Replies

1. 
   RichBeckman | Jan 20, 2005 03:31am | #1

   "I had them install a continous ridge vent along the apex of the roof."

   Are the soffits vented??

   "1. The vertical walls (front and back of house) can I hang regular insulation on those walls?"

   You mean the walls IN the attic?? There is no reason to insulate those.

   "2. We have recessed lights that poke through into the attic. Is it OK to put insulation near these lights? I believe they get pretty hot."

   You can only put insulation close to the recessed lights that are rated for it (I believe the rating is indicated with I.C.)

   From what I've read here at Breaktime, a fairly common solution is to build a box out of drywall to cover the top of the lights. The seams of the box are sealed with mud as is the point of contact between the box and the ceiling and where the electrical wire leaves the box. Make the box large enough to give the light some room.

   "3. What other methods can you recommend to help us kill the "draft" from our attic to the second story."

   You have the right idea in #2. There are probably many holes between the living area and the attic. Wherever there is a ceiling light or a ceiling fan, hardwired smoke detectors, every wire that comes through the top plate of the wall, every plumbing vent, etc.

   In newer homes, there is often a gap at the top of all the walls between the drywall and the top plate. I don't know if such a gap might be in a 100 year old house.

   If there's a chimney, use metal to bridge any gaps between the chimney and the ceiling. Use a high temp caulk at the brick.

   Seal all of the holes with foam.

   Then take measures to prevent insulation from getting on top of the soffits and blocking air flow from the soffit to the ridge. Then blow cellulose in...I don't remember off hand how much.

   Rich Beckman

   Another day, another tool.