How to Insulate a Finished Attic

Finishing an attic seems straight forward and simple, but there are some things to consider. Planning ahead, research, and correctly installing materials can help make an attic into comfortable extra living space.

Madison, WI (prHWY.com) September 11, 2012 - How to Insulate a Finished Attic

Finishing an attic seems straight forward and simple, but there are some things to consider. Planning ahead, research, and correctly installing materials can help make an attic into comfortable extra living space.

Attic spaces are typically very hot in the summer and very cold through the winter. Without properly insulating, your finished attic room will also be cold in the winter. Without properly ventilating the roof, your finished space can be just as unpleasant as an unfinished attic. Since parts of a finished attic are usually very close to the roof, insulation often blocks proper ventilation that is needed under a roof structure.

Ventilation

The best method for ventilating any roof is to have some type of venting up high on the roof that allows for rising hot air or warm/damp air to escape. For this to be fully effective, low vents should be installed to replace the air that is escaping. Continuous ridge vents and soffit vents are often the most effective, but it's best to have an experienced professional evaluate to determine the best method.

Insulation

Artisan Remodeling suggests designing the walls and ceilings to minimize the area where insulation behind these surfaces is near the roof as this can restrict air movement.

1. The area near where the roof rafters meet the floor doesn't have much clearance so "knee walls" are often constructed. The area behind these walls is often used for storage of seasonal items and luggage.

2. Instead of the ceiling following the slope of the roof all the way to the peak, a flat ceiling can be easily installed by attaching joists horizontally across pairs of rafters.

Both of the above creates some spaces where a good amount of insulation can be installed and areas are created for ventilating under the roof. These spaces aren't really useable in a room anyway.

Where insulation will have to be installed between the roof rafters, "baffles" should be installed first. Baffles hold the insulation away from the underside of the roof decking, creating a channel for air movement.

For more information on Artisan Remodeling LLC, visit http://artisanremod.com.

About Artisan Remodeling LLC

Artisan Remodeling specializes in remodeling and finishing older homes. Our mission is to
create high quality craftsmanship while fulfilling our client's goals. We believe in using reclaimed
and sustainable building materials, disposing minimal waste, and using a creative eye in
troubleshooting specific renovation problems.

Artisan Remodeling is a small business dedicated to friendly, quality service. We approach every
job as if the next one depends on it. Owner Michael Gasch is an award-winning contractor (NARI
National Contractor of the Year - Interior specialty 2006) with a wide range of expertise and over
15 years on the job experience. Licensed and insured, we are professional in our approach and
keep a clean and organized jobsite on all projects, large and small.

Learn more about Artisan Remodeling LLC's home remodeling services in Madison, Wisconsin
and serves the greater Madison area by visiting the company's website.

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Tag Words: bathroom remodeling, kitchen remodeling, basement remodel, attic finishing

Categories: Home And Garden

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