Insulating Shed Roof Trusses

Care is needed to ensure that there is sufficient ventilation space between the underside of the roof deck and the top of the insulation.

Insulating shed roof trusses.

In this energy smart homes article senior editor martin holladay explains how to insulate a vented low slope shed roof using a combination of intake vents and cupolas. These foam pieces are as wide as the rafter spacing and form a channel for air to flow between the top of the insulation and the roof sheathing. Keep in mind also that the longest lasting shed roofs are usually made of such metals as aluminum steel or copper. The truss sides will be equal in length and width to fit equally on the shed walls.

Such roofs lack maintenance as well. For a heated shed warmer air inside rises and can have a relatively high moisture content. It keeps everything under it warm. A roof is like a hat.

In areas with a cold climate part of the year r38 is the minimum and r50 is recommended. Insulating a shed roof is typically done using insulation below the roof deck and between the rafters. This roof is more complex because of the two different angles with the roof. Because of limited space between the roof sheathing and ceiling joists a low slope shed roof can be difficult to insulate properly.

Each roof style has some different insulating challenges. The minimum rating of r38 in a roof requires some creative planning in the roof design of a new shed with 2 x6 minimum roof construction. Cut batt or blanket insulation that has an attached vapor barrier an r 20 or greater value and a thickness of about 6 inches to fit the spaces between roof trusses inside the shed. In addition to the lean to shed there is a gable shed roof.