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The 11 November unit 117 attic investigation by Tung and I yielded the following findings:
1. Insulation: The insulation over the bathroom and walk-in closet was found to be generally good, consisting primarily of a healthy coverage of loose blown in cellulose insulation mixed with sections of fiberglass batt in the pitched ceiling area (figure 1). However some locations are missing adequate insulation (see recommendations). The surprise was that the ceiling insulation over the bedroom was only about 2 inches of loose blown-in cellulose insulation for an insulation value of about R-7 (figure 2). The accepted standard for this area is R-49 for attic insulation. Recently revised US Department of Energy guidelines <www1.eere.energy.gov/consumer/tips/insulation.html> call for up to R-60.Recommendations: Install a cover over the recessed light immediately in front of the attic hatch and add R-49 fiberglass batt insulation to the entire exposed area (approximately 2 feet by 2 feet, figure 3). Install an insulation barrier 2 inches from the chimney and add R-49 fiberglass batt insulation to the area around the chimney to the north east of the attic hatch (figure 4). Install additional loose blown-in cellulose insulation to the area over the bedroom up to a total depth of 18 inches (R-60). The cost difference between 14 inches (R-49) and 18 inches (R-60) is not significant.
2. Ventilation: It appears that Hofeller’s crew has already taken action on the lack of adequate clear ventilation paths from eaves to ridge vent in the “cathedral” pitched ceiling portion of the unit 117 attic. There is evidence of recent installation of make-shift corrugated cardboard ventilation channel baffles in the rafter bays over the pitched ceiling of the walk-in closet (figures 3 and 5). Though manufactured rafter bay baffle channels are readily available from home suppliers and would have produced a more uniform outcome, these baffles appear to be adequate to the fundamental task providing for airflow to prevent uneven roof temperatures that are the root cause of ice damming.
Recommendation: No action is necessary.
3. Bathroom Exhaust Fan: The exhaust fan appears to be properly sealed and ducted through the roof to an exterior exhaust vent.
Recommendation: No action is necessary.
Follow up: I have requested an estimate from Tung for the execution of the recommendations described above in the following form:
Description of materials, estimated quantities, unit cost and subtotal cost
Description of equipment rentals, estimated time, unit cost, and subtotal cost
Description of labor, estimated man-hours, cost per man-hour, and subtotal cost
The understanding is that this would be executed as a “time and materials” job: the estimated costs are not binding and the actual payment would reflect an accurate accounting of actual materials, rentals, and man-hours used to complete the work.
Thank you,
Bob Cowherd
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