Cathedral Ceiling Insulation: 4 Mistakes to Avoid

Cathedral ceilings were once popular due to their grandiose height and appearance, but these days many people avoid it because it is difficult to get proper cathedral ceiling insulation installed. If you are looking for the best way to install your cathedral ceiling, then there are some mistakes you'll have to avoid in order to prevent heat or air conditioning lost from all the areas of the home. If you are considering installing cathedral ceiling insulation yourself, rather than calling in a professional, be sure to do your research, and learn the best way to prevent heat from escaping through your lofty ceiling.

Here are four mistakes to look out for and avoid at all costs if you decide to DIY your cathedral ceiling insulation.

1. Moisture Control

When fitting your cathedral ceiling insulation, many people don't realize that you have to install a moisture control system. A traditional method involves putting insulation into your cavity, leaving a small area at the top to allow air circulation. This air carries moisture with it so that you have an effective means of removing dampness from behind the insulation. If you don't take some measure of control, then you are likely to end up with mold or wood rot behind the insulating fabric, and this can have serious consequences.

2. Batt Insulation

Probably the worst material to lay for moisture control is fiberglass batting. This allows movement of air, but doesn't stop the moisture from penetrating behind the insulation. If you want to insulate your cathedral ceiling properly, then you need to develop another method of keeping in heat while avoiding becoming a target for mold and damp. If you decide to use a batting insulation on your ceiling, then avoid another mistake and ensure that you caulk around the area thoroughly. You can also use vapor barrier paint to prevent moisture from spreading to the batts.

3. Dense Packing

Previous generations of insulation have relied upon the loose packing method to create pockets of air within the material, which was designed to provide a cushion of warm air between the heated house and the cold outside. This was a mistake, as the warm air carried water droplets into the insulation, and then cooled down sufficiently for the liquid to cling to the fabric.

Instead, most builders prefer a foam spray insulation, either cellulose or urethane, which can be placed into the ceiling using a spray can and left to dry. This density prevents air from carrying damp into the insulation. However, don't make the mistake of using a lot of foam spray insulation, as this stuff is expensive. While the savings to be made from preserving the heating in your home and avoiding water damage may pay for the foam itself, many home owners are reluctant to commit to such a cost.

4. Ventilation

You should also try and avoid having the ventilation left to allow the shingles to remain cool in summer. This has long been known to be a myth, and the roof ventilation of cathedral ceiling insulation has absolutely no affect on the temperature of your shingles or tiles.