Replies

1. 
   rjw | Oct 30, 2002 05:03am | #1

   Before thinking about thermal insualtion, check to make sure there isn't any knob and tube wiring in the attic or walls.  Covering it with thermal insualtion is a fire hazard.

1. 
   MajorWool | Oct 30, 2002 12:01pm | #5

   Part of my recent insulation removal project is to isolate and remove the last two bedroom outlets fed by K&T located in the attic. FWIW, this wiring was pretty much buried under a couple of inches of the compacted insulation, and didn't burn for the 70-80 yrs it has been in the house. But I'd still get it out while it is exposed because digging through 10" of new insulation won't be fun.

1. 
   rjw | Oct 30, 2002 02:15pm | #6

   didn't burn for the 70-80 yrs it has been in the house. But I'd still get it out while it is exposed because digging through 10" of new insulation won't be fun.

   Yeah, the electricians in my area mainly say, "No problem, we see it all of the time."  And they do, it's very common in the older housing stock of NW Ohio.

   The firemen and fire marshalls and fire investigators have a different point of view.  They consider it a significant fire hazard.

   I have K&T in my house, but won't let thermal insulation get near it.

   Doing home inspections, I can often see a visible difference in the cloth insulation of K&T wire where it's been buried and not buired.  I don't know that the difference is significant, but I wouldn't take the chance, myself.

2. 
   xMikeSmith | Oct 30, 2002 05:08am | #2

   most vapor barriers are not really good vapor barriers.. if you eliminate the sources of water.. there will not be enough moisture to get you in trouble..

   if you insulate.. then the cellulose is an excellent choice.. especially if you get someone who can blow it in at a Dens-Pak  level... about 3 LB. / cf...

   cellulose will not give you as much trouble with moisture as fiberglass.. but any uncontrolled moisture in your house will overwhelm any insulation

   Mike Smith   Rhode Island : Design / Build / Repair / Restore

3. 
   goldhiller | Oct 30, 2002 05:38am | #3

   You might alleviate some of your concerns by giving this a quick read.

   http://www.regalind.com/vaporbarrier.htm

   Knowledge is power, but only if applied in a timely fashion.
4. 
   4Lorn1 | Oct 30, 2002 07:38am | #4

   What Bob Walker said. A reputable insulation contractor will not insulate any space containing K&T wiring. If he knows about it, be sure to tell him/her, and they still want to put in insulation escort them off the property by kicking them vigorously all the way to the gate.