You can also add rigid foam insulation under the rafters which adds r value and eliminates thermal bridging through wood rafters.
Insulating roofs at rafter level.
However the design of the building may restrict some of these options.
In this blog post we explore some of the options available.
A vent baffle should be installed between the insulation and the roof decking to maintain the ventilation channel.
From part l of the building regulations england and wales or section 6 scotland we recommend that the u value of a pitched roof insulated at rafter level should be 0 18 w m 2 k for a domestic refurbishment.
The simplest and most common way to insulate a pitched roof is to add insulation above the horizontal ceiling of the top floor.
The first decision is whether to insulate a pitched roof at ceiling or rafter level.
Box out light fixtures.
The higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.
Consider using high density r 30 batts which are as thick as r 25 batts but fit into 2x10 framing.
R value is a measure of insulation s ability to resist heat traveling through it.
Insulation can be placed above between or just below the rafters.
Pitched roofs can be insulated between below or above the rafters.
When insulating a pitched roof at rafter level there are a number of key design considerations which will affect the build up of the roof and the choice of insulation.
However if the top floor is open to the rafters and is used as habitable accommodation then insulation will need to be provided at rafter level.
Insulation is friction fitted between rafters with the option to underline the rafters with a layer of thermal laminate to further enhance thermal performance.
How is roof insulation installed at rafter level.
Water is insulation s enemy.
The techniques explained in this guidance are compatible with most pitched roof coverings notably tiles slates stone slates and shingles.
Insulating roofs at rafter level for buildings with rooms in the roof space insulation can be added above between or beneath the rafters or as some combination.
It creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew and ruins the air trapping pockets that block heat flow.
Recommended home insulation r values.
Firstly just to make it clear when we are talking about rafter level we mean the timbers that support the pitched roof.
Insulation level are specified by r value.
Our insulation solutions for warm roofs maximise both space and thermal efficiency whilst also contributing to acoustic performance.
It can be advantageous to combine more than one of these approaches for example by insulating between and below rafters.