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BUILDING INTERIORS

ACOUSTICAL SEALANT CHOICES
AGE of a BUILDING - how to determine
AIR BYPASS LEAKS
AIR LEAK DETECTION TOOLS
AIR LEAK MINIMIZATION
AIR LEAK SEALING PROCEDURE
AIR SEALING STRATEGIES

ANIMAL ALLERGENS
ANIMAL ENTRY POINTS in BUILDINGS
ANIMAL ODORS IN BUILDINGS
APPLIANCE EFFICIENCY RATINGS
ARCHITECTURE & BUILDING COMPONENT ID
ASBESTOS FLOORING HAZARD REDUCTION
ASBESTOS-FREE INSULATION MATERIALS
ASBESTOS IDENTIFICATION IN BUILDINGS
ASBESTOS ROOFING / SIDING DUST
ASBESTOS REMOVAL, Wetting Guidelines

ATTIC LEAKS, CONDENSATION & MOLD
ATTIC VENTILATION

BASEMENT CEILING VAPOR BARRIER
BASEMENT HEAT LOSS
BASEMENT LEAKS, INSPECT FOR
BASEMENT WATERPROOFING
BATH & KITCHEN DESIGN GUIDE
BATHROOM VENTILATION
BEST CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES GUIDE
Best Interior Finish Practices

BLOWER DOORS & AIR INFILTRATION
BLOWER FAN CONTINUOUS OPERATION
BLOWER FAN OPERATION & TESTING
BLOWN-IN INSULATION

BOOKSTORE - INTERIORS

BRICK LINED WALLS
BRICK VENEER WALL INSULATION
BRICK VENEER WALL Loose, Bulged
BRICK WALL DRAINAGE WEEP HOLES
BUCKLED FOUNDATIONS due to INSULATION?
BUILDING NOISE DIAGNOSIS & CURE

CASEWORK, CABINETS, SHELVING INSTALLATION
CATHEDRAL CEILING INSULATION
CATHEDRAL CEILING VENTILATION
CEILING FINISHES INTERIOR
CEILINGS, DROP or SUSPENDED PANEL
CEILINGS, PLASTER TYPES
CEILINGS, PLASTER, LOOSE HAZARDS
CEILING TILES - Asbestos-Containing
CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS & REPAIR
CHINESE DRYWALL HAZARDS
COMBUSTION AIR for TIGHT BUILDINGS
COOLING LOAD REDUCTION by ROOF VENTS
CRAWL SPACES
CONDENSATION or SWEATING PIPES, TANKS
CONDENSATION on WINDOWS & SKYLIGHTS

DECK & PORCH CONSTRUCTION
DEW POINT CALCULATION for WALLS
DEW POINT TABLE - CONDENSATION POINT GUIDE
DEFINITION of Heating & Cooling Terms

ELECTRICAL INSPECTION, DIAGNOSIS, REPAIR
ENGINEERED WOOD Flooring

FIBERGLASS INSULATION
FIBERGLASS HAZARDS
FIBERGLASS INSULATION MOLD
FIREPLACES & HEARTHS
FLAT ROOF MOISTURE & CONDENSATION
FLOOD DAMAGE ASSESSMENT, SAFETY & CLEANUP

FLOOR TYPES & DEFECTS
  FLOOR, CERAMIC TILE
  FLOOR, CONCRETE SLAB CHOICES
  FLOOR, CONCRETE SLAB POURED FINISH
  FLOOR DAMAGE DIAGNOSIS
  FLOOR, ENGINEERED WOOD & LAMINATES
  FLOOR FRAMING & SUBFLOOR for TILE
  FLOOR, KITCHEN & BATH OPTIONS
  FLOOR, LAMINATE PLASTIC
  FLOOR RADIANT HEAT Mistakes to Avoid
  FLOOR, RESILIENT VINYL or CORK
  FLOOR, STONE, GRANITE, MARBLE, AGGLOMER
  FLOOR & SUBFLOOR MOLD, HIDDEN
  FLOOR TILE ASBESTOS IDENTIFICATION
  FLOOR TILE HISTORY & INGREDIENTS
  FLOOR WOOD AGE TYPES HISTORY
  FLOOR WOOD, DAMAGE DIAGNOSIS
  FLOOR, WOOD ENGINEERED, LAMINATE, INSTALL
  FLOOR, WOOD FINISHES
  FLOOR, WOOD INSTALLATION GUIDE
  FLOOR, WOOD MOISTURE
  FLOOR, WOOD RADIANT HEAT
  FLOOR, WOOD SOLID STRIP, PLANK
  FLOOR, WOOD TYPES
  FLOORING MATERIALS, Age, Types
FORMALDEHYDE HAZARDS
FOOTING & FOUNDATION DRAINS
FOUNDATION BULGE or LEAN MEASUREMENTS
FOUNDATION CRACKS & DAMAGE GUIDE
FOUNDATION WATERPROOFING
FRENCH DRAINS

FRAMING DETAILS for BETTER INSULATION
FRAMING DETAILS for DOUBLE WALL HOUSES
FRAMING METAL STUD PERFORMANCE
FREEZE-PROOF A BUILDING
FROST HEAVES, FOUNDATION, SLAB

GREEN BUILDING CONSTRUCTION CODES GUIDES
GREENHOUSE DESIGN for SOLAR HEATING
GREENHOUSE / SUNSPACE GLARE

HEAT LOSS RATE CALCULATIONS
HEAT LOSS in BUILDINGS
HEAT LOSS DETECTION TOOLS
HEAT LOSS INDICATORS
HEAT LOSS PREVENTION PRIORITIES
HEAT LOSS R U & K VALUE CALCULATION
HEAT LOSS RATE CALCULATIONS

HEAT TAPES & CABLES on Roofs for Ice Dams

HEATING SYSTEMS
HEATING COST FUEL & BTU Cost Table
HEATING COST SAVINGS METHODS
HEATING LOSS DIAGNOSIS-BOILERS
HEATING LOSS DIAGNOSIS-FURNACES
HEATING SYSTEM INSPECTION PROCEDURE

HOT ROOF DESIGNS: Un-Vented Roof Solutions
HOUSEWRAP AIR & VAPOR BARRIERS
HOUSEWRAP INSTALLATION DETAILS
HOUSEWRAP at SILLS, SOLES, TOP PLATES

