Can both areas be insulated?
Nancy writes from West Warwick, Rhode Island: “I have a home that was built in 1927. The attic has existing insulation. I don’t know how old it is but I would like to add to it. My son and I are having a difference of opinion as to where to insulate. The attic floor boards will have to be removed, and add new insulation, placed over existing. My son says to leave floor alone and just add insulation to roof rafters? I thought you should only add insulation to rafters if you would finish the attic space, or if you had cathedral ceiling? Can both areas be insulated, and which way is correct?” Answer: Mom, your thinking is in line with Owens Corning recommendations. If you insulate the rafters of an unfinished attic, keep in mind you will be heating and/or cooling the entire unused attic space. The insulation envelope should surround the living space only.
