I am not a builder, we have having a home built by a very good builder. It is in a climate with extreme temperatures (triple digit in the summer, below freezing in the winter). It is a dry climate in the Northwest. It has a low slope shed roof. It is insulated with closed cell spray foam directly applied to the underside of the roof and between the I-beam like roof joists. It will be covered with sheetrock from within. The spaces are blocked off from the eaves where the wall meets the joists. So, my question is whether the the eaves should be insulated, uninsulated but vented, or neither is necessary. The eaves will be enclosed. My very good builder hasn’t been able to find a definitive answer and is conscious of my costs. Thank you.
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
Inspired by Larry Haun, this passionate framer is teaching a new generation of builders.
Featured Video
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Replies
Insulation stops heat transfer from a warmer space to a colder space. I can't think of any reason to insulate eaves if they are isolated from the rest of the roof.
Thank you Mike. I was concerned there might be issues with condensation/mold within the closed in eaves or an increased risk of an ice dam forming along the uninsulated edge of the roofline.
I've never lived where ice dams were even possible, but I've heard that they can be prevented by connecting there eave space to the attic. That way the roof is not colder over the eaves. If the eaves are isolated then it seems to me that ice dams are possible with or without insulation.
This is the worst ice dam I've ever heard of: https://www.glaciallakemissoula.org
Thanks for the insight Mike. I decided to take the chance without insulation. Hopefully, I won't encounter a situation as described in the link. That would be messy.