HUMIDITY LEVEL TARGET

ICE DAM PREVENTION
INDOOR AIR QUALITY & HOUSE TIGHTNESS
INDOOR AIR QUALITY IMPROVEMENT GUIDE
INDOOR HOUSE DUST & DEBRIS
INSULATION CHOICES
Insulation Air & Heat Leaks
INSULATION FACT SHEET- DOE
INSULATION for GREENHOUSE or SOLARIUM
INSULATION IDENTIFICATION GUIDE

INSULATION INSPECTION & IMPROVEMENT
  Air Bypass Leaks, Thermal Tracking
  AIR LEAK DETECTION TOOLS
  AIR LEAK MINIMIZATION
  AIR SEAL STRATEGIES
  ASBESTOS IDENTIFICATION IN BUILDINGS
  ATTIC CONDENSATION CAUSE & CURE
  BASEMENT CEILING VAPOR BARRIER
  BASEMENT De-Watering Systems
  BASEMENT HEAT LOSS
  Blocked Soffit Intake Vents
  BLOWER DOORS & AIR INFILTRATION
  BLOWN-IN INSULATION
  BRICK or BLOCK WALL CAVITY INSULATION
  BRICK VENEER WALL INSULATION
  BUCKLED FOUNDATIONS due to INSULATION?
  CASEWORK, CABINETS, SHELVING INSTALLATION
  CATHEDRAL CEILING INSULATION
  CATHEDRAL CEILING VENTILATION
  HOT ROOF DESIGNS: Un-Vented Roof Solutions
  ENERGY SAVINGS in BUILDINGS
  ENERGY AUDIT - How to Use a Free One
  ENERGY SAVINGS MAXIMIZE RETURNS ON
  ENERGY SAVINGS PRIORITIES
  ENERGY SAVINGS RETROFIT CASE STUDY
  ENERGY SAVINGS RETROFIT LEAK SEALING GUIDE
  ENERGY SAVINGS RETROFIT OPTIONS
  ENERGY STAR PROGRAM
  ENERGY USE MONITORING
  FIBERGLASS DUCT, RIGID CONSTRUCTION
  Fiberglass Insulation
  FIRE PROTECTION FOR FOAM BOARD INSULATION
  FOUNDATION INSULATION OPTIONS
  FRAMING DETAILS for BETTER INSULATION
  FRAMING DETAILS for DOUBLE WALL HOUSES
  FRAMING METAL STUD PERFORMANCE
  HEATING COST SAVINGS METHODS
  HIGH MASS TRADEOFFS, HEATING vs COOLING
  HOUSE DOCTOR, how-to be
  Inspect Attics for Moisture or Mold
  Inspect Attics for Blocked Soffit Intake Vents
  Inspect Basements for Moisture or Mold
  Inspect Building Exterior - Roof Venting
  Inspect the Ridge Vent System from the Attic
  Inspect the Soffit Vent System from the Attic
  Insects & Foam Insulation
  Insulation Air & Heat Leaks
  INSULATION for GREENHOUSE or SOLARIUM
  INSULATION CHOICES
  INSULATION FACT SHEET- DOE
  INSULATION PLACEMENT in BUILDINGS
  INSULATION R-Values & Properties
  LOG HOME WALL INSULATION VALUES
  MOISTURE in BUILDING WALLS, EFFECTS
  MOISTURE in CELLULOSE INSULATION
  Mold in Fiberglass Insulation
  Mold on Books, Book Conservation
  Mold on Fiberboard Insulating Sheathing
  MOLD in Foam Insulation
  MOLD in INSULATION
  Mold Resistance of Foam Insulation
  MOLD PREVENTION AFTER FLOODING
  MOLD RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION
  PASCAL CALCULATIONS
  PASSIVE SOLAR DESIGN METHOD
  PHENOLIC FOAM INSULATION
  POLYISOCYANURATE FOAM INSULATION
  POLYISOCYANURATE FOAM BELOW SLABS
  POLYSTYRENE FOAM INSULATION
  RADIANT BARRIERS
  REFLECTIVE INSULATION
  RIGID FOAM USE INDOORS
  ROOF VENTING ENERGY SAVING DETAILS
  ROOF VENTING NEEDED?
  ROOF VENTILATION SPECIFICATIONS
  SLAB INSULATION LOCATION
  SLAB INSULATION LOCATION & EXTENT
  SLAB INSULATION, PASSIVE SOLAR
  SLATE THERMAL MASS for SOLAR HEAT STORAGE
  SOUND CONTROL in BUILDINGS
  STRESS SKIN INSULATED PANELS
  STUCCO OVER FOAM INSULATION
  SUPER HI-R INSULATION
  SUPERINSULATION RETROFIT
  Urea Formaldehyde Foam Insulation UFFI
  URETHANE FOAM Deterioration, Outgassing
  VAPOR BARRIERS & AIR SEALING at BAND JOISTS
  VAPOR BARRIERS & CONDENSATION in BUILDINGS
  VAPOR BARRIERS & HOUSEWRAP
  VAPOR CONDENSATION & BUILDING SHEATHING
  VERMICULITE INSULATION


INSULATION LOCATION - WHERE TO PUT IT
  BLOWN-IN INSULATION
  INSULATION CHOICES
  INSULATION FACT SHEET- DOE
  INSULATION LOCATION & QUANTITY for ATTICS
  INSULATION LOCATION for BASEMENT FLOORS
  INSULATION LOCATION for BASEMENT WALLS
  INSULATION LOCATION for BRICK or BLOCK WALL CAVITY
  INSULATION LOCATION for BRICK VENEER WALLS
  INSULATION LOCATION for CAPES, CRAWLSPACES
  INSULATION LOCATION for CATHEDRAL CEILINGS
  INSULATION LOCATION for GREENHOUSE or SOLARIUM
  INSULATION LOCATION for PASSIVE SOLAR FLOOR SLAB
  INSULATION LOCATION & EXTENT for SLABS
  INSULATION LOCATION for SOUND CONTROL
  INSULATION LOCATION for SUSPENDED PANELS
  INSULATION LOCATION for SWIMMING, INDOOR

