Adding Insulation To Attic Rafters

Find your zone on the map and then use the chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces.

Adding insulation to attic rafters.

Pull down stair or ladder. Now that you ve air sealed your attic and basement check your attic insulation levels and add more if necessary. However rigid foam insulation must be covered with a fire rated material when used on the interior of a building. You can also add rigid foam insulation under the rafters which adds r value and eliminates thermal bridging through wood rafters.

Consider using high density r 30 batts which are as thick as r 25 batts but fit into 2x10 framing. Use a zippered insulated tent to keep the enclosure draft free attic tent at 7 attic cover insulator 120. Figure the rafter depth needed to provide the desired r value. Add weatherstripping around the perimeter and a sweep to the door of a walk up attic.

Attic hatch or door. For instance if the roof has 2 by 6 rafters and you want r 30 insulation which is standard in many communities you can add a 2 by 4 which will give you an 9 inch rafter space. To install the rafter vents staple them directly to the roof decking. By adding insulation to your attic you ll not only reduce your monthly utility bills but also enjoy improved energy efficiency and greater comfort throughout the year.

Like many other building materials insulating spray foams for use on roof rafters and attic surfaces come with advantages and disadvantages. Rafter vents should be placed in your attic ceiling in between the rafters at the point where your attic ceiling meets your attic floor. Working on your knees in an attic for long periods of time can be very hot and tiring. I added insulation to my attic rafters and plugged the space between the outdoors and my attic with insulation.

It lowered my heating bill by 150 month but i ve seen some information that i may have made a mistake by cutting off the airflow in my attic. Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation. The relatively costly application for example can also save money by lowering your energy bills and enabling you to add your own insulation with a contractor s help. In part 7 you ll learn how to insulate the attic rafters.

Rafter vents come in 4 foot lengths and 14 1 2 and 22 1 2 inch widths for different rafter spacings. The attic is the easiest place to add insulation to improve your comfort and the energy efficiency of your home.