Venting for a cape cod house

Nan5 · 05-06-2009, 01:19 PM

Hi, I have a cape code home built in the early 80's. There are open gaps between the gables in the crawl space. The builder had put regular insulation in the openings. I don't think this is allowing proper airflow. It also does not prevent mice from getting into the attic. My handyman want to put round styrofoam in there and caulk it closed. I am worried about air flow. On the back of the house it looks like there is styrofoam in between. I don't want this to effect the air flow in the attic. Thank you, Nancy [IMG]file:///zTransfer/Files%20From%20iBook/Documents/Pictures/100_48.jpg[/IMG]

Ron6519 · 05-06-2009, 09:59 PM

If this is a typical cape setup, you have kneewalls on the second floor that transition into a sloped area that is parallel to the roof line. There's a small horizontal ceiling about 5-7 feet wide.
There should be an open area in each rafter bay that connects the crawlspace to the attic space above the horizontal ceiing. so the hot air can escape to the ridge and out of the house.
Mice do not get into the attic from the exterior. They get in the house from ground level and climb to the attic. Have the handyman seal up all the areas where they can get in.
You lost me about the, "sealing with round styrofoam". Where is that going?
Do you have a ridge vent? An attic exhaust fan?
Ron

Scuba_Dave · 05-06-2009, 10:17 PM

Your other picture didn't post
Need more info on where the issue is
A pic of what the handyman wants to seal