INSULATION MOLD
INSULATION R-Values & Properties

LOG HOME GUIDE

MOBILE HOME INSPECTIONS
MOISTURE CONTROL in BUILDINGS

MOLD: A COMPLETE GUIDE TO MOLD
MOLD ACTION GUIDE - WHAT TO DO ABOUT MOLD
MOLD APPEARANCE - WHAT MOLD LOOKS LIKE
MOLD CLEANERS - WHAT TO USE
MOLD CLEANUP GUIDE- HOW TO GET RID OF MOLD
MOLD CONSULTANTS/INSPECTORS
MOLD CULTURE TEST KIT VALIDITY
MOLD DETECTION & INSPECTION GUIDE
MOLD or INDOOR AIR EMERGENCY RESPONSE
MOLD EXPERT, WHEN TO HIRE
MOLD FAQ's
MOLD ODORS, MUSTY SMELLS
MOLD PREVENTION GUIDE
MOLD RELATED ILLNESS GUIDE
MOLD SAFETY WARNINGS
MOLD SPRAYS, SEALANTS, PAINTS
MOLD STANDARDS
MOLD TEST KITS for DIY MOLD TESTS
MOLD TESTING METHOD VALIDITY

Nanomaterials Hazards
NOISE / SOUND DIAGNOSIS & CURE

ODORS & SMELLS DIAGNOSIS & CURE

PAINT FALURE, DIAGNOSIS, CURE, PREVENTION
PASCAL CALCULATIONS

PLASTER & BEAVERBOARD & DRYWALL
PLASTER BULGES & PILLOWS
PLASTER LATH, METAL
PLASTER, LOOSE FALL HAZARDS
PLASTER TYPE IDENTIFICATION
PLASTER VENEER Best Practices

RADIANT BARRIERS
RADIANT HEAT
RADIANT HEAT Floor Mistakes to Avoid
RADIANT HEAT TEMPERATURES
RADIANT SLAB FLOORING CHOICES
RADIANT SLAB TUBING & FLUID CHOICES

RIGID FOAM USE INDOORS

ROOF VENTILATION SPECIFICATIONS
  ATTIC VENTILATION
  CASEWORK, CABINETS, SHELVING INSTALLATION
  CATHEDRAL CEILING INSULATION
  CATHEDRAL CEILING VENTILATION
  HOT ROOF DESIGNS: Un-Vented Roof Solutions
  Inspect Attics for Moisture or Mold
  Inspect Attics for Blocked Soffit Intake Vent
  Inspect Basements for Moisture or Mold
  Inspect Building Exterior - Roof Venting
  Inspect the Ridge Vent System from the Attic
  Inspect the Soffit Vent System from the Attic
  Insects & Foam Insulation
  HOUSE DOCTOR, how-to be
  Insulation Air & Heat Leaks
  Roof Venting: Intake - Outlet Area Ratios
  Roof Venting: Proper Locations
  Roof Venting: Both Ridge & Eaves Venting Needed
  Roof Venting: Eaves Intake if no Overhang
  Roof Venting: Soffit Intake Vent-Continuous
  Roof Venting: Un-Vented Hot Roof Solutions
  ROOF VENTING ENERGY SAVING DETAILS
  ROOF VENTING NEEDED?
  SKYLIGHT VENTILATION DETAILS
  SOFFIT VENTILATION
  VENTILATION, BALANCED HEAT COST SAVINGS
  VENTILATION DESIGN PROBLEMS & SOLUTIONS
  VENTILATION, WHOLE HOUSE STRATEGIES

ROT, FUNGUS, TERMITES
ROT, TIMBER FRAME

SAFETY HAZARDS & INSPECTIONS
SEARS KIT HOUSES
SHEATHING, FOIL FACED - VENTS
SOUND CONTROL in buildings

STAIN & BIODETERIORATION AGENT CATALOG
STAINS on BUILDINGS - QUICK GUIDE
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING EXTERIORS
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on BUILDING INTERIORS
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on ROOFS
STAIN DIAGNOSIS on STONE
STAINS & FINISHES, INTERIOR
STAINS on INDOOR SURFACES: PHOTO GUIDE

STAIRS, RAILINGS, LANDINGS, RAMPS
STONE CLEANING METHODS
STONE VENEER WALLS
STUCCO WAll FAILURES DUE TO WEATHER
STUCCO WALL METHODS & INSTALLATION
STUCCO OVER FOAM INSULATION
STUCCO PAINT FAILURES
SUMP PUMPS GUIDE
SWEATING (CONDENSATION) on PIPES, TANKS

THERMAL EXPANSION of MATERIALS
THERMAL MASS in buildings
  THERMAL MASS FLOOR SLABS
  THERMAL MASS in UPSTAIRS
  THERMAL MASS WALL DESIGN
  THERMAL MASS in HOMES - STUDY
  THERMAL MASS TRADEOFFS, HEATING vs COOLING
THERMAL TRACKING & HEAT LOSS
  Ceiling Thermal Tracking Marks
  Wall Thermal Tracking Stains
  Floor Carpet Thermal Tracking Stains
  Air Bypass Leaks Marks on Insulation
  Thermal Tracking to Diagnose IAQ
  Stains HVAC Supply Registers
  Pet Stains on Floors
  Pet Stains on Walls
  Human Occupant Stains on Walls
  Stains from Candles, Woodstoves, Fireplaces
  Other Stains on Indoor Walls & Ceilings
  What to Do About Thermal Tracking

THERMOSTATS, HEATING / COOLING
TRIM, INTERIOR INSTALLATION

TRUSS UPLIFT, ROOF
TRUSSES, Floor & Roof

VAPOR BARRIERS & CONDENSATION in BUILDINGS
  ATTIC CONDENSATION CAUSE & CURE
  BASEMENT CEILING VAPOR BARRIER
  CONDENSATION or SWEATING PIPES, TANKS
  CRAWL SPACE VAPOR BARRIER
  DEW POINT CALCULATION for WALLS
  DEW POINT TABLE - CONDENSATION POINT GUIDE
  FELT 15# ROOFING, as HOUSEWRAP/VAPOR BARRIER
  HOUSEWRAP AIR & VAPOR BARRIERS
  HOUSEWRAP INSTALLATION DETAILS
  HOUSEWRAP PRODUCT CHOICES
  HOUSEWRAP at SILLS, SOLES, TOP PLATES
  HUMIDITY LEVEL TARGET
  MOISTURE CONTROL in BUILDINGS
  RAIN SPLASH-UP SIDING DAMAGE
  VAPOR BARRIERS & AIR SEALING at BAND JOISTS
  VAPOR BARRIERS & CONDENSATION in BUILDINGS
  VAPOR BARRIERS & HOUSEWRAP
  VAPOR CONDENSATION & BUILDING SHEATHING
  WATER BARRIERS, EXTERIOR
  WOOD SIDING FLASHING DETAILS

