Is It Better To Insulate Walls Or Roof?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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wall insulation,

always go for the attic

. The largest pay back will be seen here. You would stop heat loss from natural convection and block solar gain (an increase in heat) in the attic, which can result in energy savings of 30 to 50 percent. You won't see as big of a return on investment by insulating walls.

Should you insulate the roof of a house?

For optimal energy efficiency, your home should be

properly insulated

from the roof down to its foundation.

Is it bad to insulate roof?

If attic insulation is blocking vents, it means there isn't enough airflow to facilitate moisture evaporation. This can lead to mold growth, which, over time, can contribute to health problems and cause decay in the roof's structure.

Does roof insulation make a difference?

According to the Department of Energy,

properly insulating the attic can save 10 to 50 percent on a typical heating bill

. In the Washington area, there are many styles of homes and roofs, but typically most have some degree of attic space, either walk-in or crawl space.

Is it worth insulating a ceiling?

According to the Department of Energy, properly insulating the

attic can save 10 to 50 percent on a typical heating bill

. In the Washington area, there are many styles of homes and roofs, but typically most have some degree of attic space, either walk-in or crawl space.

Should you insulate between rafters?


Insulating between rafters will do no good

, because the attic should be ventilated, and the rafter insulation would be between two unheated spaces. … Moisture buildup in the attic is a concern because it can condense into water, often causing mold. Good ventilation, from soffit vents and a ridge vent, will stop that.

Can you over insulate a house?


It is possible to over-insulate your house

so much that it can't breathe. The whole point of home insulation is to tightly seal your home's interior. But if it becomes too tightly sealed with too many layers of insulation, moisture can get trapped inside those layers.

Where is most heat loss in a house?

The biggest area for heat loss in most homes are

drafts within in the walls, windows and doors

. It's typical for these spots to be less noticeable than you'd think they would be. Just a single 1/8 inch gap under a standard 36-inch wide door will leak just as much cold heat out as an almost 2.5 inch hole through a wall.

What is the best insulator?

The best insulator in the world right now is most probably

aerogel

, with silica aerogels having thermal conductivities of less than 0.03 W/m*K in atmosphere. of aerogel preventing ice from melting on a hot plate at 80 degrees Celsius! Aerogel has its amazing properties because it's mostly made out of air.

How do you insulate a ceiling from the inside?

The easiest place to add insulation without affecting drywall is in

an attic

, under the roof. That also is where added insulation is most beneficial. One option is to add loose fill insulation such as cellulose, rock wool or fiberglass beads. These insulations are available in bags at building supply stores.

How much heat is lost through the roof?

In an uninsulated timber-framed house,

30–35% of heat

is lost through the roof, 21–31% through the windows and 18–25% through the walls. The floor and air leakage account for the remaining heat loss.

Can I insulate the underside of my roof?


Open-cell spray polyurethane foam or closed-cell spray polyurethane foam (ccSPF) insulation

can be sprayed along the underside of the roof sheathing to provide a conditioned and insulated attic space that can be durable and efficient in all climate zones (see Figure 1).

David Martineau
Author
David Martineau
David is an interior designer and home improvement expert. With a degree in architecture, David has worked on various renovation projects and has written for several home and garden publications. David's expertise in decorating, renovation, and repair will help you create your dream home.