Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3808 2/19/2014, 8:50 AM
The southwest corner of the attic is well-traveled, much at 4” insulation depth, under R10. In fact, I will show that all of this attic loose-fill, commonly 7” or 8” deep, is at average less than R10, and worthy of repair, with a rebate of some kind. It is not to be treated as acceptable. It isn’t just unavoidable trampling effects. Large thermal shorts in voids under and behind blown-at objects ruin the insulation average. But repair furthers the ruin through trampling! In the end, we will condemn uncovered insulation in general, rewarding methods that allow hard air-tight covering. No situation with bare non-IC lights may remain. No insulation may be added before sealing repairs.
p 1 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
By proportion to 22.5” joist clearance, the can measures 6.25” OD. IMG_3809 2/19/2014, 8:53 AM
I will eliminate six Lightolier non-IC can lights. All have large annular gaps unobstructed at topside. If cans had been IC and covered, the insulation would have been fully blackened. The cans themselves are beautifully metalspun and nearly airtight, high end for 1988 construction. What a waste. The can annular clearance is 7” - 6.25 = 0.75”, quite large. The frame is not pushed against the ceiling, and probably does not further constrict the passage of leaking air. Each can light has a gap of up to 7.8 sq in. The annual heating cost with old 80% furnace was $0.555*area = as much as $4.30 per year. Here I will replace a 65 watt incandescent downlight with a 14.5 watt LED while getting about half again as much light, in four places. In one, I will install a 9.5 watt LED. Another can will be patched out. Completing insulation in the floor will save $2.4 * Baffled Area, sf* (1/3 - 1/50) = $0.75 * Baffled Area, sf = $1.30 per year for an 18” baffled circle. = $3 per year for 4 sf uninsulated over the kitchen sink. Call the typical sealing and insulation savings in replacing a very leaky non-IC can light, about $6 per year. p 2 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
Comparisons For 35,000 Hours, 32 Years At 3 Hr Per Day, 365 Days Per Year. Electricity at $0.11 per KWH. Costs Adjusted Times 4 Divided By Brightness. Product/ Type/ Life
Watts/ Lumens/ Brightness
Luminaires Cost /Qty/ Total
GE/ Point-Source/ 750 hr
100/ 1690/ 4
Incandescent/ Downlight/ 2,500 Hr
Electricity
Savings vs. Ref
$1.10 47/ $55
$385
Inefficient Point-Source Reference
65/ 620/ 5.5
$12 14 $122
$182
$136
Incandescent/ 90° Flood/ 10,000 Hr
150/ 1700/ 4
$7/ 3/ $21
$420
-$1
Glimpse 4”/ Plate LED/ 35,000 Hr
9/ 450/ 4
$37 1 $37
$35
$368
Glimpse 6”/ Plate LED/ 35,000 Hr
14.5/ 750 6.7
$27 1 $27
$33
$380
Sylvania LED Disk Light/ 35,000 Hr
13/ 900/ 8
$37 1 $19
$25
$396
Cooper SLD4/ Edge-Lit/ 50,000
12.5/ 650/ 5.8
$40/ 1/ $28
$33
$379
Cooper SLD4/ Edge-Lit/ 50,000
7 Wished/ 650/ 5.8
$40/ 1/ $28
$18
$394
Vs. 150 watt incandescent floods, each 6” Glimpse saves $380 + 1 = $381, over 32 years. Annual savings are about $12 per year. A modest installed cost of $60 each is repaid in about five years. A light used more hours per day has faster payback. Include the savings from sealing and completing insulation over the light, in the payback study. Those savings, with very-leaky non-IC can lights are about $6 per year, each, nearly the same as lighting savings. With total savings of $18 per year, light replacement payback is about three years. p 3 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
Invent “Bare Area Equivalents.” Weatherization is much more than adding insulation.
