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Converted Cathedral Ceiling Insulation

Devin | Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on September 6, 2009 04:24am

A client has asked me to convert a cathedral ceiling to a flat ceiling as part of a kitchen remodel. I am thinking that as part of the conversion that it would be better to re-insulate the space and that instead of having insulation betweeh the roof rafters that I should insulate between the new ceiling joists. I would remove the existing insulation.

I live in CT so I am also planning on installing the vapor barrier to the inside – although as I am writing this I am thinking it might make sense to put up 1/2 Hi-R sheathing before I put un the sheetrock so that the ceiling assembly would be fiberglass batt in between the joists and then optionally Hi-R and then rock. If I didn’t do the Hi-R sheathing then I would just put up faced insulation with the face toward the sheetrockk. 

Heating is forced hor air. I am considering recommending that they put in a couple of extra vents into the ceiling being we are opening it up so that in the cooling season they have the A/C blowing from the ceiling not from the floor.

Any and all feedback is welcomed.

Thanks

Devin

  

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Replies

  1. DanH | Sep 06, 2009 05:48pm | #1

    I don't see the point of removing the existing insulation.

    As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz
    1. Devin | Sep 06, 2009 08:06pm | #2

      I was thinking for energy efficiency - once we level the ceiling you are going to have an unoccupied attic over the kitchen ceiling. if no insulation on the kitchen ceiling then heat/cooling ecape through sheetrock/recessed cans into unconditioned space. If I move the insulation from roof rafters to ceiling joists I minimize the building envelope and I would think gain greater efficiency.

      That's my point of view. What would be your thoughts for not moving it ?

      Thanks

      Devin

      1. DanH | Sep 06, 2009 10:40pm | #3

        I didn't say you shouldn't insulate the new ceiling, I was just wondering why you'd remove perfectly good insulation from the existing ceiling.Or were you planning to try to reuse it?
        As I stood before the gates I realized that I never want to be as certain about anything as were the people who built this place. --Rabbi Sheila Peltz, on her visit to Auschwitz

      2. User avater
        mmoogie | Sep 07, 2009 03:33am | #4

        What dan said...leave the old plus insulate the ceiling. Be sure you get a good air seal at the ceiling plane. It will act as a double-wall envelope.Steve

        1. Devin | Sep 07, 2009 03:46pm | #5

          thank you guys - was thinking about the vapor barrier but you're right - just put up unfaced - thanks again.

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