Finished Attics in Story-and-a-Half Homes

The finished attic consists of separate sections that may require different sealing and insulating methods:

• The peak attic, located above the finished attic.
• The sloped roof (slant wall) where wall/roof finish is installed directly to roof rafters.
• Knee walls, between the finished attic and unconditioned attic space.
• Outer ceiling joists (floor), between the knee wall and top plate of exterior wall.

Houle Insulation, Inc. follows these specifications when insulating finished attics:

• Seal attic bypasses before insulating.
• Assure adequate structural integrity to support the weight of the insulation.
• Create an airtight and structurally sound seal in the joist space under the knee wall.
• When possible, insulate the slant wall with dense pack cellulose.
• Insulate knee walls with dense pack cellulose or fiberglass batts.
• When the knee wall area is used for storage, cover insulation with house wrap to prevent exposure to insulation fibers.
• Insulate knee wall access hatches with fiberglass batt covered with house wrap.

Once this work is done to the typical expansion attic homeowners will notice a definite moderation of temperature of their upper level. This method of insulating also helps eliminate ice dams in this style of home.