do i have to have insulation in my roof?
Maybe, you do need insulation above the ceilings (it will be between the ceiling joists/framing that also serve as the attic floor joists/framing. 1. If you have a finished attic (for a living area of some sort) then yes there should be insulation with a vapor barrier under the roof &/or between the roof framing. This will help keep heating/cooling costs down and prevent condensation from forming under the roof and doing lots of water damage over time. 2. If the attic is partially finished but used for storage only & there is attic ventilation in use also then no you don't need insulation under your roof. 3. If your attic is partially finished or completely finished but used for storage only and there is no attic ventilation then yes you should have insulation with a vapor barrier also under the roof. You don't have to have it since it's used for storage only but if you start to see condensation &/or wet areas on the wood or framing under the roof then you will need insulation with a vapor barrier installed. If for any reason insulation is installed under the roof it must be installed correctly and have in place a proper method of ventilation directly under the roof itself. All roof systems in the attic areas must have proper ventilation to prevent any possibility of condensation forming under &/or in the wood roof framing & sheathing materials that will rot the wood over time.
There is a need for insulation in order to avoid very cold nights in the winter and too hot days in the summer. For this purpose, an attic radiant barrier will provide an instant solution to reducing both high summer and winter cooling and heating costs. During winter, heat loss is so rapid that it is often passing through the attic insulation then towards the cooler part of the roof. However, an attic radiant barrier will help reduce the heat loss and in the end save you lots of money and discomfort.
you should have insulation on the attic. ot should be right against the occupied ceilings. The attic cavity needs to be for the most part ventilated. That is a common building approach. Ive seen insulated sheets of plywood the roof shingles are nail to. You can call that roof insulator. You still better off with the common industry approach. Make sure you have an attic fan to level the attic temperature to the outside.
I think about 80% of heat loss during cold weather is through the ceiling and into the attic in an uninsulated home. So if you mean should your attic be insulated...yes. It will pay for itself in fuel savings and make your home more comfortable.
