That hybrid approach makes a lot of sense, especially in an older house where you never quite know what’s behind the walls. I’ve run into the same issue—
It’s easy to underestimate how much future access matters until you’re actually up there with a saw. I think your mix of foam and rigid panels is a smart compromise. The fact that you caught a roof leak early thanks to the panels is a real bonus. I’d say as long as you keep an eye on those seams and maybe re-tape every few years, you’ll probably avoid most of the long-term air leak issues. Sometimes “not the prettiest” is exactly what works best for the budget and the house.“the idea of not being able to get to wiring or plumbing later made me nervous.”
“the idea of not being able to get to wiring or plumbing later made me nervous.”
Totally get that. I’ve had to open up a wall more than once because “future me” didn’t plan for access. Your call to use both foam and rigid panels seems like a sweet spot—keeps things insulated but doesn’t seal you out completely. I wouldn’t worry too much about perfect seams either. Sometimes the “good enough” approach is what actually holds up in real life, especially in older houses where nothing is square anyway.
I hear you on the “good enough” approach—sometimes chasing perfect just isn’t worth it, especially with old framing that’s all over the place. I’ve always tried to leave a bit of wiggle room for future repairs, but it’s a balancing act with insulation. Out of curiosity, did you consider adding any kind of roof venting or even a green roof layer up top? I’ve found that can make a surprising difference in attic temps, though it’s obviously more work.
I’ve seen a few folks try green roofs around here, but honestly, after the last hailstorm shredded my neighbor’s sedum, I’m not sure I’d risk it unless you’re in a pretty mild spot. Roof venting though—yeah, that’s a game changer. I added ridge vents after a gnarly windstorm took off half my shingles, and the attic temps dropped way more than I expected. Only downside is, if you don’t get the intake/exhaust balance right, you can end up with weird drafts or even leaks. It’s always something, right?
Only downside is, if you don’t get the intake/exhaust balance right, you can end up with weird drafts or even leaks. It’s always something, right?
That’s the part that gets folks every time. I’ve seen a handful of houses where someone got excited about ridge vents, popped them in, and then forgot about soffit intake. Next thing you know, you’re getting condensation on the rafters or—worse—ice dams in winter. People always think more venting is better, but it’s all about balance. Had a client last year who went overboard with gable vents and ridge vents together, thinking it’d cool things off faster. Instead, he just pulled conditioned air from the house right into the attic and his AC bill shot up.
About green roofs—I get the concern after a hailstorm. But I’ve actually inspected a couple where they held up surprisingly well, even after some nasty weather. One was a mix of sedum and wildflowers on a low-slope membrane roof. The plants took a beating, sure, but the membrane underneath was untouched. The owner said it was easier (and cheaper) to replant than to fix hail-dented shingles or metal. I guess it comes down to what you’re willing to maintain. If you hate yardwork, probably not worth it. If you like tinkering, it’s not as risky as folks assume... at least if you’ve got the right waterproofing underneath.
Funny thing about “game changers”—every time I think I’ve found one, there’s some new quirk to deal with. Ridge vents did wonders for my own place, but then I started noticing dust blowing in through the vent slots whenever we got those big prairie wind gusts. Not a huge deal, but enough to keep me humble.
Anyway, nothing’s ever truly set-it-and-forget-it with roofs. There’s always a tradeoff somewhere, whether it’s maintenance, cost, or just weird airflow patterns you didn’t expect. Keeps things interesting, I guess...
