Should I insulate the ceiling which is the house roof?
2007-02-22 14:02:37 · 9 answers · asked by Mr. Skippy 1 in Home & Garden ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Not unless it is living space. If it is just an attic, put another layer of insulation perpendicular to the ceiling joists (first layer should be blown between joists or bat insulation laid between joists). You don't want to insulate the underside of the roof if you can help it. For one, the heat won't stop rising until it fills up the attic. That's wasted heat. Another reason is that you want as much air flow under the roof as possible. This extends the life of the decking and the shingles. Ideally, the roof should be the same temperature on both sides. Of course, this isn't possible, but the closer the temperature on the underside of the roof is to the top side, the better. If it is freezing outside, it should be colder than a witches tit in the attic. You also need some type of ventilation in the attic to allow hot air to escape in the summer.
If it is living space, that's a whole 'nother can of worms.
2007-02-22 14:16:14 · answer #1 · answered by normobrian 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
According to the national mechanical code, all duct work in an "unconditioned" space (be it attic or crawl space) has to have insulation on it with a minimum R value of R-8. An even better option is to have any metal to metal joints duct sealed. This will allow you to save any heat loss from air escaping from these joints. To reduce the noise factor from the metal expanding and contracting, this will help, but if you are having problems with noise from the air actually moving through the ducts, the ducts should have been insulated internally. If you really want to get technical, you can have a qualified contractor come do a PTCS certification test on your duct work. But for maximum efficiency, have your furnace and a/c serviced anualy. Some of this can be done by you with minimal cost, but it is all time consuming. Good luck!
2016-05-24 00:50:06 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
If you want to install additional insulation it should be on the floor of the attic NOT against the roof. You can lay fiberglass bats in the opposite direction of the existing bats and over the joists, it should be non faced bats, meaning no paper backing. The attic is supposed to be a cold space and Dan is right about the issues he addressed.
2007-02-22 16:00:44 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Unless you plan on finishing the attic space, adding insulation between the roof rafters is probably a waste of time, and depnding on the climate, it could present you with moisture problems in the attic.
2007-02-22 14:14:39 · answer #4 · answered by Hank 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
No, No, No....This all works as a system. Air should be able to pass over the rafters, and the underside of the roof decking to keep it dry. The insulation between your joists should not block the soffit vents either. Failure to comply will result in rot, mold, ice dams, termites, and manifestations of evil spirits. (Well maybe not that last thing).
2007-02-22 14:13:53 · answer #5 · answered by Don 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Not unless you're trying to keep the attic warm.
2007-02-22 14:10:46 · answer #6 · answered by heart o' gold 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Not unless you plane to use it for living space
2007-02-22 14:16:50 · answer #7 · answered by Pat B 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
ABSOUTLEY NOT. Don gave you the best and correct answer.
2007-02-22 15:57:35 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
yes, but also make sure there's adequate ventilation to avoid moisture probs
2007-02-22 14:07:56 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