Should You Insulate Attic Roof Rafters

You only need those if you have vents in the soffits under the eaves.

Should you insulate attic roof rafters. Make sure it is flush against the wood as also a 1 inch gap can create a 20 percent heating loss. The idea is to allow some air to circulate through some part of the attic under the roof but outside the insulation to prevent moisture build up. Air movement is critical in the attic so. In order to avoid damage to the roof deck you should insulate ceilings to create an air barrier between the living space and an unfinished attic or airspace underneath the roof deck.

If you re considering turning your attic into conditioned storage or living space it s worth changing tactics to insulate between the rafters and wall joists instead of the floor. That s because it s easier for the contractor to spray than clean up existing insulation deal with any can lights or venting etc. If you re using the attic for living space then you need to insulate the rafters. Usually you will certainly fill the insulation blower with the insulation and blow it between the attic floor joists.

Install ventilation baffles into the space between the rafters before you install the insulation usually by stapling into place. In this way you prevent the heat from the rooms below escaping to the attic rooms above. Consumers are often told by spray foam contractors to do the rafters. Attic moisture problems are often the result of heated air from the living space rising up into the attic which is not heated.

If you live in the south you should consider putting in a radiant barrier in the attic. This will have the best return on investment if you live in an area with more than 2000 cooling degree days. If your attic is going to be converted into livable space then you will need to insulate the roof rafters. But the best solution is actually to insulate both the attic floor and the underside of the roof.

Hire a pro to install spray foam insulation. However if you super insulate your attic ie r 30 or better then it becomes redundent. For rolled insulation location it in between roof covering rafters. If you have vents in the walls of the attic or in the roof ridge then the insulation can go all the way to the roof.

If you do not use the attic much it is pointless heating this area. Insulating between rafters will do no good because the attic should be ventilated and the rafter insulation would be between two unheated spaces. Insulating the attic floor. When choosing unfaced batting insulation for rafters you must staple sheets of plastic over the batting to accomplish the necessary moisture barrier.

You can use rigid foam panels or do as tom silva does with nearly all houses these days.