Foam Board Attic Knee Wall
Step 2 install insulation boards.
Foam board attic knee wall. Although kneewalls can help turn attics into living space they often present insulation challenges. As you are improving your attic insulation you may have wondered what is the best way to insulate a knee wall. Install a continuous air barrier on the exterior side of the attic knee wall framing with a rigid air barrier or other supporting material to prevent the knee wall cavity insulation from sagging and to create a continuous thermal barrier. In this video michael shows how to use spray foam fiberglass and foam board insulation to properly air seal and insulate a knee wall.
The best way to provide that sheathing is to use a rigid material. I ve seen osb oriented strand board the flaky plywood foamboard and structural or non structural cardboard sheathing materials like thermo ply. Watch as he shows step by step instructions. Watch as he shows step by step from measuring and cutting.
One of the best methods is rigid foam board with sealed joints over insulation in the knee wall. Everything from measuring and cutting the insulation to the application inside the attic knee wall. Air sealing and insulating the knee wall can make the attic space warmer more efficient and more comfortable. Then either fiberglass batts secured in place or netted cellulose is used to fill the rafter cavities.
How to insulate a knee wall and air seal attic. Most builders install fiberglass batts between the studs and some type of blown insulation between the floor joists. Step 3 place caulking and furring strips. Rigid air barrier material could include rigid foam insulation drywall plywood or osb among others.
Kneewalls short walls under sloped ceilings are common in story and a half homes and in bonus rooms above garages. Learn the best way to insulate a knee wall in. I ve also seen attic kneewalls sheathed with non rigid materials mainly housewrap. Foam insulation boards can be attached to concrete walls as well and in such a case care should be taken not to chip the cement.
When installing foam insulation boards in the attic make sure you start from one corner and work your way around the room.