Attic Sheathing Insulation

The quick pace has proven to be quite auspicious as the typical summer monsoon storm systems begin to play out in southwestern new mexico.

Attic sheathing insulation.

Here are four approaches i recommend you investigate for insulating your attic. Install insulating sheathing above the roof deck on existing homes. Installing the attic insulation and roof sheathing went much faster than i had anticipated. This retrofit assembly is appropriate for homes with conditioned attics or where the retrofit is intended to create a conditioned attic.

If there is a roof leak the insulation will be damaged by the water leaving you with less insulating value. The moisture is held in place by the insulation which allows for damage to the framing and other building components. The attic or rafter assembly meets one of the following conditions regarding the air permeability of the insulation directly under the structural roof sheathing. Water is insulation s enemy.

Mold growing on the sheathing in your attic is a serious problem that shouldn t be ignored. Apply a 2 inch layer of spray foam insulation r 10 to r 12 directly to the interior surface of the roof sheathing. Featuring integrated moisture air and thermal protection zip system r sheathing completely reimagines traditional wall assemblies by streamlining exterior water air and thermal management. Box out light fixtures.

The problem arises with moisture. Zip system r sheathing is the simple all in one structural panel with built in exterior insulation. This will keep the surface warm and help minimize condensation. Mold on attic sheathing.

Insulation is applied in direct contact with the underside of the structural roof sheathing. T he problem with the insulation against the sheathing expands. Insulated roof assemblies can be vented or unvented. Mold growth on attic roof sheathing is a common issue in cool climates such as the pacific northwest.

This occurs when the temperature of the sheathing drops below the dew point creating a thin layer of moisture on the substrate. From the sound of it the roof has already been framed and that limits options. Remove existing roofing and non adhered underlayment to expose roof sheathing. In the vast majority of cases the mold growth is caused by condensation.

Look for water stains on the roof sheathing or damp or moldy spots on attic joists and existing insulation as a clue to where leaks might be. There are at least two good reasons why this approach makes more sense than installing the insulation under the roof sheathing. It creates a breeding ground for mold and mildew and ruins the air trapping pockets that block heat flow.