a-frame insulation/roofing question?

sesamoidbone

Just purchased a home in northern lower michigan. A frame 11/6 pitch 2x6 4' o.c. 1/2 loft. It seriously lacks insulation. My understanding from the individual that built it originally the construction inside to outside is exposed 2x6 4' o.c., 1" knotty pine t&g, 1" styrofoam, plywood, shingles. The two choices I'm facing are 1. placing insulation in between the exsisting 2x6 and redoing the interior(most likely drywall) or 2. removing the shingle, plywood, styrofoam combination and insulating over the exsisting rafters/t&g. I prefer the latter as I really don't want to loose the rich look of wood inside the home and the shingles need replacement too. Per my Uncle who works in the construction trade option 2 is viable, but I wanted to ask the opinions of others too before taking on such a large task (plus he was drinking when we discussed it ) My plan would be to tie in additional 2x6's over the exsisting structure, insulating in between the 2x6's, install vapor barrier, then battens and finishing of with a steel roof. Do-able??








Any suggestions or ideas appreciated

Thanks
J

pavola

Only 2x6 - 4' OC? I'd be curious what the loft floor structure is like. The idea you mentioned for insulating on the roof side seems good, but I'd be cautious about adding additional weight on what already is a pretty scimpy structure.

sesamoidbone

I thought the same thing when I saw it, but there is no sagging in the roof line and it looks pretty solid. I have been considering adding additional 2x6's inside to make it 2' o.c. , but guy who built it said it was unneccesary. the loft floor is 2x4 rough sawn on each side of the roof member (roof 2x6 is sandwiched between 2 2x4's) Very small loft, maybe 8' wide.

Thanks

97catintenn

With the roof being that steep, it will ever carry the additional load of water and snow, so you should be okay. I haven't found a good way to insulate though, sorry.

pavola

A warm roof system (may not be the right term - unvented) might be the way to go because a soffit venting system would be a problem with the amount of snow you get there. But I would definately have a structural engineer run some specs. for you first, before adding another roof on top. I'm thinking wind stress vs. snow load. If this is going to be your home (not just a summer cabin), I'd agree you have to make changes, but otherwise I'd be more comfortable keeping what's there.

Bondo

Ayuh,........

I think option #2 would work,..... only, I'd just strip it down to the Plywood....
Then add your 2X6s,+ Insulation, more plywood,+ roofing......
Depending on What you use for Insulation,.... You could provide an Air space between the insulation,+ the layer of Plywood for Venting purposes....

rudunn

J I'm not sure can you take down the wood from the inside??

I Also live in an A Frame that is in need of more insulation !
so I would like some info....
My A frame looks as it was built from the outside in but I seem to have some cold spots. Hay J does your A Frame have any top redge vent ?
Mine has a redge vent all the way across the top and then the bottom of each side I'm thinking of blowing in more not sure. does anyone else have any ideas