How to Improve Existing Vaulted Ceiling Insulation
Cathedral ceilings, or vaulted, pose special challenges to homeowners when it is time to install insulating material. A poorly insulated ceiling lets expensive heat to escape your home, leading to higher utility bills and comfort for your loved ones. You will not only save money, but also protect the environment from the consequences of pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, With the addition of insulation to your present vaulted ceiling. And, when the time arrives to put your home updated insulating material is a plus.
Inspect your present vaulted ceiling insulation. Look for insulation that’s mildewed, moist or discolored. Remove this damaged insulation and place it aside. Wet or damaged insulation loses its efficacy, and needs to be replaced.
Shake insulation blankets which are compacted over their ceilings’ rafters out. Its efficacy is reduced by compressing insulation. By shaking out the blankets, you’ll permit the insulation you have to work to its whole potential.
Pull a section of insulating material out and assess the thickness of the rafters. Next measure the thickness of the insulation in place. Replace the insulation when you’re done.
Calculate the R-value of your ceiling based on the insulation. According to the Seattle Department of Development and Planning, batts offer an R-value of 2 to 3 percent while foam comes with an R-value of 4. While foil-faced foam comes with an R-value per inch of 6 Pink or blue foam offers an R-value of 5. Multiply your total inches of insulating material from the per inch to find the total resistance.
Subtract your out of 30 to determine how much insulation you need to add. By way of example, if your current ceiling offers an R-value of 20, you will want to include R-10 to achieve the generally recommended rating of R-30. Two sheets of pink or blue foam or 3 inches of fiberglass batts may add your ceiling and R-10.
Cut on the new insulating material to size. Keep the insulating material big enough so that it fits snugly between the ceiling joists.
Press on the insulation between the joists without compressing it. It should be held by the friction between the edges of the substance and the joists . Add nails if friction isn’t enough to provide a secure hold.