Do I need to leave an air gap for insulation?

Insulation is technically a solid with a lot of air in it therefore, it is NOT an air gap. You literally must have a VOID, nothing in the air gap except air itself. So if you are installing under a roof or in a wall, you must create an air gap.

Can you have gaps in insulation?





Insulating floors will go a long way towards making a property more energy efficient. But gaps, however small, can often compromise good insulation by allowing air leakage that can lead to cold bridging and other issues.

How do you keep insulation in the ceiling?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Once the rafter mates are in place you can begin installing insulation simply push the bat straight up through the ceiling joists. Then pull it back down. So the bat fits evenly in the space.

Where does the Vapour barrier go in the attic?

If the attic retrofit is being completed in conjunction with interior renovations, the easiest approach is to install a new, single air and vapour barrier on the underside of the ceiling joists.

Do you leave a gap between roof and insulation?

It is important that air is allowed to circulate between the roof covering and the insulation to avoid condensation – a gap of at least 50mm (2 inch) must be left between the insulation and the inside of the roof covering.

How much space should be between roof and insulation?





1 address the requirement for a minimum 1-inch clearance between the insulation and sheathing to provide proper airflow. Note that most building scientists will recommend at least 2 inches of clearance for best performance (i.e., more than the code minimum).

How do you fill gaps in insulation?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: But we would be using a product like a spray foam. Product to try to get around these. Edges. In this example we find this is a water line that's going to the exterior.

Should insulation touch wall?

Solid walls, however, must be faced with an insulation product, so they can often eat into floor space depending on the thickness of the insulation as an air gap is needed to prevent condensation and moisture build-up. Insulation with a moisture barrier means you don’t need to leave an air gap during installation.

Why is there a gap in my roof?

The gap is meant to help with airflow throughout the attic. However, this gap is the perfect place for pests and unwanted wildlife to enter your home. Because the roof shingles only cover the gap, squirrels and other pests can wriggle under the shingles and slip right inside!

Should you put plastic over ceiling insulation?



Plastic vapor barriers should only be installed in vented attics in climates with more than 8,000 heating degree days. You can forego the plastic and use a vapor retarder (kraft-faced insulation or latex ceiling paint) in all other climates except hot-humid or hot-dry climates.

Should ceiling insulation have a vapor barrier?

Should A Vapor Barrier be Used Over Attic Insulation? The answer is no. Either install un-faced fiberglass, loose fill fiberglass or cellulose directly on top of the drywall.

Does vapor barrier need to be tight?

In order to be effective a vapour barrier must be completely sealed. Therein lies the problem of conventional practices. The intent of this article is to discuss the issues related to vapour barrier installation and the importance of an air tight building envelope.

Should there be a gap between loft boards and insulation?



Position the crawling boards in the furthest corner of the loft. You’ll need to start laying with a minimum gap of 25mm between the eaves and the insulation to ensure a suitable air gap. Maintain this gap along two opposite sides of the loft.

Do you need a gap between insulation and loft boards?

When you use solid insulation board to create a warm loft the key thing to remember is ventilation – you must keep a 50mm gap between the roof and the rigid insulation board. We would always recommend having a breathable membrane in place between the tiles and the rafters too to allow the roof to breathe.

Can insulation touch the roof?

The airflow from the soffits to the ridge vent keeps the roof cool and prevents ice dams, and the material will block that flow. For the same reason, insulation shouldn’t touch the roof’s underside. Staple plastic or foam baffles to the roof sheathing, near the eaves, to keep the material away.

Can you put too much insulation in an attic?

It’s possible to over-insulate an attic as too much will cause moisture buildup and eventually result in mold. Eventually, adding more insulation leads to diminishing returns in trapping heat as well.

How do you tell if your attic is properly insulated?



10 Signs of Poor Attic Insulation in Your Home

  1. Water Leaks. Improper insulation can let water into your home, leading to leakage issues. …
  2. Ice Damming. …
  3. Pest Problems. …
  4. Cold Drafts. …
  5. Moisture and Mould in the Attic. …
  6. The Heater and AC are in Overdrive. …
  7. High Energy Bills. …
  8. Cold Rooms, Walls, and Floors.

Can I touch attic insulation?

Brushing against, moving or touching the insulation can dislodge those glass fibers, allowing them to lodge into skin, eyes, and be breathed in to irritate the throat and lungs. Cellulose Insulation- Made from recycled paper products such as newspapers, to create a light, fluffy material.

Is it safe to leave insulation uncovered?

Fiberglass insulation should never be left exposed in an occupied area, according to the American Lung Association,” says ALA’s Godfrey. “Exposed fiberglass insulation, once in the air, does cause respiratory reactions, such as dry, scratchy throat and coughing, as well as acting as a skin and eye irritant.

What is the proper way to install insulation?

Quote from the video:
Quote from Youtube video: Pull it up nice and tight making sure there's no voids or gaps. And tuck it the whole length of the bay all the way down to the bottom. Here pulling it nice and snug.