Hi,
I had a huge elec bill last month so I decided to peek up into the attic. A couple of things, first off the cable guy had pulled aside a full row of insulation to run a cable and then just left it there on the side. The other thing I found was air leaking into the attic from around the register vent boxes. I have cathedral ceilings so some of them are going to be tough to get to. Can I unscrew the vent cover, from the ceilin side then push the box up, run a heavy bead of caulk around the box or hole and then rescrew into place? Would that give me a good seal? That’ll save me rolling around in the attic.
As always, all help appreciated.
Mike
Discussion Forum
Discussion Forum
Up Next
Video Shorts
Featured Story
When deck posts exceed what the prescriptive code tables allow, it's time to consult a structural engineer for post sizing and possible bracing.
Highlights
"I have learned so much thanks to the searchable articles on the FHB website. I can confidently say that I expect to be a life-long subscriber." - M.K.
Fine Homebuilding Magazine
Fine Home Building
Follow
-
Fine Homebuilding
Dig into cutting-edge approaches and decades of proven solutions with total access to our experts and tradespeople.
Start Free Trial Now -
GBA Prime
Get instant access to the latest developments in green building, research, and reports from the field.
Start Free Trial Now
Replies
I know it's no fun hacking around in an attic, but I'd be tempted to bite the bullet, get up in there, and use spray can foam around the register boots. I think you'd get better insulation value, and any little bit that oozes past can be neatly trimmed once it dries.
Scott.
just use low modulas so that when the foam expands things don't get shoved around..
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"
Yeah, I should have mentioned that. It'll distort flimsy tin boots too. Go easy with it.
Edited 9/22/2009 2:35 pm by Scott
MB,
Where is your leak? Is it
between the register boot and the finished ceiling?
at an open seam or hole(s) in the boot?
between the boot and the attached duct? The cable guy may have dislodged the connection.
Spray foam (or even caulk) would work for the first. You can remove the cover and work from below. Try not to make a mess with the foam. You need foil tape and insulation for the other problems. An open seam in the boot can be taped from below (the inside) but otherwise you need to work from above.
In any case, the boot, if installed correctly, has ears that are sandwiched between your drywall and wood structure above - you won't be able to cleanly push it up into the attic space.
Jim x 3
Thanks,
When I pull back the insulation in the attic I can feel the air leaking around where the "vent box" meets the drywall. The duct work is the flex foil type.
Thanks again,
Mike
You may want to take off the register cover 1st anyway. If the seams in the metal boot haven't been sealed, I'd get some duct sealing caulk on all the seams... then check out your duct lines.http://www.tvwsolar.com
We'll have a kid
Or maybe we'll rent one
He's got to be straight
We don't want a bent one
He'll drink his baby brew
From a big brass cup
Someday he may be president
If things loosen up
an use mesh tape with it...
Life is not a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming<!----><!----><!---->
WOW!!! What a Ride!
Forget the primal scream, just ROAR!!!
"Some days it's just not worth chewing through the restraints"