The reason for this precaution is that the coating of the insulation blocks is a vapor barrier, which aims to prevent moisture vapor from penetrating the insulation. If you install coated insulation over existing blown material, you're basically placing the vapor barrier in the center, between the two layers of insulation. Any moisture vapor passing through the roof would also pass through the blown material and then hit the face of the block, where it would be trapped. This can damage both the insulation and the frame elements, and it also has the potential for mold growth.
If you're looking to convert your attic doors into standard doors, consulting a structural engineer is a great idea. To approach this conversion, you should first assume that the block wall was built correctly in the first place and that it has a steel lintel or reinforced blocks running through the existing opening. To create an opening for your new door, keep the width of the opening the same and cut from the bottom of the opening on each side to reach a total height of 6 feet 10 inches (2 inches more than a normal height of a 6 foot 8 inch door). Then, remove the blocks between the cuts and you'll have an opening that fits a new, standard door.
A concrete cutting company can help you cut and remove blocks. When it comes to installing hardwood floors over vinyl tile, it's important to consider whether or not it's necessary to remove the vinyl tile first. If there is asbestos present, it's best to leave it well enough alone and place the hardwoods on top. However, if both contractors agree that it is necessary to lift the floor, you should analyze a sample of both layers of the floor for asbestos. If asbestos is present, contact your local Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) for guidelines on how to remove and dispose of the material.
If there is no asbestos present, one or both of the layers can be easily removed. Adding new attic insulation can be a great way to improve your home's energy efficiency and reduce your heating bills. But before you start adding more insulation, there are some important factors to consider. First, you need to assess your current insulation situation. If your old insulation is damp or water damaged, you should remove and replace it.
If the current insulation has always been dry, you can add new insulation on top. However, if you're looking to add more than one layer of insulation, it's important to take certain precautions. The method of application depends on what type of insulation is already installed in your attic. If you have existing blown-in insulation in your attic, adding another layer on top may not be advisable. If you install coated insulation over existing blown material, you're basically placing the vapor barrier in the center, between two layers of insulation.
This can damage both the insulation and frame elements and has potential for mold growth. If your attic already has fiberglass batts or rolls installed, adding another layer on top may be possible depending on how much space is available in your attic. It's important to make sure that there is enough space between each layer so that air can circulate freely and prevent moisture buildup. In addition to assessing your current attic insulation situation before adding more layers, it's also important to consider other factors such as ventilation and air sealing. Proper ventilation helps keep moisture levels low in your attic and prevents mold growth while air sealing helps reduce drafts and improve energy efficiency. Adding new attic insulation can be a great way to improve your home's energy efficiency and reduce your heating bills. But before you start adding more layers of insulation, make sure that you assess your current situation first and take all necessary precautions to ensure that your home remains safe and comfortable.
