Should attic ceilings be insulated?

Should you insulate your attic roof? Insulation is a wise choice to increase the energy efficiency of your home. Quality insulation will make it more cost-effective to heat and cool your home, The Department of Energy's estimates range from a 10% to 50% savings, depending on several factors.

Should you insulate ceilings?

In addition to walls and attics, insulation should be installed in ceilings with unheated spaces, basement walls, floors above vented crawl spaces, cathedral ceilings, floors over unheated garages or porches, knee walls, and in between interior walls—especially bathrooms—as well as ceilings and floors.

Is it better to insulate attic floor or roof?

roof insulation is no-contest. The floor wins every time. Insulating the floor is standard practice for an unfinished attic space. The exception to this rule takes place when families opt to convert an unfinished attic space into something usable or livable.

Should I insulate my attic rafters?

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 add insulation to the floor; the more the merrier. Just don't put it in the eaves. Also, make sure the attic is well ventilated.

What type of insulation is best for ceilings?

Spray foam insulation is the most effective type, with a maximum R-value of 6.5 per inch.

Insulating Attic Ceilings

Does ceiling insulation need a vapor barrier?

Fiberglass Insulation

Like other batt-type insulation, fiberglass has a predictable R-value if not compressed but is difficult to fit around obstacles without leaving gaps. In most climates, it needs a vapor barrier.

Can you put too much insulation in attic?

It's possible to over-insulate an attic as too much will cause moisture buildup and eventually result in mold. Eventually, adding more insulation leads to diminishing returns in trapping heat as well.

Do roof rafters need insulation?

Whether you need to insulate your roof rafters will depend on what you intend to do in the space directly beneath the rafters. 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.

What kind of insulation do you use for attic rafters?

R30 in hot climates (like California) R38 in temperate climates (this is typically the desired level for residences in California)

Is it better to insulate ceiling or roof?

If you are deciding between insulating the roof deck or the ceiling, Insulating your ceiling should be the priority. Not only is it easier but ceiling insulation is beneficial in a number of ways: Keeps the temperature in the building regulated. Saves on energy costs.

Is it better to insulate ceiling or walls?

wall insulation, always go for the attic. The largest pay back will be seen here. You would stop heat loss from natural convection and block solar gain (an increase in heat) in the attic, which can result in energy savings of 30 to 50 percent. You won't see as big of a return on investment by insulating walls.

Is it good to spray foam attic ceiling?

Insulating the attic rafters with spray foam creates a conditioned space where your attic is the same temperature as the rest of your home. This keeps the external weather and moisture outside of the attic space so you don't have to worry about any moisture problems or air infiltration.

Is air sealing the attic worth it?

Is air sealing worth it? Yes. Getting your home air sealed is a worthwhile investment—one that pays off in energy efficiency, comfort, and your home's value. According to Energy Star, the EPA estimates savings of 15% on heating and cooling costs by properly air sealing and adding insulation.

Should I insulate the ceiling between floors?

In unfinished attic spaces, insulate between and over the floor joists to seal off living spaces below. If the air distribution is in the attic space, then consider insulating the rafters to move the distribution into the conditioned space.

How do you insulate a ceiling with exposed rafters?

If your structure does not need to be well insulated, you can simply sandwich a layer of aluminum foil insulation or rigid foam between your finish ceiling and a layer of sheathing. Place the sheathing layer on top of the insulation and secure it with nails that pass through the insulation into the rafters.

Should eaves be insulated?

Answers. To answer simply: no, your soffits should not be insulated, and there is a chance that your insulation has been damaged by this. On a positive note, congratulations on having 24-inch eaves.

How many inches of insulation should I have in my attic?

The recommended level for most attics is to insulate to R-38 or about 10 to 14 inches, depending on insulation type.

Does attic insulation make a big difference?

One of the places in your home where a little bit of attention can make a big difference in your comfort — and heating bill — is the attic. According to the Department of Energy, properly insulating the attic can save 10 to 50 percent on a typical heating bill.

What R-value do I need for attic?

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. 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.

Should you put plastic over ceiling insulation?

Plastic vapor barriers should only be installed in vented attics in climates with more than 8,000 heating degree days. You can forego the plastic and use a vapor retarder (kraft-faced insulation or latex ceiling paint) in all other climates except hot-humid or hot-dry climates.

Should you put plastic over insulation?

Without a vapor barrier in place, condensation inside the walls could ruin the insulation and promote the growth of harmful mold and bacteria. Plastic, specifically 6-mil polyethylene plastic, is the most commonly used vapor barrier.

Where does vapor barrier go in attic?

The vapor barrier is always installed facing the heated side of the wall or ceiling, because that's where the moisture is coming from.

Is R30 insulation good for attic?

The average recommended level is 14 inches of R49. In Zone 2, the average minimum requirement for attic insulation is 9 inches of R30 fill. The average recommended level is 17 inches of R60. In Zone 3, the average minimum requirement for attic insulation is 9 inches of R30 fill.