How to Remove an Attic Floor
Nacha RealHowzAydee
4 years ago
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Nacha RealHowzAydee
4 years agoRelated Discussions
removing insulation in attic
Comments (6)If you decide to remove the old insulation (and I don't know that this needs to be done) call around to insulation companies and you will find one that will "vacuum" out the old stuff. I had this done in 400 sq. ft. where I was doing an extensive remodel. They used 150 ft. of 6" hose, a special centrifugal vacuum and disposable bags that held about 500 lbs. of insulation. Didn't take them long. Cost me $400 and it was the best money I ever spent considering how much easier the plumbing and wiring went. I don't think the cost for a whole house would be anywhere near $1/sq. ft., but I had a small area and obviously paid for travel time and such. The actually time to vacuum was probably no more than 1 hour....See MoreInsulation - remove paper on fiberglass batt in attic install?
Comments (13)Thanks Ionized, Energy_Rater and Mike_Home, As there is no compelling reason to remove existing insulation, it seems best to leave what's there in place. But the kraft paper has to be removed. These are R-values for the two products: Fiberglass, 2.2 to 2.7 per inch; Rockwool, 3.0 to 3.3 per inch. Using the median number of both, I estimate the current installation's R-value at 16. CURRENT INSULATION'S R-VALUE Fiberglass: 2.5R x 4" = 10 R Rockwool: 3.1R x 2" = 6.2 R To get up to 30R, another 14R is needed which is: 5.6" of Fiberglass or 4.5" of Rockwool. So, laying one batt will get close to 30 R which is adequate as Mike suggested. Is it OK to lay Rockwool on top of the current fiberglass (after the paper is stripped off)? Below is a link on how to dress for installing insulation. Fiberglass asks for more dress-up than does Rockwool...a different sort of date. ;-) This same website provided the R-values in the article on "How to compare f/g and r/w". Gosh, you've all been so helpful. I am very grateful. Thank you. Here is a link that might be useful: How to Dress for Working With Fiberglass Insulation...See MoreWork needed to strengthen Attic Floor Joists of finished attic room
Comments (11)I am going to guess that you purchased an older Cape Cod style house. And that the moniker "finished" storage just describes a quick aesthetic to make the house seem much larger for resale, but storage is storage. And probably does not meet code for structural framing, life safety (egress/stairs, light+ventilation), energy (insulation) for anything other than "attic storage," which is why that term was used to avoid liability. However, without more information it is unknown. It seems from your writing and questions you are at a small crossroads: if you are just pondering options in a new-to-you house, then expanding your knowledge base of Cape Cods, basic framing and terminology in order to communicate, programming of spaces (e.g. sizes and requirements of spaces) and associated needs for support (e.g. bedroom with certain size windows, bathroom near plumbing), etc; or, if you are serious about capturing the attic space then finding a trusted competent professional who can guide you through this and are paid for their services. Often, the latter is more difficult, especially if you do not do some level of the former. To answer your specific questions: 1. The span of a floor joist is most likely the exterior wall to a central 1st floor bearing wall. Kneewalls probably have no consideration in your floor framing. 2. Address the hows once you determine the whats. 3. There are insulation and venting requirements and needs, which can be accounted for. There could be some practical issues without kneewalls. 4. Most likely harmful if the existing structure is not set up for that and altering would be unreasonable....See MoreHow to remove deeply embedded drywall compound from vinyl floor?
Comments (3)Water will soften the compound and a stiff plastic scrub brush will get it out of the texture. You probably need more water than you think (and the water needs to be clean for every use), and I'd use a wet/dry (shop) vacuum to remove the slurry, and not a mop, at least on the first pass. I've used this technique on a few small spots -- cannot imagine doing 2000 sq. ft....See MoreSeabornman
4 years agoNacha RealHowzAydee
4 years agolive_wire_oak
4 years agoNacha RealHowzAydee
4 years agoJoseph Corlett, LLC
4 years agoci_lantro
4 years agoDavidR
4 years ago
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