[SuperJETT]

Our house has little insulation in the attic spaces. The original attic was finished and has 4" of fiberglass batts. The front section with 2 large rooms and stairway/landing area has "blown in" which is really just a dusting of insulation, maybe 1-2" average.

So, I'm starting to plan ahead. I'll get up there and start air sealing soon. It looks like all the electric for the second floor is run through there so I'm sure there are plenty of holes to seal.

We're in Louisville, KY, zone 4 so I'll shoot for R-38? The ceilings are plaster/lath in the front section and drywall in the finished attic section.

What do I do about the Romex/BX cables that are run up there, just completely cover them?

Also, only one section is tall enough to walk around in. Do I need to build a raised walkway in case I need to work up there? Currently in that section, the only access is a very small opening maybe 12x24, just big enough to get through, so getting wood/etc up will be difficult because it's under the angled side and even an 8' length may not make the turn. Attic stairs may be needed.

I've been reading and reading and reading, and not looking forward to this. Tyvek suit/respirator here I come, again.

 

[Windows on Wash]

You can blow over the top as long as all the connections are tight and legal.

No need to put a platform up there unless you really want once.

Some strategically placed plywood and 2x4s will help you navigate a bit more easily and without incident.

While R-38 is plenty, just blow it to R-50. Insulation is cheap and especially when you are considering from going to R-38 to R-50.

 

[SuperJETT]

The electric was the first thing I looked at actually (ex-submariner electrician's mate), a few items need to be dealt with on that just from a cursory look around.

What does everyone do to get a certain depth, marks on the rafters or nail in small pieces of wood at the height required.

 

[Windows on Wash]

http://www.jrproductsinc.com/shop/pc/R-Value-Ruler-c156.htm

 

[SuperJETT]

I just ordered my Great Stuff Pro foam and gun to get rolling on the air sealing of the attic and basement, fun times ahead.

 

[Gary in WA]

" Do I need to build a raised walkway in case I need to work up there? Currently in that section, the only access is a very small opening maybe 12x24, just big enough to get through, so getting wood/etc up will be difficult because it's under the angled side and even an 8' length may not make the turn. Attic stairs may be needed."----------------

Fix the access to minimum code first (22" x 30"); http://publicecodes.cyberregs.com/icod/irc/2009/icod_irc_2009_8_sec007.htm

Check with your local AHJ on the new attic egress requirements, stairs, smoke detectors, egress window, etc; https://docs.google.com/viewer?a=v&q=cache:EJENK_uA9RQJ:www.cr-ar.com/pdfs/Building%20Code%20Changes.pdf+R602.3(1)+2006&hl=en&gl=us&pid=bl&srcid=ADGEESh311Kosslp7jsjp9WhUXxZsgSiyNaWb-eW0YminVwmPUavLlW75BKLoV9em4LFCAydmTGQlkUFOPm8AqHkRP5wLQGQQGkwyzAGtlN4D2DqCiCLwprOpEbvvjeGk6CEhyHiVdtK&sig=AHIEtbRa4Ah_IICPQ3BR1txlzU01V4JQIg

Any Romex within 6' of the attic access needs to be protected by wood strapping next to it (good idea anywhere you will be walking later, after insulation)...

How about some FLIR pics of before/after attic insulation?

Gary

 

[SuperJETT]

Attic thermal pics:
http://www.diychatroom.com/f103/more-thermal-imaging-basement-walls-167093/#post1080094