Need to put insulation back, what's best way?

ChrisDIY · 04-04-2010, 11:01 PM

The hall bathroom demo is 95% complete short of the area above the tub/shower. All the walls in the bathroom were insulated with R-13 paper faced fiberglass insulation even though all the walls are interior to another conditioned space. Anybody, know why???

So thinking along this theme I was thinking the insulation above shower was in error as well. Turns out this insulation (blow in) is in the right place. Space above is un-conditioned, see photo.

I am planning on putting recessed wet location lighting above the tub/shower. I have no available access from above. How can I get the insulation back into this space? I am thinking put my lights in, put in some un-faced insulation held up by "blow in netting" across joists, lay in a long piece(s) from open side and try to flip it over the top of the lights and then put additional piece underneath and hold up with netting?

Can you do this? Will this even work? Am I forced to cut a hole in the loft wall and try to refill from above? This sounds like an easier path but the wall has blow-in insulation held against it with netting as I can make it out while looking through area I opened. Hopefully, I can be successful with Plan A.

ChrisDIY · 04-05-2010, 12:37 PM

Oh, No!

I just realized the entire side of the house, including the future master bath remodel is done this way! Should I find a location to create permanent access door???

Scuba_Dave · 04-05-2010, 01:06 PM

Bathrooms with steam showers are insulated
I insulated the wall between the bathroom & bedroom to cut down on noise
I stopped about 12" above the tub
Possible house was added onto & exterior walls are now interior ?
And in some vases people heat one room & not another
My last house I insulated all walls for the back bedroom since I didn't heat it

My understanding is you are required to have an access door to the "attic"

ChrisDIY · 04-05-2010, 02:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Scuba_Dave

Bathrooms with steam showers are insulated
I insulated the wall between the bathroom & bedroom to cut down on noise
I stopped about 12" above the tub
Possible hosue was added onto & exterior walls are now interior ?
And in some vases people heat one room & not another
My last house I insulated all walls for the back bedroom since I didn't heat it

My understanding is you are required to have an access door to the "attic"

As you have seen my Project Showcase, you guys are gonna get a load of me! This house is chock full of surprises! Wait till you see the stairs! No steam shower and bath was still central in original house. Not sure if officially an "attic," but the insulation is in-between ceiling joists. Space appears to be about 3-4 feet tall max.

Good thing you told me as now I will need to check and see if local code requires an access door. Not sure if you have to be able to access all unconditioned spaces. I will be fearful moving around in there since they have it super deep with blow-in insulation you can't see the joists. Owner builder did work himself without any code research I see. House seems to be full of overkill.

ChrisDIY · 04-05-2010, 03:08 PM

International Residential Code 2003 requires any attic area exceeding 30sf in area and that have a vertical height of 30 inches or more.

R807.1 Attic Access"In buildings with combustible ceiling or roof construction, an attic access opening shall be provided to attic areas that exceed 30 square feet (2.8m sq) and have a vertical height of 30 inches (762mm) or greater.

The rough-framed opening shall not be less than 22 inches by 30 inches (559mm by 762mm) and shall be located in a hallway or other readily accessible location. A 30-inch (762mm) minimum unobstructed headroom in the attic space shall be provided at some point above the access opening."

I'm hoping for 29"

ChrisDIY · 04-06-2010, 09:33 AM

I was also wondering if I install four recessed cans and since I will not have reasonable location for access how much concern should I have with being able to access recessed lights? Are they known to fail? Low voltage vs. line?