VENTILATION in BUILDINGS

WALL FINISHES INTERIOR
WATER ENTRY in buildings
WIND WASHING INSULATION At EAVES
WINDOWS & DOORS
WINTERIZE A BUILDING
WOOD Burning Heaters Fireplaces Stoves
WOOD FLOOR DAMAGE

More Information

Interior cathedral ceiling (C) Daniel FriedmanCathedral Ceilings Insulation Suggestions for Older Homes
InspectAPedia®  -      

  • Un-Vented Roof Solutions: how to avoid condensation, leaks, attic mold, insulation mold, & structural damage to roof framing when roof venting is not possible
  • Cathedral roof and knee wall insulation & venting air path options in older homes
  • Hot roof designs: suggestions for un-vented or hard-to-vent building roof cavities. Worries about the "hot roof" un-vented Cathedral Ceiling Designs
  • How to detect roof venting deficiencies, attic insulation defects, and attic condensation problems
  • Suggestions for Retrofit Addition of Cathedral Ceiling Insulation & Ventilation for Older Homes
  • Other Cathedral Ceiling Insulation Tips
  • Questions & answers about how to add or retrofit insulation to cathedral ceilings in older homes

Retrofit or add-on cathedral ceiling insulation: here we provide suggestions for insulating cathedral ceilings on older homes, providing under-roof ventilation for cathedral ceilings while obtaining higher insulation values or R-Values for these areas. This article describes inspection methods and clues to detect roof venting deficiencies, insulation defects, and attic condensation problems in buildings.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers nor with topics or services discussed at this website.

© Copyright 2012 InspectAPedia.com, All Rights Reserved. Information Accuracy & Bias Pledge is at below-left. Use page top links to major topics or use links at the left of each page to navigate within topics and documents at this website. Green links show where you are in a document series or at this website.

Cathedral roof and knee wall insulation & venting air path options in older homes

Two approaches for insulating cathedral ceilings and flat roofs (C) Carson Dunlop Illustrated Home

Readers should see CATHEDRAL CEILING VENTILATION and also see our "hot roof design concerns" described at HOT ROOF DESIGNS: Un-Vented Roof Solutions. Also see Roof Venting: Un-Vented Hot Roof Solutions, and see HEAT TAPES & CABLES on Roofs for Ice Dams
. Our page top photo shows a difficult-to-vent cathedral ceiling with multiple skylights. At INSULATION LOCATION & QUANTITY for ATTICS we discuss the relative benefit of adding insulation to a cathedral ceiling versus building walls in the same area.

At Correcting Roof Ventilation and at HOT ROOF DESIGNS: Un-Vented Roof Solutions we argued that while some experts like the "hot roof" design (right hand design in the sketch at left) that omits attic or under-roof ventilation entirely, that approach risks surprise rot, mold, or insect damage on buildings where leaks and moisture are trapped in building cavities and remain un-noticed.

Some buildings, by their shape or design, simply don't make it easy to install continuous intake venting at the eaves or lower roof edge, or continuous outlet venting along a ridge.

For example, a house which has no roof overhang at all makes intake venting at the eaves difficult. A house with a pyramid roof shape or complex roof shapes makes outlet venting at a ridge difficult.

Sketch (above left) is courtesy of Carson Dunlop shows the two basic strategies for insulating cathedral ceilings and flat roofs.

Worries about the "hot roof" un-vented Cathedral Ceiling Designs

As explained in our "hot roof" discussion at HOT ROOF DESIGNS: Un-Vented Roof Solutions, we don't have confidence in the long term durability of "hot roof designs" because any future roof leak into this cavity produces trapped moisture and rot.

In particular, using fiberglass insulation in an un-vented cathedral ceiling is most likely to give way to discovery of advanced hidden damage and/or mold over the life of the building, and may give shorter roof shingle life as well as causing higher indoor temperatures than with a vented roof cavity design.

We call this a "hot roof" design because failing to vent the roof from below not only misses a chance to avoid ice dam leaks and condensation damage in cold climates. In hot climates the roof temperature will be much higher on an un-vented roof, resulting in shorter shingle life. This is less of a concern for slate and similar product roofs less affected by heat.

Foam-filled cathedral ceilings may make sense in some cases. In buildings where there is no roof venting anyway, and where ventilation is difficult or impossible to achieve, an un-vented, well insulated "hot roof" can provide a high-R-value ceiling and may be the second-best alternative to preventing ice dam related leaks in cold climates. Be sure to inspect the roof surface from outside for leaks and damage every year and to fix any damage quickly.

Suggestions for Retrofit Addition of Cathedral Ceiling Insulation & Ventilation for Older Homes

Venting cathedral roofs (C) Carson Dunlop

Sketch (left) is courtesy of Carson Dunlop shows the two basic strategies for ventilating cathedral ceilings or cathedral roofs.

When renovating an older home whose roof rafters are only 2x6" (really 5 1/2" x 1.5") in dimension, the available space for insulation and ventilation is limited, therefore limiting the options for a combination of good under-roof ventilation and high insulation R-values in the cathedral ceiling. Here are some older home cathedral ceiling roof insulation and ventilation options that you may consider:

Less insulation: Reduce under-roof insulation level to 3 ½” fiberglass (R-11) under the cathedral ceiling (not good energy savings) - not recommended but functional, just poor insulation value.

2 Baffles: Provide double-baffles between the rafters, eaves to ridge (rafters are roughly 24” o.c.) – this solution will leave portions of the roof deck un-vented and risk future mold growth - not a very effective venting solution, especially where we have already had a mold problem

1 Baffle: Provide single baffles between the rafters, eaves to ridge – this solution will leave even larger portions of the roof deck un-vented and risk future mold growth - not recommended

High labor: Nail 1” furring along every rafter side, against the roof deck; cut and insert 1” or thicker high-R foam insulation sheets (R-8 per inch) against the furring, giving a 1” or greater air path between the insulation and the roof deck under the cathedral ceiling. (In the knee wall area the insulation is in the floor and on the back of the knee wall).

Fill the remaining space with fiberglass or cellulose. With 2x6 rafters this will give about an R-19 roof, higher if you use thicker solid foam insulation. This gives the best air path, eaves to ridge, but costs more for the labor to nail furring and cut insulation into pieces to fit between rafters.  – works well, costs more.

Solid Foam: Install solid foam spray-in insulation under the roof – a “hot roof” design. This eliminates the entire plan of ventilation, gives maximum R-value for the space, probably costs the most, and risks shorter shingle life (hotter roof) and future hidden damage if leaks occur into the roof cavity – works, not a solution we like as we prefer to ventilate roofs for longer shingle life and cooler house in summer. See CATHEDRAL CEILING VENTILATION and Roof Venting: Un-Vented Hot Roof Solutions.

Insulated roof panelWhen re-roofing from the building exterior: if the roof decking and possibly roof framing have been extensively damaged by leaks it is usually necessary to repair the roof from outside the building. Before replacing roof decking, consider re- decking the roof with insulated structural panels that include eaves to ridge ventilation in their design.

What about adding solid foam high-R insulation on top of the roof when re-roofing? Adding rooftop insulating foam is a common practice on flat roof commercial buildings. The insulation used in those applications is tapered to provide positive roof drainage to roof drain points as well as to improve the building insulation system and cut energy costs.

We do not consider this a good design for a pitched roof on a residential building as it converts the roof to a "hot roof" design (shorter shingle life, hotter under-roof area in warm weather). Adding ventilation under a solid-foam insulated pitched roof in order to dry and cool the building interior would, in turn, lose the benefit of the roof top insulation. See HOT ROOF DESIGNS: Un-Vented Roof Solutions.

Other Cathedral Ceiling Insulation Tips

  1. Tips for insulating a cathedral ceiling, take care to seal ceiling penetrations such as around light fixtures or ceiling-mounted hard-wired smoke detector. More moisture enters building cavities through these cuts in the ceiling (or wall) drywall than permeates through the drywall itself.

    While fiberglass insulation is an excellent and effective product for insulating most building cavities, in areas where there is extra risk of trapping moisture (and thus rot or mold infections) such as crawl spaces and cathedral ceilings where roof venting may be absent or minimal, we prefer to use closed-cell foam insulation products or spray-in icynene foam insulation: these products can seal the cavity against drafts and they do not as readily pick up moisture nor do they readily form hidden mold reservoirs. See Mold in Fiberglass Insulation and MOLD RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION for details.
  2. Ice and Water Shield: On roofs that are too difficult to vent, a second-best solution is to remove the shingles (or slates) from the lower 3 feet of those slopes where leaks and ice dams have been recurrent, install a waterproof but nail-able membrane such as WR Grace's Ice and Water Shield (other product names from other manufacturers) which will prevent any ice dam backup leaks from entering the building. This is basically a sticky membrane that is applied to the roof decking and through which shingle or slate nails can be nailed back onto the roof; the membrane seals around the nails so that those penetrations do not form leaks during a water or ice backup.
  3. Un-Vented, Hot Roof Designs Indoors, finished attic: Where the attic space is finished with drywall or other ceiling materials installed against the underside of the roof rafters, while we prefer in-floor insulation, here we'll have to insulate the roof cavity between the rafters.

    In cases where there is no under-roof venting system (no soffit intake vents, no ridge vents), a "hot roof" design is followed: the roof cavity between rafters can be filled with insulation, followed by installation of a perfect vapor barrier, followed by finish surface of drywall or whatever else.

    Details are at HOT ROOF DESIGNS: Un-Vented Roof Solutions.
  4. Use of roof de-icing cables or heat tapes to avoid ice dam leaks is described at HEAT TAPES & CABLES on Roofs for Ice Dams.

    While we prefer to avoid ice dam leaks by good building design and good under-roof ventilation, where conditions require stopping ice dam leaks on an existing structure, proper installation of heating cables may be the fastest and cheapest solution.

Questions & Answers regarding this article

Questions & answers about how to add or retrofit insulation to cathedral ceilings in older homes.

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  • DCI Products' description of the SmartVent™ tapered under-shingle attic ventilation intake strip is provided at www.dciproducts.com/html/smartvent.htm. We have not see data citing actual air flow rates compared with the airflow through a typical continuous vent strip at an un-blocked overhanging building soffit, but this type of product is should be considered at least where a roof structure does not provide a soffit where intake venting can be easily installed. Out of a concern that some roof eave and ridge vent products do not pass nearly as much air as others, we'd like to see airflow data comparisons. [Thanks to G.K. for this update, August 2008]
  • Alan Carson Carson Dunlop Associates, Toronto, Ontario. Mr. Carson is a home inspection professional, educator, researcher, writer, and a principal of Carson Dunlop Associates, a Toronto home inspection and education firm. Mr. Carson is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors Some great illustrations of the proper under-roof ventilation pathways are offered by Carson Dunlop. Mark Cramer Inspection Services Mark Cramer, Tampa Florida, Mr. Cramer is a past president of ASHI, the American Society of Home Inspectors and is a Florida home inspector and home inspection educator. (727) 595-4211 mark@BestTampaInspector.com 11/06 Daniel Friedman - principal author Daniel Friedman, editing, expanding, adding to comments from John Annunziata, P.E. - NY Metro ASHI informal chapter discussions.
  • Technical reviewers are invited to comment or ask questions - contact us

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CATHEDRAL CEILING INSULATION
CATHEDRAL CEILING VENTILATION
CEILING FINISHES INTERIOR
CEILINGS, DROP or SUSPENDED PANEL
CEILINGS, PLASTER TYPES
CEILINGS, PLASTER, LOOSE HAZARDS

