Qualified Handyman Blog
An Attic Conversion 2020-01-09
Our client asked us to evaluate the existing condition of the attic in a recently purchased lake cottage they intend to make their retirement home.
When we looked at the existing attic we found a space that served as a storage area. Extra storage has value until your heating bill cost more than that space is worth as storage.
So, here is what we found:
2 x 6 joist with fiberglass batt insulation between and covered with sheathing.
Uninsulated heating supply and return air ducts
Gable vents at each gable end
Several soffit vents at each eave
And here is what we recommended:
Install more soffit vents and install Insulation Rafter Baffles in the same rafter space
Remove and seal gable vent openings
Install continuous venting at the roof ridge
Wrap all ductwork with metalized jacket insulation
Build and install a scuttle hole wall extension
Ductwork is wrapped with a metalized jacket insulation
Example of insulation rafter baffles
Extended scuttle hole example. Ideally, we would like to achieve an R-value of 49 for our region.