Exposed Rafters vs. Proper Insulation…
forrestmaready
| Posted in Construction Techniques on
I’m having a house built with a 12/12 raftered roof. I love the way visible rafters look inside the 2nd floor rooms, but have been told because of code requirements I’d have to insulate between the rafters, drywall the ceiling, and put up fake rafters underneath the actual ones. Surely all the pictures I’ve seen over the years of rooms with exposed rafters aren’t using this technique? I know certain climates don’t have the insulation to worry about, but is there a workaround to achieving this look without having to build two sets of rafters? A million thanks!
Replies
You could frame and sheath the roof, then insulate above the sheathing...then put the final roof covering over the insulation.
Look into SIPs (Structural Insulated Panels). What you will need to do will depend on your climate... so where you located?
Sorry- should have said that first.I'm in Wilmington, North Carolina. Right on the coast.
There are lots of variations that will work. You might want to increase the spacing and size of the rafters to get a more timber-frame look. Most exposed rafter construction uses rigid insulation above whatever ceiling you choose. It requires a different sequence of framing and roofing than conventional roofs but is very common.
There re at least half a dozen ways to insulate this over the exposed, so whoever told you different doesn't really know much. I hope it isn't the guy building it, or I'd worry about what else he doesn't know.
But that goes to plans - who designed this and when will they finish the design work? It's a good idea to have the plans done right before you start building.
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If you're looking for exposed (nice) wood under the insulation use nail-base iso:
View Image
http://www.atlasroofing.com/commercial/nailbase.asp
You do have to work out fascia details to accomodate the thickness.
Jeff
Thank you so much guys. I figured there had to be a way. I'm going to quiz the (prospective) builder about this technique to see if he knows about it.BTW- I'm blogging about my adventure if any of you care to follow and laugh at my troubles:http://tobuildacottage.blogspot.com