  • The National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST (nee National Bureau of Standards NBS) is a US government agency - see www.nist.gov
  • ASHRAE resource on dew point and wall condensation - see the ASHRAE Fundamentals Handbook, available in many libraries. The following three ASHRAE Handbooks are also available at the InspectAPedia bookstore in the third page of our Insulate-Ventilate section:
    • 2005 ASHRAE Handbook : Fundamentals : Inch-Pound Edition (2005 ASHRAE HANDBOOK : Fundamentals : I-P Edition) (Hardcover), Thomas H. Kuehn (Contributor), R. J. Couvillion (Contributor), John W. Coleman (Contributor), Narasipur Suryanarayana (Contributor), Zahid Ayub (Contributor), Robert Parsons (Author), ISBN-10: 1931862702 or ISBN-13: 978-1931862707
    • 2004 ASHRAE Handbook : Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning: Systems and Equipment : Inch-Pound Edition (2004 ASHRAE Handbook : HVAC Systems and Equipment : I-P Edition) (Hardcover)
      by American Society of Heating, ISBN-10: 1931862478 or ISBN-13: 978-1931862479
      "2004 ASHRAE Handbook - HVAC Systems and Equipment The 2004 ASHRAE HandbookHVAC Systems and Equipment discusses various common systems and the equipment (components or assemblies) that comprise them, and describes features and differences. This information helps system designers and operators in selecting and using equipment. Major sections include Air-Conditioning and Heating Systems (chapters on system analysis and selection, air distribution, in-room terminal systems, centralized and decentralized systems, heat pumps, panel heating and cooling, cogeneration and engine-driven systems, heat recovery, steam and hydronic systems, district systems, small forced-air systems, infrared radiant heating, and water heating); Air-Handling Equipment (chapters on duct construction, air distribution, fans, coils, evaporative air-coolers, humidifiers, mechanical and desiccant dehumidification, air cleaners, industrial gas cleaning and air pollution control); Heating Equipment (chapters on automatic fuel-burning equipment, boilers, furnaces, in-space heaters, chimneys and flue vent systems, unit heaters, makeup air units, radiators, and solar equipment); General Components (chapters on compressors, condensers, cooling towers, liquid coolers, liquid-chilling systems, centrifugal pumps, motors and drives, pipes and fittings, valves, heat exchangers, and energy recovery equipment); and Unitary Equipment (chapters on air conditioners and heat pumps, room air conditioners and packaged terminal equipment, and a new chapter on mechanical dehumidifiers and heat pipes)."
    • 1996 Ashrae Handbook Heating, Ventilating, and Air-Conditioning Systems and Equipment: Inch-Pound Edition (Hardcover), ISBN-10: 1883413346 or ISBN-13: 978-1883413347 ,
      "The 1996 HVAC Systems and Equipment Handbook is the result of ASHRAE's continuing effort to update, expand and reorganize the Handbook Series. Over a third of the book has been revised and augmented with new chapters on hydronic heating and cooling systems design; fans; unit ventilator; unit heaters; and makeup air units. Extensive changes have been added to chapters on panel heating and cooling; cogeneration systems and engine and turbine drives; applied heat pump and heat recovery systems; humidifiers; desiccant dehumidification and pressure drying equipment, air-heating coils; chimney, gas vent, fireplace systems; cooling towers; centrifugal pumps; and air-to-air energy recovery. Separate I-P and SI editions."
    • Principles of Heating, Ventilating, And Air Conditioning: A textbook with Design Data Based on 2005 AShrae Handbook - Fundamentals (Hardcover), Harry J., Jr. Sauer (Author), Ronald H. Howell, ISBN-10: 1931862923 or ISBN-13: 978-1931862929
    • 1993 ASHRAE Handbook Fundamentals (Hardcover), ISBN-10: 0910110964 or ISBN-13: 978-091011096
  • "A Parametric Study of Wall Moisture Contents Using a Revised Variable Indoor Relative Humidity Version of the "Moist" Transient Heat and Moisture Transfer Model [copy on file as/interiors/MOIST_Model_NIST_b95074.pdf ] - ", George Tsongas, Doug Burch, Carolyn Roos, Malcom Cunningham; this paper describes software and the prediction of wall moisture contents. - PDF Document from NIST
  • Best Practices Guide to Residential Construction, by Steven Bliss. John Wiley & Sons, 2006. ISBN-10: 0471648361, ISBN-13: 978-0471648369, Hardcover: 320 pages, available from Amazon.com and also Wiley.com. See our book review of this publication.
  • Decks and Porches, the JLC Guide to, Best Practices for Outdoor Spaces, Steve Bliss (Editor), The Journal of Light Construction, Williston VT, 2010 ISBN 10: 1-928580-42-4, ISBN 13: 978-1-928580-42-3, available from Amazon.com
  • "Energy Savers: Whole-House Supply Ventilation Systems [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Whole-House_Supply_Vent.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11880?print
  • "Energy Savers: Whole-House Exhaust Ventilation Systems [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Whole-House_Exhaust.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11870
  • "Energy Savers: Ventilation [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Ventilation.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy
  • "Energy Savers: Natural Ventilation [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Natural_Ventilation.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy
  • "Energy Savers: Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Energy_Recovery_Venting.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11900
  • "Energy Savers: Detecting Air Leaks [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Detect_Air_Leaks.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy
  • "Energy Savers: Air Sealing [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Air_Sealing_1.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy
  • "Insulation: Adding Insulation to an Existing Home," U.S. Department of Energy - tips on how to do your own check for the presence of absence of insulation in a home
  • Insulation Types, table of common building insulation properties from U.S. DOE. Readers should see INSULATION R-Values & Properties our own table of insulation properties that includes links to articles describing each insulation material in more detail.
  • The National Institute of Standards and Technology, NIST (nee National Bureau of Standards NBS) is a US government agency - see www.nist.gov
    • "A Parametric Study of Wall Moisture Contents Using a Revised Variable Indoor Relative Humidity Version of the "Moist" Transient Heat and Moisture Transfer Model [copy on file as/interiors/MOIST_Model_NIST_b95074.pdf ] - ", George Tsongas, Doug Burch, Carolyn Roos, Malcom Cunningham; this paper describes software and the prediction of wall moisture contents. - PDF Document from NIST
  • Ice Dam Leaks in building attics and roof cavities, how to inspect for evidence of leaks, identify causes, and correct bad attic ventilation, improper roof venting, and these causes of attic mold or roof structure damage

Books & Articles on Building & Environmental Inspection, Testing, Diagnosis, & Repair

