Dense Packed Ceiling with Insulation From Roof Ridge in Brimfield, Ma
Challenge
The Problem with Uninsulated Cathedral Ceilings - Your cathedral ceiling is dramatically under insulated. Air in your home that you paid to heat, hits the cold ceiling and descends, creating a "convective" loop making your home feel cold and drafty. In the summer, the roofing heats up to 160˚ and the roof heat radiates through the ceiling and heats up the room.
In most areas of the united states, homes need R60 insulation in their attics - the equivalent of 20" deep fiberglass batt. But cathedral ceilings only have the depth of the rafters (6" - 11") fo insulation. Two factors relating to the optional vented roof design make the situation much worse. First, some of the rafter space is used for airflow ( Cold in the winter) - which means even less space for insulation. Second, this air flow "wind washes" open faced fiberglass batts, reducing the R-value of batts that were designed and rated to be used in closed cavities with no airflow whatsoever.
Solution
Fogarty's Home Services Solution - Dense packing the Ceiling with TruSoft Cellulose Insulation From the Roof Ridge.
The soffit vent is blocked with a continuous board which may need painting by the homeowner. The ridge vent is removed along with two courses of roof shingles and the roof sheathing (usually plywood) is cut back approximately 4". A long fill tube is inserted to reach the bottom of the ceiling plane and TruSoft™ cellulose insulation is "dense packed" into each rafter bay. Dense packing fills all air spaces, compresses existing fiberglass batts, and stops air leakage. The plywood and roof shingles are re-installed. The ride vent is re-installed and functions not as an air vent, but a vapor vent. Some touch up (patching and painting) of the ceiling may be required by the homeowner if nails pop, which doesn't always happen, but can happen if the drywall is not secured well.
Results from Insulation - Room is warmer in winter, cooler in summer, less drafty, more comfortable, lower heating and cooling bills, easier to heat and cool.
Project Summary
Cathedral Ceiling Insulation:
