knee wall question for finished attic space.
#1
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knee wall question for finished attic space.
Ok, so I just learned what a knee wall is. Please be gentle.
I have a bedroom in a finished attic. I got behind the knee wall and see that the knee wall is insulated.
The home is a cape cod style home built in 1948.
What I don't understand is this:
At the top of the knee wall are the roof rafters. There is a space between the knee wall and the roof of about 4 inches.
This space is completely filled with insulation.
When it is hot out, the knee wall gets pretty warm to the touch and warms the room up.
Is that area (the area between the roof rafters at the top of the knee wall) supposed to be insulated?
I don't see any form of insulation behind the knee wall, but then again, I am very new at this and don't know what to look for.
I am wondering if stopping ventilation between the attic and the area of the knee wall is causing part of the excessive temperatures, or if this area should be completely plugged with insulation?
Thanks
I have a bedroom in a finished attic. I got behind the knee wall and see that the knee wall is insulated.
The home is a cape cod style home built in 1948.
What I don't understand is this:
At the top of the knee wall are the roof rafters. There is a space between the knee wall and the roof of about 4 inches.
This space is completely filled with insulation.
When it is hot out, the knee wall gets pretty warm to the touch and warms the room up.
Is that area (the area between the roof rafters at the top of the knee wall) supposed to be insulated?
I don't see any form of insulation behind the knee wall, but then again, I am very new at this and don't know what to look for.
I am wondering if stopping ventilation between the attic and the area of the knee wall is causing part of the excessive temperatures, or if this area should be completely plugged with insulation?
Thanks
Last edited by jj94auto; 07-13-08 at 08:42 PM.
#2
Member
Thread Starter
Ok, so I just learned what a knee wall is. Please be gentle.
I have a bedroom in a finished attic. I got behind the knee wall and see that the knee wall is insulated.
The home is a cape cod style home built in 1948.
What I don't understand is this:
At the top of the knee wall are the roof rafters. There is a space between the knee wall and the roof of about 4 inches.
This space is completely filled with insulation.
When it is hot out, the knee wall gets pretty warm to the touch and warms the room up.
Is that area (the area between the roof rafters at the top of the knee wall) supposed to be insulated?
I don't see any form of insulation behind the knee wall, but then again, I am very new at this and don't know what to look for.
I am wondering if stopping ventilation between the attic and the area of the knee wall is causing part of the excessive temperatures, or if this area should be completely plugged with insulation?
Thanks
I have a bedroom in a finished attic. I got behind the knee wall and see that the knee wall is insulated.
The home is a cape cod style home built in 1948.
What I don't understand is this:
At the top of the knee wall are the roof rafters. There is a space between the knee wall and the roof of about 4 inches.
This space is completely filled with insulation.
When it is hot out, the knee wall gets pretty warm to the touch and warms the room up.
Is that area (the area between the roof rafters at the top of the knee wall) supposed to be insulated?
I don't see any form of insulation behind the knee wall, but then again, I am very new at this and don't know what to look for.
I am wondering if stopping ventilation between the attic and the area of the knee wall is causing part of the excessive temperatures, or if this area should be completely plugged with insulation?
Thanks
#3
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Since no one has answered, I am going to assume that this area should not have insulation stuffed in it.
#4
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I wouldn't think you would want to stop ventilation up along the underside of the roof decking between the rafters from the soffit up to the roof peak. I know they make those styrofoam channels that you can put against the underside of the roof deck that prevents blockage of that area for ventilation. Perhaps put those in between the joists above the knee wall, then add insulation on the backside of the kneewall (in the attic) making sure not to block ventilation from the soffitt area. I would think you can use additional styrofoam channels to keep the insulation from blocking ventilation in that area as well.
I'm no expert, so maybe someone could help this guy out. All I know is that blocking this ventilation, if the attic is indeed intended to be vented, is a no no.
Good luck.
I'm no expert, so maybe someone could help this guy out. All I know is that blocking this ventilation, if the attic is indeed intended to be vented, is a no no.
Good luck.
#5
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Thread Starter
I wouldn't think you would want to stop ventilation up along the underside of the roof decking between the rafters from the soffit up to the roof peak. I know they make those styrofoam channels that you can put against the underside of the roof deck that prevents blockage of that area for ventilation. Perhaps put those in between the joists above the knee wall, then add insulation on the backside of the kneewall (in the attic) making sure not to block ventilation from the soffitt area. I would think you can use additional styrofoam channels to keep the insulation from blocking ventilation in that area as well.
I'm no expert, so maybe someone could help this guy out. All I know is that blocking this ventilation, if the attic is indeed intended to be vented, is a no no.
Good luck.
I'm no expert, so maybe someone could help this guy out. All I know is that blocking this ventilation, if the attic is indeed intended to be vented, is a no no.
Good luck.
Could you please tell me about these styrofoam channels and what they are for?
#6
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I found a good picture in this bruchure from a Kansas utility company- see page 4 of the document. I don't know what they are called in the big box stores, but I've seen them aplenty in there. They are pretty cheap. It's the prefabricated truss chute or baffle that is stapled to the under roof decking between the trausses to make sure that insulation doesn't go all the way to the roof deck. These make sure that there is an air channel from the soffit vents to the roof vents. I'm sorry I don't know there exact name of the item. I know in the hardware stores here, they are styrofoam and I think pinkish in color- forgot the brand. Mayber Owens Corning since they're pink.... but don't remember.
http://www.worryfreehome.com/energy_...insulation.pdf
http://www.worryfreehome.com/energy_...insulation.pdf
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http://www.eere.energy.gov/buildings...rica/26447.pdf
This site will also give you some insights on knee wall insulation, access and ventilation.
This site will also give you some insights on knee wall insulation, access and ventilation.
#8
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Here's a couple of ideas...
You say when it gets hot your knee wall heats up. Do you have adequate attic ventilation?
Is your roof insulated? If not that may be your problem. Converting any attic space into a room can make for a hot living space if you don't have proper insulation or ventilation.
This website is totally dedicated to do it yourself home insulation tips and advice and maybe you can find some answers:
Itchy's Do It Yourself Home Insulation
Good Luck
Is your roof insulated? If not that may be your problem. Converting any attic space into a room can make for a hot living space if you don't have proper insulation or ventilation.
This website is totally dedicated to do it yourself home insulation tips and advice and maybe you can find some answers:
Itchy's Do It Yourself Home Insulation
Good Luck