It is important to note when insulation is on the floor of the attic the space between the insulation and the roof deck must be vented to the exterior.
Insulation on attic roof.
Your attic should have a certain amount of insulation in it and the recommended level of insulation for your attic is dependent on where you live.
Insulation level are specified by r value.
You can mix the type and material of insulation too.
The technically correct approach depends on a number of factors.
The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
Achieving greater r values in attics.
It creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew and ruins the air trapping pockets that block heat flow.
Whether or not there is an inner roof lining and the total thickness of the roof structure.
Inspecting your attic insulation.
Insulation on the floor of the attic figure 1.
First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation.
R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.
This insulation strategy has not changed in recent code iterations and is not discussed in this article.
Make sure your home is properly insulated in all these locations.
The ideal attic insulation r value is different than the ideal wall insulation r value.
How to insulate a finished attic.
A quarter of heat is lost through the roof in an uninsulated home.
Insulating in and around your roof attic space also prevents long term damage from moisture build up or ice damming which results from the warm air trying to escape through the apex of the roof but instead heating up the snow.
It can be installed in one of two places.
The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home.
Installing attic roof insulation instead of attic floor insulation has several benefits.
Insulating your loft attic or flat roof is a simple and effective way to reduce heat loss and reduce your heating bills.
Additionally insulation serves as a way to enhance sound proofing on the uppermost envelop of your house.
With a finished attic insulation must help keep the attic areas comfortable.
Box out light fixtures.
On the attic floor or beneath the attic roof.
A finished attic should be insulated much like the rest of the house with insulation in the walls and ceiling.
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.
New rules and practical interpretation.
Look for water stains on the roof sheathing or damp or moldy spots on attic joists and existing insulation as a clue to where leaks might be.
Water is insulation s enemy.
Attic insulation plays a critical role any home s overall comfort and energy efficiency.
