Insulation On Attic Roof

Insulating your loft attic or flat roof is a simple and effective way to reduce heat loss and reduce your heating bills.

Insulation on attic roof. Insulation level are specified by r value. Insulation on the floor of the attic figure 1. With a finished attic insulation must help keep the attic areas comfortable. The technically correct approach depends on a number of factors.

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. The ideal attic insulation r value is different than the ideal wall insulation r value. Whether or not there is an inner roof lining and the total thickness of the roof structure. 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.

The table below shows what levels of insulation are cost effective for different climates and locations in the home. Loft insulation is effective for at least 40 years and it should pay for itself many times over. Achieving greater r values in attics. You can mix the type and material of insulation too.

Inspecting your attic insulation. First things first you need to go up into your attic inspect the condition of the insulation and calculate the current level of insulation. Attic insulation plays a critical role any home s overall comfort and energy efficiency. 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.

Insulation ratings can be improved by adding more layers of insulation. This insulation strategy has not changed in recent code iterations and is not discussed in this article. Box out light fixtures. 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.

A finished attic should be insulated much like the rest of the house with insulation in the walls and ceiling. It can be installed in one of two places. That means insulating the attic floor only not the walls and having vents in the roof. The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.

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. On the attic floor or beneath the attic roof. Water is insulation s enemy. A quarter of heat is lost through the roof in an uninsulated home.

Additionally insulation serves as a way to enhance sound proofing on the uppermost envelop of your house. New rules and practical interpretation. Make sure your home is properly insulated in all these locations. How to insulate a finished attic.