Insulating a pitched roof above the rafters is the common method chosen for new builds and re roofing existing detached buildings as it provides superior thermal performance for the building.
Insulating rafter headers above outside walls on roof.
How to insulate a roof.
All exterior walls including 3a walls between living spaces and unheated garages shed roofs or storage areas.
Bare foam board one sided sheathing board or double sided which is also reference as structural insulated panels.
For example if the space beneath the rafters is going to be used for a living area then you will need to insulate the roof rafters.
Although there are many different circumstances that may call for insulating roof rafters the means to determine the necessity for insulating rafters remains the same.
It typically has 3 variations.
Insulating the roof above the rafters is known as warm roof insulation as the rafters are brought into the insulated envelope of the building.
The limiting u value the maximise u value which cannot be exceeded required under current building regulations for the roof is 0 20w m.
The previous four options are all used beneath the roof.
Floors above cold spaces such as vented crawl spaces and unheated garages.
Both products are high performance pir insulation boards which have been specifically designed for this type of roof construction.
3b foundation walls above ground level.
Heat rises and therefore the building regulations requirements for heat loss through roofs are more stringent than those for walls.
Building regulations for insulating a roof.
Rigid foam board is just above the roof deck or an exterior insulation option.