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How to install insulation between roof rafters

Roof rafter insulation can add to your green home by saving energy and can prove to be cost effective as it helps in curbing your electricity bills. They should be insulated to prohibit any hot and cold air interchange in your home. If you do not insulate your roof rafters effectively, it will result in an increased use of heating and cooling appliances, thereby increasing electricity costs. Prior to insulation always understand the materials required for such insulation and the mechanisms available in the market to complete this task. Roof rafter insulation is a great way to go green as it helps in preserving the environment by reduction in energy consumption and carbon foot print. Entailed below is a step-by-step guide to install insulation between roof rafters.

Materials required:

Identify the width of insulation by measuring the distance between the rafters. Now shop for batt insulation. This should be 16- or 24-inch wide in form of rolls. Note you will get eight to ten pieces of eight-foot insulation. The R-value of your insulation is an important aspect, which will be determined by the thickness of the rafters. Normally 2-by-6 rafters will compliment R-19 insulation, and 2-by-8 or 2-by-10 rafters will go with R-30 insulation. You will need to shop for a knockout stapler in order to complete the insulation at a later stage. You would also need to buy a razor knife to amend the insulation when required.

Steps for installation

Step 1: A space for proper ventilation and lighting plays a vital role when planning to insulate your roof rafters. If not, you should take appropriate steps to create such a space.

Step 2: You would need an extension light for visibility and a box fan for ventilation while working in an attic. Moreover, ensure that you cover your hands completely by wearing a long sleeves shirt or t-shirt. You would also need to wear eye goggles and a facial mask. This will act as a barrier and guard your body from the fiberglass particles produced during insulation.

Step 3: Now you need to measure the exact length of the rafter where insulation will be engineered. If it is beyond eight feet, you will need to install a whole piece of insulation.

Step 4: Now fill the fiberglass side of the insulation into the expanse between the rafters. The paper should be facing out. Pleat the paper tabs above the rafters. Now with the help of a stapler join the paper to the rafters. If your insulation needs alteration, you would need to measure and mark the insulation appropriately.

Step 5: Now add pressure towards the paper side of the insulation while it is resting on the floor. When the insulation is compressed, you can alter the insulation with help of a razor knife. Once the insulation has been installed between the required areas, you should plan to use polyurethane plastic to cover the entire ceiling. While you bind the plastic into place, take help of someone to hold the plastic onto the ceiling.

Step 6: Once you have placed the plastic in order, pull the plastic tight and nudge small holes in the plastic to allow the insulation to breathe. However, make sure that the holes are smaller than a small six-penny nail.

Conclusion

Insulating the roof rafters can be an easy and simple way to contribute towards saving the planet and can deliver benefits to you at an individual level. This can help reduce your cost of electricity bills and help the nature by reducing energy consumption. Today there are multiple ways available to make your home eco-friendly along with such insulation facilities. This form of insulation is very effective in controlling hot and cold air exchange, thereby maintaining a consistent temperature. With lower energy bills and improved energy ratings, roof rafter insulation is a great choice for the eco lovers. For those environment friendly homeowners, this form of energy saving is a great way to combat temperature issues and yet to go green. This is most common form of insulation construction. However, be aware that this design is prone to the manifestation of condensation within the roof void. To avoid condensation, always ensure that this construction is ventilated appropriately. Roof rafter insulation complies with most building regulation. Along with other benefits, reduction in energy used to heat or cool your house will also lead in reduction of your individual carbon footprint, adding to a greener environment.

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