If the weather condition in the area requires you to buy ceiling insulation, you need to account for the type of roof you have and the climate you typically experience. This will determine where and how the insulation should be installed. Without this knowledge you could end up getting insulation unsuitable for your home.
Choosing the Right Insulation
In cold weather areas, insulation is bought and used for the ceiling or the attic. If you live in warm climates, you’ll need to get reflective insulation for the roof aside from the attic insulation.
For homes with an open attic and pitched roof, the insulation should be set in the attic. Before you buy ceiling insulation, examine the current insulation installed. In most cases, the R-value required is R-45. If it’s less than that, you’ll need to purchase enough insulation for the required amounts.
High Roof and Cathedral Ceilings
If the roof is high enough, you can get insulation without worrying about how to install it. The most common method is blow loose fill insulation in the roof and attic cavities. For flat roofs and cathedral / vaulted ceilings, you need to fill up the attic cavity.
The cavity should be filled almost entirely, no matter how deep. If you’re going to buy ceiling insulation for these roof types, you’ll probably need to put high density foam on the surface over the roofing (over the vaulting ceiling).
Attic Insulation
If you’re going to rely on loose fill materials, consider hiring the services of a professional. The installation can be difficult. However, this won’t be necessary if you know the procedure.
Most people buy fiberglass, as it is cheap. Other good options are mineral wood and cellulose. You can also opt for rock wool, while some people employ bats / rolls. Bats and rolls cost a bit more than loose fill fiberglass.
Suggested R-Values
Before you buy ceiling insulation, remember that roofs and attics with cathedral ceilings demand higher R-values compared with walls. In hot climates, the R-value for ceilings below ventilated attics is R-19. For moderate weather conditions, it is R-30 while for cold areas it is R-39 to R-49.
Before Putting the Insulation in Place
Before you get new insulation, check the condition of the attic. If it’s old, it could be insulated with perlite and vermiculate materials. This could mean there is asbestos.
If that’s the case, get a professional contractor to remove the insulation and install the new one. Do not attempt to remove asbestos yourself.
To make sure your purchase doesn’t go to waste, examine the roof for leaks. Have it repaired before adding new insulation. The same goes for the attic and the chimney. The interior wall tops and the attic recess have to be air sealed.
Costs will vary per insulation, but make it a point to set aside a budget so you can buy ceiling insulation that is of good quality. Of course, being aware of the types that should be bought makes a huge difference in how the product works.