Insulating Dormer Attic Space

Make sure your home is properly insulated in all these locations.

Insulating dormer attic space. Do dormer bungalows and houses with attics in the roof space need a different approach to insulation. The ideal attic insulation r value is different than the ideal wall insulation r value. 1a attic access door. For diy attic insulation you ve got two choices.

In finished attic rooms with or without dormer insulate 2a between the studs of knee walls 2b between the studs and rafters of exterior walls and roof 2c and ceilings with. It is the classic design with knee walls in the upstairs rooms and storage access in the side attics. Loose fill or batt the common term for blanket insulation. If the air distribution is in the attic space then consider insulating the rafters to move the distribution into the conditioned space.

Out of all the above mentioned common methods of insulating dormer roofs the most dependable and preferred is spray foam insulation for the following reasons. Once you ve decided which type is best for you examine the material options and prices to home in on the right product. Access under the flooring is also an issue requring the. Do not insulate the dormer s ceiling when it connects to an uninsulated attic space.

Achieving greater r values in attics. Insulation ratings can be improved by adding more layers of insulation. If the attic will ever be heated or used as living space insulate with batts blanket or wet blown between roof rafters and on end walls. Because of this i am inclined to insulate under the roof slope as opposed to the knee walls and side attic flooring.

Spray foam insulation is capable of reaching places in the dormer roof that other methods of insulation cannot. Dormer roofs are roofs that contain rooms and can present considerable challenges when it. Loose fill can be blown under the floor between ceiling joists. Heated used as living space.

Why spray foam does it better. Both can be added to uninsulated attics or layered over existing material. Measure the dormer s ceilings for insulation with the tape measure if needed. I can t seem to find consistent and clear info on what i need to do with insulating the side attics in my 1940s cape.

Cut the ceiling s batt insulation to size with the knife. Staple the dormer s ceiling insulation s flaps to the roof trusses with the insulation s paper backing facing down. You need to leave a small air gap of about 25mm behind the insulation and it is worthwhile carrying the rafter insulation up into the attic space even if it is a reduced thickness above the ceiling.