IMG_3810 2/19/2014, 10:15 AM
What is the equivalent in bare-area coverage to R38, that saves six times $18 per year? This is the savings opportunity with lights. 2.4*Area * (1/3 - 1/41) = 6*$18 Area = 145 sf, out of 1264 sf floor area. Trampling and rebuilding loose fill will also permit insulation of 190 sf on nowreachable attic walls. Say the attic walls opportunity is 200 sf bare to fullyinsulated, when a far skylight is reached, in commitment to fix all floor insulation. The effect of sealing wall headers may also be estimated in equivalent bare area fully insulated. Say the area both sides of interior walls is the same as attic floor area, and stilling leakage/ floor pit bathing, is 10%, 126 sf. The bare-area equivalent of insulating the attic floor from R10 to R38 is: Area/3 = 1264(1/13 - 1/41) Area = 199 sf Total bare area equivalents are 145 + 200 + 126 + 199 = 670 sf. 22% in fixing six lights. 30% in fixing attic walls. 19% in sealing wall headers. 29% in adding insulation. More than two thirds of weatherization savings come from other than adding insulation, here and in most homes. p 4 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3811 2/19/2014, 1:04 PM
This is my first opportunity to mass-produce patch-in of RACO 175 lighting junction boxes. Cut 7” circles of 1/2” GP Densarmor drywall. Trace a centered junction box. Drill 3 5/8” through the circle center and whittle the rounded corners. The support block consists of two scrap pieces 2x4 @1 3/4” length, 1/2” CDX 1 3/4” wide from scrap of 11” rips, and four 1 5/8” deck screws. The same wood block setup will mount junction boxes only, more-recessed, in the 5/8” drywall garage ceiling.
p 5 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3812 2/19/2014, 1:05 PM
Can holes are saw-cut quite circular, 7” diameter, with some buttering in of ceiling texture.
p 6 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3813 2/19/2014, 1:09 PM
The insert is aligned in-the blind, with joists above. Wires will lead in perpendicular to joists. Here, the annular clearance about the patch is small and uneven.
p 7 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3816 2/19/2014, 1:11 PM
Carve texture and ceiling drywall to open clearances to 3/32” typical, and spray-wet the annulus.
p 8 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3817 2/19/2014, 1:19 PM
Push flexible grout to full penetration by fingertip and by trawel force. Start to build the ceiling texture. Let this set up about an hour.
p 9 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3818 2/19/2014, 4:55 PM
This is a third grout application, good enough where nearly all all of the patch will be covered by a 6” LED luminaire.
p 10 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3819 2/19/2014, 5:52 PM
An incomplete finished look at end of a first day of change-out. The remnant can over the kitchen sink is much dimmer, and not pretty. It is a 150 watt incandescent flood, focused to a beam angle of less than 90°, wasting much light that doesn’t leave the can. I think the 150 watt incandescent floods have been less effective than 100watt bare light bulbs, and call this remaining old light brightness B4.
p 11 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3820 2/20/2014, 9:21 AM
Patches from below were not quite full penetration. Complete the grouting from above.
p 12 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3821 2/20/2014, 9:21 AM
Reveal the last can over the kitchen sink with area nearly 4 sf not insulated. A 4 sf uninsulated spot costs about $3 per year in wasted heat. With the adding of floor insulation, the total savings per can are about $20 per year. Real money, and real improvement of quality of life.
p 13 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3822 2/20/2014, 9:21 AM
The found wires that joined in a satellite can light box may not readily reach new junction box openings.
p 14 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3823 2/20/2014, 9:22 AM
The blind patch alignment can be imperfect.
p 15 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3824 2/20/2014, 9:22 AM
9/16” K-Lath wafer-head screws protrude from the 1/2” plywood support bridge. As I crawled over these, one snagged and ripped a shirt. 1x2 scrap will work better for bridges. I must remember to save some. Bridge length must be about 11”, and plywood rips in job scrap are usually 9”.
p 16 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3825 2/20/2014, 9:22 AM
p 17 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3826 2/20/2014, 9:22 AM
Mud wasps loved the heated space over the sink can light.
p 18 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3830 2/20/2014, 1:09 PM
Wreckage of loose-fill insulation will be repaired by adding batt insulation. Wait until attic wall insulation is fixed.
p 19 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3828 2/20/2014, 1:07 PM
Attic wall insulation has been out of contact with drywall, everywhere. At right on this batt, spacing resulted from edge stapling. At left a 1 1/2” gap was allowed in draping over on-flat 2x4.
