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Attic/Cathedral Ceiling

user-7067054 | Posted in Green Building Techniques on

I have a home that was built in the 70’s in Utah. In the living room and kitchen is cathedral ceiling with only 2×4 rafters. We have very poor insulation and have a lot of problems with ice dams in the winter and a lot of heat gain in the summer. Can you recommend a strategy for improving heat loss/gain and insulation as is and an option for adding depth to the rafters and the best option for new insulation. Thanks for any info.

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Replies

  1. user-7067054 | | #1

    Also any info on solar board or reflective material if that offers any r value or help with heat gain. Thanks

  2. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #2

    User-7067054,
    First of all, can you tell us your name? (I'm Martin.)

    Here is a link to an article that explains everything you need to know about improving the R-value of your cathedral ceiling:
    https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/how-to-build-an-insulated-cathedral-ceiling

    In general, radiant barriers are a waste of money. What you want is insulation (something with R-value), not a radiant barrier. For more information, see:
    https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/radiant-barriers-a-solution-in-search-of-a-problem

    1. user-7067054 | | #3

      Thanks for those. I'll check the link on ceilings.
      James

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