Poor insulation where the upstairs ceilings curve to meet the top of the wall

It's great that you've identified a potential issue with insulation in your house through a thermal imaging survey. Addressing poor insulation in areas where ceilings meet external walls is crucial for energy efficiency and maintaining a comfortable indoor environment. While I can provide some general suggestions, it's important to consult with a professional to assess your specific situation. Here are some possible solutions: Spray Foam Insulation: Consider using spray foam insulation, which can be applied in the cavities between the ceiling and external walls. Spray foam expands to fill gaps and provides an effective barrier against heat loss. Professionals should handle the installation, as it requires specific equipment and expertise. Blown-in Insulation: Blown-in insulation, such as cellulose or fiberglass, can be another option. This material can be blown into the cavities using specialized equipment, effectively filling the space and improving insulation. Rigid Insulation Boards: Installing rigid insulation boards in the problematic areas can be a solution. These boards are cut to fit and can be secured in place to create a continuous barrier against heat transfer. Sealing Gaps and Cracks: Before adding insulation, ensure that any gaps or cracks in the area are properly sealed. Use caulk or expanding foam to seal openings, preventing air leakage and enhancing the effectiveness of insulation. Consult with a Professional: It's highly recommended to consult with a professional energy auditor, insulation contractor, or a building performance specialist. They can conduct a detailed assessment of your home and recommend the most suitable insulation solution based on your specific needs and the structure of your house. Remember that the effectiveness of insulation is not just about adding more material; it's also about creating a continuous and well-sealed barrier. A professional assessment will help identify the best approach for your particular situation and ensure that the insulation is installed correctly. Additionally, taking steps to improve insulation can lead to energy savings and a more comfortable living environment.

You're right that it can be challenging to insulate areas where ceilings curve to meet the top of external walls, especially in older constructions. This area, often called a knee wall or sloped ceiling, presents difficulties for conventional insulation methods. However, there are strategies to improve insulation in these areas: 1. **Spray Foam Insulation:** Using spray foam insulation could be an effective solution. It can conform to irregular shapes and effectively seal gaps and cavities, providing both insulation and an air barrier. A professional can apply this insulation, ensuring it reaches and fills the cavities properly. 2. **Rigid Foam Board:** Installing rigid foam insulation boards cut to fit the sloped ceiling area can help improve insulation. These boards can be affixed to the sloped surface, providing additional thermal resistance. 3. **Blown-in Insulation:** While it might be challenging due to the shape, blown-in insulation could be an option if there's access to the area from above or below. A professional installer might be able to blow insulation into the cavities using specialized equipment. 4. **Sealing Air Leaks:** Ensure any gaps or cracks in the area are sealed before adding insulation. This prevents air leakage, which can significantly impact insulation effectiveness. 5. **Consult a Professional:** Given the specific nature of your house's construction, it's advisable to consult with a professional insulation contractor or energy auditor. They can assess the situation and recommend the most suitable insulation method based on your home's unique design. Improving insulation in these areas might involve a combination of techniques to effectively address the problem. A professional assessment will help determine the best approach to enhance insulation and energy efficiency in your home while considering its specific construction features.

Do not under any circumstances use spray foam insulation. It will end up rotting all the roof timbers. It doesn't allow any air flow at all, which is crucial to the structure of the roof. You can install a new insulated plaster board to the underside of the existing ceiling, this may make your room feel smaller, or if you are looking at reproofing your house in the near future you'll be able to add insulation from the outside. If re-roofing a property, then you should have building control approval and the building inspector will require insulation upgrades. There are some thin layer insulation products on the market, however these can be very expensive to purchase. I hope this helps you. Danatsky. Com You should be able to talk to your local council building control department for advice as well.