p 20 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3831 2/20/2014, 4:02 PM
Before fixing wall insulation, seal wall headers.
p 21 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3833 2/20/2014, 4:03 PM
Do seal under blocks over wall headers.
p 22 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3834 2/20/2014, 4:03 PM
All grayness in the white loose-fill is from warm air carried into the attic. Wiring holes have carried more leakage, than usually-tight drywall gaps in this home.
p 23 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3835 2/20/2014, 4:03 PM
Air more-easily bypasses batt insulation loosely stuffed, and blackness is on the surface.
p 24 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3838 2/20/2014, 4:44 PM
Note good plastic electricians tape over a 14-ga romex lead down the kitchen West wall.
p 25 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3839 2/20/2014, 4:44 PM
I employ the loose-fill to thicken grout in largest gaps. The header surface is soaked by sponge, and loose-fill fragments into grout when wet. Grout is sucked into wet gaps, and usually bridges in one application of grout only.
p 26 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3840 2/20/2014, 4:44 PM
The sealing of wire holes is less permanent than the diligent insertion of sealing foam. I wet and then prime a hole with grout, push in a gob af verywet loose fill, and crown the patch with a puddle of wet grout. A header is almost immediately walkable. I will never ruin someone’s carpets with tracked orange yuk.
p 27 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3841 2/20/2014, 5:18 PM
The collapsed loose-fill is generally 3” depth. I need depth at least 3 1/2” to not have voids under topping insulation, and don’t want the topping insulation to pick up loose fill. Therefore plan to work the loose fill further to uniform 2” depth.
p 28 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3842 2/20/2014, 5:18 PM
The R11 23” width kraft insulation of attic walls will all be used in the topping of floor insulation
p 29 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3843 2/20/2014, 5:19 PM
The R11 unfaced insulation that surrounded can lights will also be buried, atop loose fill.
p 30 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3844 2/20/2014, 5:19 PM
Note that wires are not drilled through truss bottom elements, but are draped along those elements, with many staples. I believe staples have value only at a termination, and pull the staples to ease lacing under of batts.
p 31 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3845 2/20/2014, 5:19 PM
I reached into loose fill here to test value over the cathedral ceiling. Find graininess, a sense of voids, even where a deposit was not in lee of some structure. Find complete voids under structure such as topping 2x4 stabilizers against joist twist.
p 32 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3846 2/20/2014, 5:19 PM
Least insulation over the cathedral is between a row of batts at bottom, and a knee wall in trusses.
p 33 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3847 2/20/2014, 5:19 PM
I judge 5” depth back there, R11, over large area.
p 34 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3900 2/25/2014, 10:58 AM
A first covering of attic walls with unfaced R15, was easy, but not durable. Begin to lay a covering support grid of 2x3 at 16” on center.
p 35 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3901 2/25/2014, 11:03 AM
The spacer is set for 14 1/2”. Each new 2x3 length is drilled and tapped 1” deep at each crossing. Set 3 1/2” deck screws confirming each crossing at 16” oc.
p 36 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3902 2/25/2014, 2:52 PM
I should have started by setting the RH vertical here, and not allowing the deck might interrupt outer hard covering. All of this 2x3 structure will be reset, 1 1/2” lower, and more-complete with fewer pieces.
p 37 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3903 2/25/2014, 3:39 PM
This North-facing structure won’t be affected by corner refinement.
p 38 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3904 2/25/2014, 3:39 PM
Most of my work is done dancing on joists.
p 39 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3905 2/25/2014, 4:05 PM
Insulation over a cathedral bump-out of the kitchen is useless too. Just stapled in spots, never intimate with drywall.
p 40 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3906 2/25/2014, 4:08 PM
There are some fine spider webs on the drywall.
p 41 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3907 2/25/2014, 4:20 PM
The wall is not more-exposed with insulation down.
p 42 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3908 2/25/2014, 4:21 PM
p 43 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3909 2/26/2014, 9:33 AM
Strip the remaining wall over the living room, again without thermal consequence.
