Insulating Attic Skylights

There are many types to choose from including blown in cellulose batt such as fiberglass mineral wool or cotton.

Insulating attic skylights.

If a skylight shaft contains an air permeable insulation such as cellulose or fiberglass the insulation should be enclosed on the attic side to create an air barrier. Rigid foam is the best choice. No attic it should have been insulated when installed. Adding insulation to the attic is generally a moderately difficult do it yourself diy project but the benefits can be substantial.

Of all the various types of insulation used in houses fiberglass batts perform the worst. Seal the corners of the box with housewrap tape or for a slicker and more tubular solution you could buy a large diameter sonotube cut it in half lengthways and assemble the sonotube around the insulated skylight tube. Ther really is no way to insulate a skylight unless you cover it up. The skylight tunnel can be insulated from the attic.

To enclose and protect any insulation on the exterior of a skylight tube you could build a box out of rigid foam. If you have or plan to install a skylight in your home get the insulation details right to avoid problems with comfort and condensation. Cut 2x4 studs or 2x6 to. Rigid foam is the optimal choice for an attic side air barrier.

House designs that use. The practices used to install insulation on a skylight will depend on the type of insulation that is being used. Insulation radiant and vapor barriers insulating old skylights i have five skylights that are insulated so poorly that they provide cold downdrafts whenever the outside temperature dips below 45. If you are doing a major home renovation project now may be a great time to tackle this project too.

If a skylight is installed in the roof over an attic a shaft must be built to connect the skylight with the ceiling underneath. After confirming that your attic is air sealed you need to select insulation. Skylights are already insulated when manufactured.