How To Air Seal Ceiling To Wall Connections In Attics

If builders would conscientiously air seal the attic ceiling after the drywall is hung before insulation getting to 3 ach50 would be much easier.

How to air seal ceiling to wall connections in attics.

The gap between a fixture and the drywall can be easily sealed with caulk but leakage through the fixture itself can be substantial. In condensation in the attic marc rosenbaum suggested that ceiling fans recessed lights and other fixtures be sealed to reduce air leakage into attics. The termination point is called a top plate and usually is covered with a 2x4. Where attic insulation is placed along the underside of the roof sheathing this has been referred to as cathedralized residential attic construction rose 1995.

When planning how to air seal an attic work from big to small in order to make the most of your time. Long piece from a batt of unfaced fiberglass insulation and fold it at the bottom of a 13 gallon plastic garbage bag. Gather your supplies and suit up. Now cut the circle out and check for a fit.

Plug the big holes first. Seal where the drywall meets the top plates to solve this problem. We re going to show you how to seal up light fixtures in the ceiling the junction box for ceiling mounted fixtures as well as recessed light cans. Begin by filling the garbage bags with 16 inch strips of insulation and use these to stuff any open joist spaces and soffits.

Partition and exterior walls are typically framed with truss chords fastened to the top plates. It wouldn t have to interrupt the sequence of the job and it could be done with minimal cost. Cut the sheet metal to fit between the ceiling joists then cut it in half right through the middle of the circle. Soffits drop ceilings and open joist spaces.

Secure the flashing to the drywall with a bead of caulk around the flue. Attics are miserable places to work. Install one part spray foam caulk or another form of sealant to all top plate seams from the attic side. Conditioned air moving through light switches and other wall penetrations can find its way into the attic too.

Close the attic access door or hatch behind you to maximize the effect. More production builders need to take this step. Use an airborne aerosol sealant process to air seal all leaks in the home including air leaks. Wrap insulation in plastic.

The most cost effective location to both air seal and insulate the attic may be at the roof plane rather than the interior ceiling plane. In cathedralized construction. However top plates aren t sealed b. In this video series we re going to show you some simple techniques and off the shelf materials that you can use to air seal up most all of the air leaks that you ll find in an average attic.

Walls in your home terminate in the attic. Place one half on either side of the flue and make adjustments if needed.