p 44 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3910 2/26/2014, 10:59 AM
On the day before, I decided to frame 6” pockets here. The 6” rips are 1/4” mahogany plywood underlayment. Rips are screwed to on-flat wall 2x4. Build nailer frames of 2x3.
p 45 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3912 2/26/2014, 11:00 AM
Pockets can not be airtight.
p 46 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3913 2/26/2014, 11:00 AM
p 47 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3915 2/26/2014, 11:01 AM
Examining the 24” wall at RH of the previous photo, without benefit of the view finder.
p 48 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3916 2/26/2014, 11:01 AM
The bumpout overhead insulation does seem to be intimate with drywall, and about R30.
p 49 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3917 2/26/2014, 11:18 AM
I am using parted R15, about R7, and R25, for the R30 total, barely overfilling 6” pockets.
p 50 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3918 2/26/2014, 11:47 AM
p 51 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3919 2/26/2014, 1:18 PM
This is the first hard-covering of R30 in this job, working with 3/8” OSB in 24” rips.
p 52 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3920 2/26/2014, 4:00 PM
p 53 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3921 2/26/2014, 4:09 PM
OSB cutting is behind the attic ladder.
p 54 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3922 2/26/2014, 6:27 PM
p 55 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3923 2/26/2014, 6:28 PM
p 56 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3924 2/27/2014, 9:47 AM
Batts need to be cut on-scene. Work from 41” OSB cuts planned for covering. 41” is remnant from 55” cuts for the first rectangular wall.
p 57 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3926 2/27/2014, 9:48 AM
p 58 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3927 2/27/2014, 1:17 PM
p 59 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3928 2/27/2014, 1:17 PM
p 60 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3930 2/27/2014, 1:18 PM
Here I am a monkey on trusses much like the 1988 loose-fill installer. I have good light. I’m still wanting to see the light about value of the found insulation over this cathedral. I sense it is R10 on average, where 20% has R19 peak. Elsewhere R15 average except at voids. R2 over voids that cover some unknown fraction, F. 1/(R avg + 3) = F/5 + .2/22 + (.8-F)/18 If R2 voids exceed 10% of area, a rebate is justified. p 61 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
Each interfering truss element for installer position creates lee voids.
IMG_3931 2/27/2014, 1:20 PM
The loose-fill installer started with good R21 unfaced batt pieces 24” wide at bottom of each truss alley, set before drywall. Build-up of loose-fill was quite slow and with uncomfortable posture crawling trusses. He worked here for about one hour. He could have pulled R19 unfaced batts up each alley with greater ease and with better effect, in the same time. He got screwed. The builder pocketed one time half of what was paid for insulation material, say $60 for 400 sf. The home owner lost the pocketed money, and paid fuel cost for the difference of R19 and R10 each year: 2.4*400*(1/13- 1/22) = $30. Home owner loss $60 + 25*$30 = $810. Fuel is perhaps cheaper today as percentage of earnings. The cost is up there, at an outrageous level. Looking forward, if 400 sf at R10 is improved to R45, annually save: 2.4*400*(1/13- 1/48) = $54. Isn’t it time to face up to error in thinking with loose-fill? This IS the
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3932 2/27/2014, 1:20 PM
I think an installer of loose-fill would aim and shoot, out here.
p 63 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3933 2/27/2014, 1:22 PM
Clad walls will be R30. Here trial-fit 24x41 OSB. I only need to notch some corners, and will saw over a bucket, out here.
p 64 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3934 2/27/2014, 6:29 PM
Here complete the R15 base layer with scrap R11 kraft, nearly using it up, and not yet having new R11.
p 65 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3935 2/27/2014, 6:44 PM
The top-layer R25 unfaced batts conform to valleys over truss bottom elements.
p 66 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3936 2/28/2014, 10:04 AM
Left to right: real insulation >R40, R15 with joist thermal shorts, crummy reality of loose-fill, R5.
p 67 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
Saw Cut
IMG_3953 2/28/2014, 3:30 PM
Begin replacement of 2” Sch 40 pipes of furnace exhaust and air intake. The through-roof concentric vent kit may be reused in new alignment.
