I'm looking for some creative solutions to insulate our vaulted ceiling, which features exposed rafters. Our house is a small 600 square foot bungalow built in the 1950s, originally intended as a summer retreat. Because of this, insulation wasn't given much thought. The rafters currently have about 1/2 inch of foam board insulation, but since the walls stop at the roof pitch, it's essentially one big open space without any zoning for heating or cooling. We only have one wall-mounted air conditioner, and it isn't effective. Recently, we noticed that during the heat, the rafters can reach up to 115°F, while the foam insulation reads around 95°F. The indoor temperature never dips below 85°F in the summer. We're considering adding fiberglass insulation between the rafters, followed by a layer of foam board on top, and finishing it off with wood paneling. Is this a sound plan, or does anyone have alternative suggestions? We're open to any ideas, whether traditional or out-of-the-box, to help manage the heat. Also, upgrading window units isn't an option due to our outward-swinging windows, and we wish to avoid wasting energy by just pumping more AC into a space that can't retain it. Lastly, our electrical system is maxed out, so we'll need a professional for that part too. Here's a link to some photos for reference: https://imgur.com/a/uninsulated-ceiling-fhj3FfG
2 Answers
Before you invest in your insulation project, it’s important to assess your climate first. Living on the southeast coast of New Jersey means you’ve got humidity to contend with as well. Adding fiberglass insulation is a great idea, and layering foam board on top will provide additional thermal resistance. Just make sure there's proper ventilation in your roof system to avoid moisture issues in the future. You might also want to explore options like radiant barrier paints on the rafters to reflect heat away in the summer. Keeping that aesthetic is great, but it's crucial to maintain the structure’s integrity. Good luck!
It sounds like you're on the right track! Your plan of fiberglass and foam board is solid. Have you considered using spray foam insulation instead? It tends to fill in gaps better and creates an effective air seal, potentially keeping your space cooler during those hot summer days. Just a thought!
Definitely explore spray foam options! It might be a bit pricier, but many find it pays off in energy savings. Just check with a pro about the installation to ensure it’s done right.
I agree with CoolCeilingGuy23. Adding a radiant barrier would be an effective way to keep your space cooler without drastically changing the look of your rafters. Just remember, if moisture builds up, it can cause more damage long term!