  • Our recommended books about building & mechanical systems design, inspection, problem diagnosis, and repair, and about indoor environment and IAQ testing, diagnosis, and cleanup are at the InspectAPedia Bookstore. Also see our Book Reviews - InspectAPedia.
  • Home Reference Book - Carson Dunlop The Home Reference Book - the Encyclopedia of Homes, Carson Dunlop & Associates, Toronto, Ontario, 2010, $69.00 U.S., is available from Carson Dunlop. The Home Reference Book is a bound volume of more than 450 illustrated pages that assist home inspectors and home owners in the inspection and detection of problems on buildings. The text is intended as a reference guide to help building owners operate and maintain their home effectively. InspectAPedia.com ® author/editor Daniel Friedman is a contributing author. Field inspection worksheets are included at the back of the volume.
  • "The Elimination of Unsafe Guardrails, a Progress Report," Elliott O. Stephenson, Building Standards, March-April 1993
  • "Are Functional Handrails Within Our Grasp" Jake Pauls, Building Standards, January-February 1991
  • Access Ramp building codes:
    • UBC 1003.3.4.3
    • BOCA 1016.3
    • ADA 4.8.2
    • IBC 1010.2
  • Access Ramp Standards:
    • ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act), Public Law 101-336. 7/26/90 is very often cited by other sources for good design of stairs and ramps etc. even where disabled individuals are not the design target.
    • ANSI A117.4 Accessible and Usable Buildings and Facilities (earlier version was incorporated into the ADA)
    • ASTM F 1637, Standard Practice for Safe Walking Surfaces, (Similar to the above standards)
  • America's Favorite Homes, mail-order catalogues as a guide to popular early 20th-century houses, Robert Schweitzer, Michael W.R. Davis, 1990, Wayne State University Press ISBN 0814320066 (may be available from Wayne State University Press)
  • American Plywood Association, APA, "Portland Manufacturing Company, No. 1, a series of monographs on the history of plywood manufacturing",Plywood Pioneers Association, 31 March, 1967, www.apawood.org
  • Animal Allergens: Dog, Cat, and Other Animal Dander - Cleanup & Prevention Information for Asthmatics and regarding Indoor Air Quality.
  • Asbestos: How to find and recognize asbestos in Buildings - visual inspection methods, list of common asbestos-containing materials
  • Asbestos HVAC Ducts and Flues field identification photos and guide
  • Asbestos products and their history and use in various building materials such as asphalt and vinyl flooring includes discussion which draws on Asbestos, Its Industrial Applications, D.V. Rosato, engineering consultant, Newton, MA, Reinhold Publishing, 1959 Library of Congress Catalog Card No.: 59-12535 (out of print).
  • Asbestos Identification and Testing References
    • Asbestos Identification, Walter C.McCrone, McCrone Research Institute, Chicago, IL.1987 ISBN 0-904962-11-3. Dr. McCrone literally "wrote the book" on asbestos identification procedures which formed the basis for current work by asbestos identification laboratories.
    • Stanton, .F., et al., National Bureau of Standards Special Publication 506: 143-151
    • Pott, F., Staub-Reinhalf Luft 38, 486-490 (1978) cited by McCrone
  • Brick nogging used as soundproofing is mentioned in this article on Popular Forest
  • Brick Nogging, Historical Investigation and Contemporary Repair, Construction Specifier, April 2006. Historical use of brick in timber-framed buildings, drawing on the investigations of the Kent Tavern in Calais, VT. "Brick nogging is a European method of construction which was brought to the new world in the early-nineteenth century. It was a common construction method that employed masonry as infill between the vertical uprights of wood framing." -- quoting the web article review.
  • Photo of very rough in-wall brick nogging at an architects website
  • Building Research Council, BRC, nee Small Homes Council, SHC, School of Architecture, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, brc.arch.uiuc.edu. "The Small Homes Council (our original name) was organized in 1944 during the war at the request of the President of the University of Illinois to consider the role of the university in meeting the demand for housing in the United States. Soldiers would be coming home after the war and would be needing good low-cost housing. ...  In 1993, the Council became part of the School of Architecture, and since then has been known as the School of Architecture-Building Research Council. ... The Council's researchers answered many critical questions that would affect the quality of the nation's housing stock.
    • How could homes be designed and built more efficiently?
    • What kinds of construction and production techniques worked well and which did not?
    • How did people use different kinds of spaces in their homes?
    • What roles did community planning, zoning, and interior design play in how neighborhoods worked
  • The Circular Staircase, Mary Roberts Rinehart
  • Construction Drawings and Details, Rosemary Kilmer
  • "An Example of Colonial Paneling", Norman Morrison Isham, The Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin, Vol. 6, No. 5 (May, 1911), pp. 112-116, available by JSTOR.
  • Dust from the World Trade Center collapse following the 9/11/01 attack: the lower floors of this building contained spray-on fire-proofing asbestos materials.
  • "Energy Savers: Whole-House Supply Ventilation Systems [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Whole-House_Supply_Vent.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11880?print
  • "Energy Savers: Whole-House Exhaust Ventilation Systems [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Whole-House_Exhaust.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11870
  • "Energy Savers: Ventilation [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Ventilation.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy
  • "Energy Savers: Natural Ventilation [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Natural_Ventilation.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy
  • "Energy Savers: Energy Recovery Ventilation Systems [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Energy_Recovery_Venting.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy energysavers.gov/your_home/insulation_airsealing/index.cfm/mytopic=11900
  • "Energy Savers: Detecting Air Leaks [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Detect_Air_Leaks.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy
  • "Energy Savers: Air Sealing [copy on file as /interiors/Energy_Savers_Air_Sealing_1.pdf ] - ", U.S. Department of Energy
  • Falls and Related Injuries: Slips, Trips, Missteps, and Their Consequences, Lawyers & Judges Publishing, (June 2002), ISBN-10: 0913875430 ISBN-13: 978-0913875438