p 68 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
Saw Cut
IMG_3954 2/28/2014, 3:30 PM
p 69 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3955 2/28/2014, 3:38 PM
The through roof unit must be freed to rotate. Pull off caulk. Screws through the cone of the roof jack and into the outer annulus (intake air), must be removed.
p 70 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3956 2/28/2014, 3:38 PM
The through roof unit must be freed to rotate. Pull off caulk. Four screws through the cone of the roof jack and into the outer annulus (intake air), must be removed.
p 71 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3957 2/28/2014, 3:38 PM
I know the B-vent of the gas water heater is an ugly roof cut. See what this looks like from above.
p 72 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3958 2/28/2014, 6:40 PM
Restrain the through-roof structure in elevation and vertical. The temporary OSB is rotated on pivot screws to get the alignment, in four climbs to the roof. I will double up on mesh straps to hold the final elevation. I will not reset screws from the cone of the roof jack.
p 73 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3959 2/28/2014, 6:40 PM
Guide vertically through the garage ceiling.
p 74 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3981 3/2/2014, 11:59 AM
A last look at the found flex duct connection to the furnace return air D-Box.
p 75 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3982 3/2/2014, 12:04 PM
The liner is glued to a 45° elbow in poor orientation. Cut this off, knowing the duct will be shortened and more than a foot of liner is excess.
p 76 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3983 3/2/2014, 12:19 PM
This is the found duct loop interfering with the floor of the upper deck.
p 77 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3984 3/2/2014, 12:19 PM
The 45° elbow is snipped as a starting collar, into the D-box. I must detach the elbow and turn it about 90° counter-clockwise. Note adhering dust everywhere inside the return plenum. I will vacuum and scrub this very clean.
p 78 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3985 3/2/2014, 12:34 PM
I must clean the elbow well enough to reuse it. I will spend an hour with a sharp spatula, restrained to not slice my hands. Note the goop was not a complete seal. A 5° zone couldn’t be reached. This DID leak.
p 79 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3986 3/2/2014, 12:34 PM
The filter will catch debris, then needing a good scrape and vacuuming, removing through the garage access plate.
p 80 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3987 3/2/2014, 2:11 PM
Looking down into the realigned 45° elbow. I must and may rely entirely on attachment and sealing with Folimastic tape.
p 81 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3988 3/2/2014, 2:11 PM
I can’t do any sealing from the outside.
p 82 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3989 3/2/2014, 2:13 PM
The flex duct will feed over this 14” elbow. I have inadvertently broken off one of the four rotating segments, to the good, achieving better alignment.
p 83 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3990 3/2/2014, 2:24 PM
Tape all segments using Nashua 557 tape UL-rated for this application.
p 84 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3991 3/2/2014, 2:24 PM
Tape again with Foilmastic, as the only attachment and seal between the starter elbow and this elbow remnant.
p 85 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3992 3/2/2014, 2:24 PM
Taping complete. Now clean the filter.
p 86 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3994 3/2/2014, 5:52 PM
Lay the upper deck with much-reduced obstruction. True 2x4 bridges were set weeks ago, carrying panels laid temporarily.
p 87 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3995 3/2/2014, 5:52 PM
p 88 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3996 3/3/2014, 4:16 PM
Brace the gable wall such that trusses won’t pancake in an extreme tornado. This replaces a 2x4@12’ brace that aligned the gable wall at construction, with a single 6d nail.
p 89 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3997 3/3/2014, 4:16 PM
There are four 1 5/8” deck screws at each of the intermediate trusses. There are about eight screws at each end of the 24x96 brace.
p 90 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3998 3/3/2014, 7:19 PM
Place two additional R25 batts under the upper deck.
p 91 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_3999 3/3/2014, 7:19 PM
p 92 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4000 3/3/2014, 7:19 PM
Consume the remainder of three bags of Johns Manville U1359. R25 unfaced
p 93 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4001 3/3/2014, 7:19 PM
The found access hatch isn’t fully leak-free, but now has R36 insulation.
