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Desired Outcome:
Desired Outcome:
Properly align thermal boundary and air barrier between the conditioned and unconditioned space with required level of insulation.
Properly align thermal boundary and air barrier between the conditioned and unconditioned space with required level of insulation.
SWS Detail: 4.0103.2 Accessible Attic - Loose Fill Installation; 4.0103.4 Accessible Attic - Loose Fill Over Existing Insulation; 4.0103.8 Loose Fill to Capacity
Author: Brenna Dunn
Before
Before
Existing attic without sufficient insulation
After
After
Attic that has been properly prepared and insulated to propper level
Steps
Steps
1. Prep attic for insulation
1. Prep attic for insulation
Follow steps in Insulation: Prep Attic before insulating.
Verify that installation area is free of active water leaks, fuel leaks (i.e., gas, oil, propane), and pest intrusions.
Identify any energized or undammed knob and tube wiring.
Identify uncovered electrical junctions.
Identify improperly terminated devices (ventilation fans, dryers, plumbing stacks, condensate lines, combustion appliance flues/chimneys, etc.).
Inspect for insulation escape openings.
Verify that installation area is intact and able to support insulation weight.
2. Establish clearance from combustibles
2. Establish clearance from combustibles
Follow steps in Air Seal & Dam High-Temp Attic Penetrations.
Maintain clearance from unshielded high-temperature devices (non-IC rated recessed lights, chimneys, flues, vents, etc.) unless they are zero clearance devices.
3. Install air sealing measures
3. Install air sealing measures
Install all air-sealing measures listed on work orders in accordance with the Air Seal Attic section in this field guide prior to adding insulation.
4. Maintain consistent height and thickness
4. Maintain consistent height and thickness
Use depth rulers to ensure the insulation is at consistent depth.
5. Install insulation
5. Install insulation
Start work from the far end of space and work back toward the attic entrance.
Use sweeping motion to layer insulation consistently ensuring the material is sufficiently broken up and adequately fluffed.
Avoid compacting insulation.
Fill in "bald" areas to meet insulation height.
Selected insulation must have a flame spread and smoke development index of 25/450 or less when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723.
6. Insulate around heat shields and access
6. Insulate around heat shields and access
Install insulation against attic dams and heat shields.
Insulation level must be 2" below the top of heat shields, and insulation dams to prevent insulation from falling between the heat shield and the high temp vent or light.
Insulation level must be 6" below the top of baffles to prevent wind washing.
Do not get any insulation inside baffles or heat shields.
7. Install insulation certificate
7. Install insulation certificate
A dated insulation certificate signed by the installer will be posted on a wall in the space where the furnace is located, a utility room or an approved location inside the building.
Certificate shall include:
Installed insulation type
Coverage area
Installed thickness and minimum settled thickness.
Number of bags installed in accordance with manufacturer specifications.
8. Worst Case Draft test
8. Worst Case Draft test
Conduct a Worst Case Draft (WCD) test to verify Category I, II, and III appliances are venting safely before leaving home for the day.
Testing shall be recorded using the Utah WAP Worst Case Draft Test form.
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