Are there multiple options to fix 3 inch eave space?
I am fully aware the first answer is always insulate the roof when discussing under insulated eave space. I would dearly love to avoid that. I simply dont believe in the local roofing companies ability to perform adequately. Harsh but with reason. I could raise the roof but again trust issues. Are there other options? My ceilings are 8′ tall. Maybe getting rid of my fans and I could lower it. Are 7′ ceilings normal or would that look goofy? What about slant edge ceilings? Is that realistic? Goofy might be the answer too lol. My eaves are only 3″ from top plate to decking. I’ve been air sealing my attic floor before I add insulation and I’m beyond frustrated. This is a 1953 ranch house with gable roof zone 6a by the way. Plywood gussets and planks for decking. No ridge beam/board. Strangely enough I’ve found a top plate with a birdsmouth cut to allow passage of rafter/truss. Plus other areas where truss (or rafter idk) has ground down the top plate considerably, I presume from heavy snows. I assume it’s from grinding instead of more cuts made by roofers just disguised to be less obvious? I could list more mess ups by roofers on this current roof but it’s not important to my question I suppose. What’s my best bet?
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7' celing is fine in a bedroom but is very cramped in a living space. Tapered at corners is generally not an issue, this is very common in 1 1/2 story construction.
What are you trying to fix by increasing the insulation there? If you have ice dam issues, lot of times the problem is air leaks. Fixing those would make a bigger difference and much simpler than trying to get some more height in there.
Yes the house has a history of ice dams. I only bought it 7 months ago but I'm aware of its history. In addition to ice dams I'm worried about possible condensation or mold issues. I'm a worrier, and everything says I need that r 49 at the eaves- all I can do is r 20 so I'm good and worried. Shouldnt I be? This very site says I should be?
First step with ice dams is to install foam baffles in the rafter bays above your outside walls. Clean the insulation away from there and spray foam the area like this:
https://www.ecotelligenthomes.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/09/screen_shot_2017-02-09_at_12.24.58_pm.png
Condensation and mold issues are very rarely related to lack of insulation. The usual culprit is leaky ceilings, stuff like a lot of can style pot light. Provided your ceiling doesn't leak and the roof has decent ventilation, you won't have any mold issues regardless of the insulation levels.
Trina,
As Akos said, it may not be worth worrying about. You can compensate for the lack of insulation at the eaves by adding more in the rest of the attic.
If you think it's something worth addressing, and the problem is just that area, I wouldn't drop the ceilings in the whole house. Instead add decorative trays (bulkheads) around the perimeter. Integrate lighting, and design them not as though they are there to cover something, but as architectural features.
Ooo thanks for the tip!! I will a absolutely start looking into that right now!