How to Insulate a Vaulted Roof

A vaulted roof, also known as a cathedral or sloped roof, rises to the apex of a triangle, with the rafters of the construction exposed. It can be open to the house, creating a vaulted ceiling in a room, or closed off by the construction of a flat ceiling that tops the room and creates an attic where the rafters form the vaulted space. Fiberglass batts are the most common material used to insulate vaulted roofs. When an interior vaulted ceiling is part of the structure of a vaulted roof, the ceiling typically is insulated with fiberglass batts and then finished with a covering of wallboard.

Tarpaper baffles
Utility knife
Fiberglass batts
Staples

Instructions

- 1
  Fit tarpaper baffles between the rafters of the ceiling as a barrier between the insulation and the roof vents. This helps prevent condensation forming in the roof space by allowing air to flow through.
- 2
  Use a utility knife to cut fiberglass batts so that they fit snugly into the spaces between the rafters. Choose fiberglass batts that are fitted with a foil or paper backing.
- 3
  Cut out parts of the fiberglass to go around electrical boxes, wiring outlets and heating pipes. Such fixtures should have a clearance of 3 inches around them. While fiberglass is fire-resistant, it can melt at high temperatures.
- 4
  Staple the batts to the rafters to affix them in place. The foil or paper facing should be on the side toward the room or attic.

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