p 94 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4002 3/3/2014, 7:20 PM
I have enough new R11 kraft-faced insulation to cover all disturbed areas, but no more R25. Do prep areas for the R11.
p 95 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4003 3/3/2014, 7:20 PM
This wall header and vent and wiring holes noted in the previous photo are exposed, and not yet sealed. I will commit to more work via a future bid.
p 96 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4004 3/3/2014, 7:22 PM
At completion of existing contracts, most of a bag of R11 remains upon a 4’x8’ table bordering the upper deck.
p 97 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4005 3/3/2014, 7:22 PM
The wind-event bracing shadows storage, but is not in the way of air rise from both sides, to roof high vents.
p 98 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4006 3/3/2014, 7:22 PM
p 99 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4007 3/3/2014, 7:23 PM
p 100 of
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4008 3/3/2014, 7:23 PM
Simple steps to the upper deck, straight-on with unlimited headroom, from the ladder.
p 101 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4009 3/3/2014, 7:23 PM
The attic ladder is a fire-rated Calvert 2248, very strong and simple. Easy to deploy. I have added 250 sf of safe, well-lit working space in a 1264 sf home. It will have real value, and the work has already enabled major weatherization savings. Let this home please be an example to other home owners and to weatherization contractors and their sponsors, everywhere.
p 102 of
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4010 3/6/2014, 4:02 PM
Begin a completion survey, climbing to the inviting lighted attic.
p 103 of
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4011 3/6/2014, 4:02 PM
The ladder securely hangs from limit arms that set a 60° door angle. Grab something always with a hand while upon the ladder, a hand rail at RHS, the limit arms, a rigid “safety pole” above the attic floor.
p 104 of
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
Note 5° change of door angle.
5° IMG_4012 3/6/2014, 4:02 PM
The step section hinges at center of this photo are a custom addition having no impact on climbing safety, but crucial to the relaxation of the door angle from factory-set 65°, to much less steep 60°.
p 105 of
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4013 3/6/2014, 4:02 PM
The safety pole bottom grip holds light control and a GFCI power outlet.
p 106 of
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4014 3/6/2014, 4:03 PM
View from atop a 4’ by 8’ work/ storage table, added with decking, strung between and reinforcing 2x4 truss elements.
p 107 of
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4015 3/6/2014, 4:03 PM
Decking gives a commanding view and control of roof vents.
p 108 of
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4016 3/6/2014, 4:03 PM
All further progress through the attic will be facilitated by the decking and lights.
p 109 of
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4017 3/6/2014, 4:04 PM
Simple walkways will be added upon additional 2x4 bridges of truss elements.
p 110 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4018 3/6/2014, 4:04 PM
Attic walls are among energy savings opportunities. All have been treated except a skylight in the far right distance here.
p 111 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4019 3/6/2014, 4:05 PM
Ladder section hinges are somewhat stiff, and hold a “tented” condition in this photo, set to visualize rotation at the added hinges.
p 112 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4020 3/6/2014, 4:05 PM
The ladder is stowed without tenting. Readily un-tent to again deploy the ladder, holding at the arrow, and pulling on the bottom section.
p 113 of 115
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
IMG_4021 3/6/2014, 4:05 PM
The ladder frame is 22” outside width, 3/4” thickness, 20.5” net opening. This opening has negligible obstruction from limit arm pivots, and none from door springs. This is really good design, improving the factory assembly which had pivots attached to the inside of the ladder frame, about 7/8” further into free space, each side. Note a notch at backside ot the uppermost step of the second-from-top section, to clear the door latch. Other features I have customized are summarized on the next page.
p 114 of 115
21 5/8”
Truss Attic February 2014 Access and Weatherization
Reshape top of ladder frame. Set limit arm pivot on this edge to achieve 60° door angle. 7 cm total move of upper bridges vs. door, centers load on door hinges.
Move uppermost bridges from steps 3.5 cm toward top of step section. Move step sections up door 3.5 cm from factory location.
50 cm
* 54 cm
FC = 98.5” LS = 63.9”
Garage Ladder By Calvert, USA Recovery 2248, Add Center-Section Hinge Set at Angle 60° Scale 1:16
p 115 of 115
