulation with batts. If space allows the easiest is to install firm insulation batts over the rafters. To keep fiberglass batts from blocking airflow rafter baffles should be.

Remember that a two inch breathing space between the insulation and the roof sheathing must be included to allow for ventilation. But it s not a diy project. It provides an open airy look and feel to the room and they are often in demand among home buyers. Cathedral ceilings were once popular due to their grandiose height and appearance but these days many people avoid it because it is difficult to get proper cathedral ceiling insulation installed.

A cathedral ceiling is a sloping and pointed ceiling which is usually high and open. Existing is a fourteen year old roof with 2 of closed cell roofing foam with an acrylic elastomeric coating. Below is 1x decking and 2x4 rafters. In a vaulted ceiling however the only fresh air route lies between the insulation and the underside of the roof deck.

If you are looking for the best way to install your cathedral ceiling then there are some mistakes you ll have to avoid in order to prevent heat or. Insulating an unvented cathedral ceiling. Our summers in northern california can be pretty hot amp i am looking to add more insulation to my attic the attic floor is insulated already there is a ridge vent there are 2 gable vents 1 has a fan there are 2 between rafter vents there are no soffits or eaves so no vents there. Inexplicably some well built vaulted ceilings complete with vents and fiberglass insulation have moisture problems.

Our plan is to put rigid board up between the 2x4 s caulk the edges and then hang sheetrock. Cathedral ceilings built using 2 x 12 roof rafters allow enough space for the fiberglass batt insulation and a 1 5 gap for ventilation.