Possible to remove vent to gain access to attic

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01-12-16, 07:34 AM

igneous

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Possible to remove vent to gain access to attic

Can I take vent cover off and get access to the attic to put out some mice traps? We have a vaulted ceiling with 2 vents in our bedroom, but no way to gain access thru the attic. On the west side of the house the attic is inaccessible (sloped roof). I've sealed all the gaps around house and on roof, so need to trap ones in attic so I can confirm everything is sealed up.
I'd also like to use this access to blow cellulose insulation in there. Suggestions?

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01-12-16, 07:37 AM

stickshift

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I'm not following - how would taking off the vent cover give you access?

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01-12-16, 08:04 AM

marksr

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The vent cover is [or should be] hooked up to duct work which would prevent access to the attic.

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01-12-16, 08:06 AM

igneous

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Sorry, I meant removing vent cover and taking screws or nails out of the duct housing that feeds it and moving it out of the way to get into attic. I can't think of any other way except cutting another hole in ceiling. Basically removing the duct from the hole in sheetrock.

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01-12-16, 08:24 AM

stickshift

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That certainly wouldn't work in my house but maybe your ductwork is different than mine.

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01-12-16, 08:31 AM

igneous

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Yeah, guess I just need to get the big ladder and investigate to see if it can be done. Since the ceiling only has a couple feet to the rafters, the carpenters may have screwed or nailed the duct/vent housing to a stud from below instead of above--then I could possibly get it loose and just screw it back when I'm done. Thanks for input.

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01-12-16, 09:31 AM

Handyone

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I'm not the insulation expert. You want to be careful and get some advice on insulating a vaulted ceiling. If there's currently air flow there, you will block the flow causing moisture problems.

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01-12-16, 01:14 PM

igneous

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It is vented, so I'd have to use loose blown fiberglass to allow air movement up the decking and out the ridge. Thanks for pointing that out Handyone.

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