Proper Roof Insulation

In most climates it needs a vapor barrier.

Proper roof insulation.

Recommended home insulation r values insulation level are specified by r value. Typical recommendations for exterior walls are r 13 to r 23 while r 30 r 38 and r 49 are common for ceilings and attic spaces. Like other batt type insulation fiberglass has a predictable r value if not compressed but is difficult to fit around obstacles without leaving gaps. By the mother earth news editors.

The most proper insulation level to use on ceilings are r 30 batts that are as thick as r 25 batts but fit into a 2x10 framing. You put a lot into keeping your home running. R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it. Get the most out of your home with proper roof insulation.

Depending on where you live and the part of your home you re insulating walls crawlspace attic etc you ll need a different r value. Always cover the tops of the ceiling joists to make sure the insulation is deep enough to reach your target r value and. This foam can be used on either the outside or the inside of the sheathing. The first step in insulating your attic or roof is to lay the blanket insulation.

The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. Insulation puts the money back in your pocket by protecting your home from the elements and lowering energy costs. Next you ll have to build up the layers and since many attics harbor pipes and electrical equipment you ll have to work around the pipe work and electrical gear and create storage decking if you want to use the space for storing stuff. This guide to proper attic insulation includes tips on vent areas right side up puckers loose or compressed insulation animal nests mold and more.

It s also easier and often less expensive to pile on fiberglass or cellulose insulation at the attic floor to hit target r values than it is to achieve a comparable r value in the roof plane. But there are small improvements many homeowners overlook that can make a huge difference. A vent baffle should be installed between the insulation and the roof decking to maintain the ventilation channel. Because the roof isn t in play here it doesn t matter how many hips valleys dormers or gables there are.

The best material for use with metal roof insulation is in the form of foam batting.