Should I Insulate My Roof Rafters

Insulating the pitched roof 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.

Should i insulate my roof rafters.

Do not use plastic sheeting in this case. The technically correct approach depends on a number of factors. The idea is to allow some air to circulate through some part of the attic under the roof but outside the insulation to prevent moisture build up. Whether you need to insulate your roof rafters will depend on what you intend to do in the space directly beneath the rafters.

You can also add rigid foam insulation under the rafters which adds r value and eliminates thermal bridging through wood rafters. Hire a pro to install spray foam insulation. You can add insulation to the floor. For example if the space beneath the rafters is going to be used for a living area then you will need to insulate the roof rafters.

If you re considering turning your attic into conditioned storage or living space it s worth changing tactics to insulate between the rafters and wall joists instead of the floor. Half inch drywall is usually sufficient but check with local building officials before installing. Even small gaps can allow the passage of warm air through the foam rendering the foam all but useless as an insulator. However rigid foam insulation must be covered with a fire rated material when used on the interior of a building.

You need to leave a gap to the rear of the insulation between the membrane and the insulation to allow air to circulate around the roof space. You only need those if you have vents in the soffits under the eaves. To get the best performance out of spray foam insulation you must cover the roof rafters and surrounding areas as thoroughly as possible. In order to avoid damage to the roof deck you should insulate ceilings to create an air barrier between the living space and an unfinished attic or airspace underneath the roof deck.

Attic moisture problems are often the result of heated air from the living space rising up into the attic which is not heated. If there is a floor you will need to remove it to properly insulate the roof rafters. Whether or not there is an inner roof lining and the total thickness of the roof structure. Insulating between rafters will do no good because the attic should be ventilated and the rafter insulation would be between two unheated spaces.

You can use rigid foam panels or do as tom silva does with nearly all houses these days. I would personally use celotex cut tightly in between the rafters. Place the plastic sheeting on top of the rolled insulation.