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No-vent attic space?

mainetexan | Posted in Energy, Heating & Insulation on September 17, 2007 02:46am

I’ve got a question for the experienced pros. On the midcoast of Maine the winters can get down right chilly. I’m fixing up an old 1.5 story farmhouse and would like to insulate the hell out of the attic. What I want to do is use spray foam underneath the roof sheathing so I could incorporate cathedral ceilings at a later date. Some folks have gone to the thought that this is the way to go, (no passive venting). But obviously many still think that venting this space with soffit, ridge and gable vents is tried and true. And of course I don’t want condensation on my drywall ceiling either but leaving an airspace between the foam and drywall would probably be enough to fix that problem. Also the addition of mechanical roof vents for summer cooling would circulate the air when needed. I would love to hear responces.

Thanks, Carlton

 

 

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  1. rez | Sep 24, 2007 09:05pm | #1

    Greetings Carlton,

    This post, in response to your question, will bump the thread through the 'recent discussion' listing again which will increase it's viewing.

    Perhaps it will catch someone's attention that can help you with advice.

    Cheers


    sobriety is the root cause of dementia.   

  2. Piffin | Sep 24, 2007 10:51pm | #2

    It sounds like you are all over the map on this.

    First, you can do either way, but you cannot vent the attic and use foam at the sheathing.

    But you statement about leaving an option for cathedral ceiling LATER is backwards. You need to decide what you want NOW, because a cathedral ceiling takes a structural ridge beam. You want the framing done before you insulate.

     

     

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    1. mainetexan | Sep 25, 2007 02:02pm | #3

      Thanks for the responce

       

      I am aware that if spray foam is used under the sheathing then venting should not be used.

      For the cathedral ceiling, I was not planning on taking the rafter ties out. Just box them in. Not sure what framing your talking about.

      I wanted to hear opinions on what people thought was better, venting or no venting.

       

      1. Piffin | Sep 25, 2007 02:20pm | #4

        That was it. A cathedral eiling usually does not have rafter ties, so to convert, you would typically be replacing the ridge ebam and cutting out the ties.Some people will just cut out the ties and assume the thing will hold itself up. Not knowing you or your abilities, it was important to point things out. I don't know how mucch you read here, but you might be shocked to see some of the weird proposals people make for ways to ruin their property. 

         

        Welcome to the Taunton University of Knowledge FHB Campus at Breaktime. where ... Excellence is its own reward!

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