So i ll start by saying something that might sound controversial but really isn t.
Continuous insulation on attic eave wall.
Find your zone on the map and then use the chart to determine the level of insulation you need to properly insulate your attic walls floors and crawlspaces.
However there is an exception.
Insulation cover should be even and continuous right to the eaves.
Install raised heel trusses or use another roof framing method that allows space to install insulation over the top plates of the exterior walls or install high density insulation to achieve an r value that meets or exceeds code minimums for attic insulation.
The 2015 irc requires r 49 insulation for ceilings with attic spaces.
85 minimum to bs en iso 14021.
R 38 shall be deemed to satisfy the requirement for r 49 wherever the full height of uncompressed r 38 insulation extends over the wall top plate at the eaves.
Covering up the soffit vents with loose fill or batts which can happen if you stuff insulation along the eaves is a huge no no.
Figure 3 unvented roof assembly at eave retrofitted with rigid foam spray foam and taped top edge of existing house wrap or building paper to seal the top of wall to roof transition while spray foam is installed to the underside of roof sheathing to floor sheathing to inside face of rigid insulation backing and to inside face of existing wall sheathing to insulate and air seal the attic.
So much information has been devoted to the subject of roof venting that it s easy to become confused and to lose focus.
What is continuous insulation.
Pa302 1 ceilings with attic spaces n1102 2 1 r402 2 1.
Unlike typical insulation installed between framing members continuous insulation provides an uninterrupted thermal barrier for unparalleled performance.
Continuous insulation products can also serve as the water resistant barrier and air barrier for a structure providing a 3 in 1 building envelope solution.
The airflow from the soffits to the ridge vent keeps the roof cool and prevents ice dams and the material will block that flow.
Design the roof to allow full insulation over the top plates of the exterior walls.
For the same reason insulation shouldn t touch the roof s underside.
Ensure meets any eaves insulation and or internal wall insulation to prevent cold bridge at eaves without blocking any ventilation paths required to loft space roof space.
Achieving greater r values in attics the higher the r value the better the thermal performance of the insulation.