Proper Insulation For Cathedral Ceiling

When tom insulates a cathedral ceiling or a finished attic he also turns to foam.

Proper insulation for cathedral ceiling.

The craze for insulated cathedral ceilings and great rooms really took off in the 1970s and 1980s when examples began popping up like mushrooms after a warm rain. Sprayed against the underside of the roof deck it seals against air movement eliminating the need for a vapor barrier or ventilation. Check the joists and wall plates for any holes or openings. Proper insulation is the best way to maximize comfort and minimize energy bills.

Cathedral ceilings built using 2 x 12 roof rafters allow enough space for the fiberglass batt insulation and a 1 5 gap for ventilation. Above the insulation leave a 1 1 2 in. 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. Minimize penetrations to the ceiling and especially avoid recessed ceiling lights which have been the cause of numerous moisture problems in cathedral ceilings with or without vent channels.

Although many view this as a new method as stated previously many contractors have been doing this for years. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. 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. Insulated cathedral ceilings are a relatively recent phenomenon.

Utilizing cellulose insulation contractors blow the cathedral ceiling cavity completely full and do away with the need for outside ventilation. Vent channel separated from the insulation by a foam cardboard or plywood baffle and provide balanced. In those days most builders stuffed cathedral ceiling rafter bays with fiberglass batts. While fiberglass insulation is an excellent and effective product for insulating most building cavities in areas where there is extra risk of trapping moisture and thus rot or mold infections such as crawl spaces and cathedral ceilings where roof venting may be absent or minimal we prefer to use closed cell foam insulation products or spray.

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. 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. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Stand on a ladder and using a caulk gun seal any areas where there is visible wiring or plumbing.

Insulation level are specified by r value.