    "Falls in the home and public places are the second leading cause of unintentional injury deaths in the United States, but are overlooked in most literature. This book is unique in that it is entirely devoted to falls. Of use to primary care physicians, nurses, insurance adjusters, architects, writers of building codes, attorneys, or anyone who cares for the elderly, this book will tell you how, why, and when people will likely fall, what most likely will be injured, and how such injuries come about. "
  • Fiberglass: Indoor Air Quality Investigations: Health Concerns About Airborne Fiberglass: Fiberglass in Indoor Air from HVAC ducts, and Building Insulation
  • Humidity: What indoor humidity should we maintain in order to avoid a mold problem?
  • Lighting, proper use of: proper aiming of a good flashlight can disclose hard to see but toxic light or white mold colonies on walls.
  • Nogging: See this photo of exposed bricks on a building exterior on a building exterior in Canada. [Thanks to Carson Dunlop, Toronto - see References below].
  • Pergo AB, division of Perstorp AB, is a Swedish manufacturer or modern laminate flooring products. Information about the U.S. company can be found at http://www.pergo.com where we obtained historical data used in our discussion of the age of flooring materials in buildings.
  • Piquet Wall Construction: See this photo of piquet wall construction - involving timber-framed wall construction with long top girts, diagonal timber bracing, and small diameter logs placed vertically along with concrete chinking to fill in the wall plane.
  • Plank House Construction: weblog from plankhouse.wordpress.com/2009/01/25/plank-house-construction/ and where plank houses were built by native Americans, see
    Large 1:6 Scale Plank House Construction / P8094228, Photographer: Mike Meuser
    06/12/2007 documented at yurokplankhouse.com where scale model Museum quality Yurok Plank Houses are being sold to raise money for the Blue Creek - Ah Pah Traditional Yurok Village project.
  • Re-Bath, tub lining products is a bath tub relining manufacturer and distributor located in Tempe, Arizona - see rebath.com
  • Rubblestone Wall Filler: See this Lartigue House using exterior-exposed rubblestone filler between vertical timbers of a post and beam-framed Canadian building.
  • Slips, Trips, Missteps and Their Consequences, Second Edition, Gary M. Bakken, H. Harvey Cohen,A. S. Hyde, Jon R. Abele, ISBN-13: 978-1-933264-01-1 or ISBN 10: 1-933264-01-2, available from the publisher, Lawyers ^ Judges Publishing Company,Inc., www.lawyersandjudges.com sales@lawyersandjudges.com and also from the InspectAPedia Bookstore (Amazon.com)
  • The Stairway Manufacturers' Association, (877) 500-5759, provides a pictorial guide to the stair and railing portion of the International Residential Code. [copy on file as http://www.stairways.org/pdf/2006%20Stair%20IRC%20SCREEN.pdf ] -
  • What Mold and Allergens Look Like: mold identification photos to help identify mold - choosing what to sample in buildings
  • How to Clean Moldy Wood Framing & Sheathing How to clean/seal mold from/on exposed lumber or plywood subfloor or roof sheathing indoors - some suggestions based on our field and laboratory research
  • Lighting, proper use of: proper aiming of a good flashlight can disclose hard to see but toxic light or white mold colonies on walls.
  • Manufactured & Modular Homes: Modular Building Systems Association, MBSA, modularhousing.com, is a trade association promoting and providing links to contact modular builders in North America. Also see the Manufactured Home Owners Association, MHOAA, at www.mhoaa.us. The Manufactured Home Owners Association of America is a National Organization dedicated to the protection of the rights of all people living in Manufactured Housing in the United States.
  • Mold spores in the Home - a Photo ID Library for detection and identification of mold allergens.
  • How to Find and Test For Mold in Buildings A "how to" photo and text primer on finding and choosing the right spots to test for mold in buildings
  • Stuff that is not mold but is often mistaken for it - things you may not want to test. Also, not all "black mold" is toxic - here are examples of harmless black mold.
  • Simple Adhesive Tape Sampling of Moldy Surfaces - how to send a mold sample to our lab
  • Mold Sampling Methods in the Indoor Environment - In-depth article: detailed critique of popular mold testing methods - Is your mold test kit worth the bother?
  • Mold-Resistant Building Practices, advice from an expert on how to prevent mold after a building flood and how to prevent mold growth in buildings by selection of building materials and by anti-mold construction details.
  • Slips, Trips, Missteps and Their Consequences, Gary M. Bakken, H. Harvey Cohen, Jon R. Abele, Alvin S. Hyde, Cindy A. LaRue, Lawyers and Judges Publishing; ISBN-10: 1933264012 ISBN-13: 978-1933264011
  • Slips, Trips, Missteps and Their Consequences, Second Edition, Gary M. Bakken, H. Harvey Cohen,A. S. Hyde, Jon R. Abele, ISBN-13: 978-1-933264-01-1 or ISBN 10: 1-933264-01-2, available from the publisher, Lawyers & Judges Publishing Company,Inc., www.lawyersandjudges.com sales@lawyersandjudges.com and also from the InspectAPedia Bookstore (Amazon.com)
  • Steps and Stairways, Cleo Baldon & Ib Melchior, Rizzoli, 1989.
  • The Staircase, Ann Rinaldi
  • Common Sense Stairbuilding and Handrailing, Fred T. Hodgson
  • The Art of Staircases, Pilar Chueca
  • Building Stairs, by pros for pros, Andy Engel
  • A Simplified Guide to Custom Stairbuilding, George R. Christina
  • Basic Stairbuilding, Scott Schuttner
  • The Staircase (two volumes), John Templar, Cambridge: the MIT Press, 1992
  • The Staircase: History and Theories, John Templar, MIT Press 1995
  • Steps and Stairways, Cleo Baldon & Ib Melchior, Rizzoli, 1989.
  • "The Dimensions of Stairs", J. M. Fitch et al., Scientific American, October 1974.
  • "The Elimination of Unsafe Guardrails, a Progress Report," Elliott O. Stephenson, Building Standards, March-April 1993
  • "Are Functional Handrails Within Our Grasp" Jake Pauls, Building Standards, January-February 1991
  • "Weather-Resistive Barriers [copy on file as /interiors/Weather_Resistant_Barriers_DOE.pdf ] - ", how to select and install housewrap and other types of weather resistive barriers, U.S. DOE
  • Weaver: Beaver Board and Upson Board: Beaver Board and Upson Board: History and Conservation of Early Wallboard, Shelby Weaver, APT Bulletin, Vol. 28, No. 2/3 (1997), pp. 71-78, Association for Preservation Technology International (APT), available online at JSTOR.
  • What Style Is It?: A Guide to American Architecture, Rev., John C. Poppeliers, S. Allen Chambers, Wiley; Rev Sub edition (October 6, 2003), ISBN-10: 0471250368, ISBN-13: 978-0471250364
  • ...

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