Hello,

This is a remodel problem: We need to add R value to the old fiberglass insulation in the ceiling (house built in 69!). You can feel the cold gusts from the vents and there are even a few holes in the wood planking between the beams.:eek:

After installation of a new, highly efficient heating system, continued heat loss through the ceiling is simply not an option. However, replacing the roof is not an option either. We are wondering if we can apply cork sheeting, tiles - flooring?- or even cork wallpaper between the beams. It would be decorative but the degree of insulation that might be achieved is unclear.

Thanks in advance for any help.

LJamin

If the insulation is that bad to begin with then adding something between the beams won't change a lot. Even if you surfaced applied foam board you could cause a double vapor barrier.

I feel from what I'm reading that the original job was poorly done. In turn if the insulation in the ceiling got damp by 5% moisture it looses 95% of its R value, not to mention possibly mold problem closed in.

Your not going to like this answer but the best way to solve your problem forever is take out the old ceiling and fiberglass insulation and spray foam the ceiling and drywall/plank it back in

Spray foam is really the only and best way to insulate a cathedral ceiling. The R value added will pay for its self in 3 to 5 years.

Install rafter vent baffles before foam to ensure venting from soffit to ridge.

Chuck

If the insulation is that bad to begin with then adding something between the beams won't change a lot. Even if you surfaced applied foam board you could cause a double vapor barrier.

I feel from what I'm reading that the original job was poorly done. In turn if the insulation in the ceiling got damp by 5% moisture it looses 95% of its R value, not to mention possibly mold problem closed in.

Your not going to like this answer but the best way to solve your problem forever is take out the old ceiling and fiberglass insulation and spray foam the ceiling and drywall/plank it back in

Spray foam is really the only and best way to insulate a cathedral ceiling. The R value added will pay for its self in 3 to 5 years.

SIGH... I see what you mean, but it's still not an option, we LIVE here now and in any case, there's no money left for that kind of investment. Thanks very much for the info. We'll have to save up for rigid foam board next year I guess.

LJ

Install rafter vent baffles before foam to ensure venting from soffit to ridge.

Chuck

Hi Chuck,

Thanks for the tip. We're actually thinking (this was even suggested by pros who do it all the time apparently) rigid foam board inside with hardboard installed over it. We want to keep the open beams so it has to be something that fits between them. The problem is price, which is why we were looking at cork with no cover layer, which would cut out one step of labor cost.