How to Insulate a Barn-Shaped Roof

A barn-shaped roof is also known as a gambrel roof and is a style used on residential homes to give an open, airy feel to a house. Barn-shaped roofs have a double slope on each side leading to the apex. The lower portion tends to slope at a steeper angle than the upper. Barn-shaped roofs have exposed rafters such as vaulted or cathedral ceilings, and these provide a way to install insulation.

Tar-paper baffles
Utility knife
Faced fiberglass batts
Staples

Instructions

- 1
  Affix tar-paper baffles to the rafters with staples. Place them so that a gap remains between the surface of the roof and the baffle. This enables air to circulate, minimizing condensation and preventing mold and mildew formation.
- 2
  Measure the distance between the rafters.
- 3
  Trim the fiberglass batts with the utility knife so that they fit tightly between the rafters over the baffles. Fiberglass batts may come as pre-cut blankets or as a roll to be cut to size.
- 4
  Staple the batts to the rafters. The faced side -- often consisting of aluminum foil -- should face the interior. This facing acts as a vapor barrier and deterrent to insects.
- 5
  Lay fiberglass batts across the floor of the attic if the house has been fitted with a ceiling. Such a ceiling is usually installed between the points where the roof angles change. The facing of the batts should be turned toward the interior of the attic.

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