![]() ![]() Twelve inches of fiberglass or cellulose insulation is needed to deliver the R-38 values recommended in much of the country. ![]() Also, because this space is narrow, there is not enough room to install the deep levels of insulation that are required. The space between the bottom of the rafter and the top of the ceiling is just too narrow. While in the attic, workers can not crawl close enough to the intersection of roof rafters and ceiling joists. It is difficult to properly air-seal and insulate the ceilings of homes that have shallow roof pitches. Here are some suggestions that may help in your next project. Reroofing provides an opportunity to gain access to these enclosed spaces. Also homes with sloped ceilings like those found in Cape-style houses and houses with cathedral ceilings are difficult to retrofit because the rafter bays are sealed by finished surfaces. There just isn’t enough room to access the space between the rafters and ceiling. But in some homes this plan is not so easy to follow: It is difficult to tighten and insulate ceilings in homes with shallow-pitched rafters. A good plan is one that provides a continuous air and insulation barrier. The cure is to block the loss of indoor heat, keeping the entire roof surface cold and saving energy dollars in the process!Īn energy retrofit in the ceilings of many homes is easy: Climb into the attic, block all air leaks connecting the living space to the attic space and increase the thickness of insulation on the attic floor. Heat leaking to the roof deck from the living space below is the root cause of ice dams. They are a symptom of a home’s energy sickness. Ice dams cause millions of dollars of structural damage every year. High energy bills, drafty indoor climates, and the formation of ice dams on roofs are all costly symptoms of a sub-par energy design. Builders of that period devoted very little attention to insulation and air tightness in the design of their building envelopes. Homes built 20 years ago are underinsulated by today’s standards. ![]() It is safe to assume that if a home needs a new roof it also needs new, or at least better, insulation. Choices about reroofing are often limited to appearance, cost and the ability of the roof to keep the homeowner dry. Roof shingles wear out and need replacing about every 20 years. A well-designed exterior retrofit will lower energy bills, improve comfort and redefine a home’s level of performance. But there is much to be gained beyond fixing leaks and worn out siding. Often a catastrophic event like water dripping from the ceiling launches the project into motion. So, the decision to replace siding and roofing usually takes time to develop. The adage that says: within every problem lies an opportunity, is certainly valid when it comes to residing and reroofing a home. Here are several options that can help you meet your goals for some roofs and wood siding rehabs. When it’s time to replace worn siding and roof coverings, you can recognize this as an opportunity to upgrade your home’s energy performance. Some information contained in it may be outdated. Please note: This older article by our former faculty member remains available on our site for archival purposes. ![]()
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