System, methods, and apparatuses for insulating adjacent to a top of an attic

Abstract

An insulation system and method comprising an insulation layer, an atmospheric regulation layer, a structural support, and an external surface; wherein the atmospheric regulation layer is supported by the structural support, wherein the insulation layer is located between the atmospheric regulation layer and the external surface, wherein the atmospheric regulation layer has a water vapor permeability of not greater than 3 perms at a relative humidity of 25% as measured by ASTM E96 Procedure A Dry Cup, and a water vapor permeability of at least 6 perms at a relative humidity of 75% as measured by ASTM E96 Procedure B Wet Cup, wherein the atmospheric regulation layer has a fire class A rating as measured by ASTM E84, and wherein the continuous atmospheric regulation layer has a ACH50 value of not greater than 10, wherein ACH50 represents an air exchange at 50 Pascals.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A system for insulating a surface, comprising:
 a plurality of beams; and   insulation batts disposed in insulation spaces formed between adjacent beams.   
     
     
         2 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the beams comprises a proximal end, a distal end, and a web extending between the proximal end and the distal end. 
     
     
         3 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein each of the beams are perforated. 
     
     
         4 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the distal end of each of the beams is not perforated. 
     
     
         5 . The system of  claim 3 , wherein the proximal end of each of the beams is perforated. 
     
     
         6 . The system of  claim 4 , wherein at least a portion of the web is perforated. 
     
     
         7 . The system of  claim 2 , wherein each of the beams has a maximum deflection in a range of about 1 degree to about 5 degrees, relative to a plane defined by the proximal end and the distal end of the beam. 
     
     
         8 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the beams are fastened to support structures of the surface. 
     
     
         9 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein the insulation batts are mounted to adjacent beams. 
     
     
         10 . The system of  claim 1 , wherein each of the insulation batts comprises an insulation material and an outer layer that faces distal ends of the beams. 
     
     
         11 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein a first tape is applied to the distal ends of the beams and to the outer layers of the insulation batts to form airtight barriers therebetween. 
     
     
         12 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein the first tape comprises an all weather flashing tape. 
     
     
         13 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the outer layer comprises at least one of a smart vapor retarder (SVR) and kraft paper. 
     
     
         14 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the outer layer comprises an ACH50 value of not greater than 3, wherein ACH50 represents an air exchange at 50 Pascals. 
     
     
         15 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the outer layer comprises a water vapor permeability of not greater than 3 perms at a relative humidity of 25% as measured by ASTM E96 Procedure A Dry Cup. 
     
     
         16 . The system of  claim 10 , wherein the outer layer comprises a fire class A rating as measured by ASTM E84. 
     
     
         17 . The system of  claim 11 , wherein a second tape is applied to form additional barriers between support structures of the surface and abutting insulation batts. 
     
     
         18 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the second tape is segmented. 
     
     
         19 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the second tape is a stretchable tape comprising an elongation capability of at least about 100%. 
     
     
         20 . The system of  claim 17 , wherein the additional airtight barriers comprise an ACH50 value of not greater than 3, wherein ACH50 represents an air exchange at 50 Pascals.