Qualified Handyman Blog
An Attic Conversion 2020-01-09
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.