Replies

1. Expert Member
   MALCOLM TAYLOR | Jan 04, 2020 05:57pm | #1

   Yes it can be air-sealed to PH standards. How you do that depends on what air-sealing strategy you decide on. There are vey different details for sealing at the floor depending on whether your primary air-seal is the exterior-sheathing, an interior-membrane, or the drywall.

2. 
   walta100 | Jan 04, 2020 11:44pm | #2

   Almost anything can be done. Is it easy NO.?

   You may find the links interesting.
   https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/question/devils-triangle-updatehttps://www.finehomebuilding.com/2012/09/06/two-ways-to-insulate-attic-kneewalls

   Walta

3. Expert Member
   Akos | Jan 05, 2020 12:53am | #3

   Certainly can. Keep it simple, insulate the roof, it is easy to make the air barrier continuous from exterior wall sheathing to the roof. It does mean bolt on eaves and roof with some exterior rigid insulation.

   Trying to air sealing knee walls is pointless, best avoid it.

4. 
   aaronbeckworth | Jan 06, 2020 11:49am | #4

   If a house (simple gable, steep pitch) is one story at the eaves, with exterior primary air barrier (wall sheathing taped to roof sheathing), insulation filling the rafter bays and rigid above the sheathing, that could provide a conditioned or “habitable” attic. Then interior partition walls could be built in the attic to create rooms with all sorts of configurations. Would this now be considered a 1.5 story house? Or does 1.5 story imply kneewalls at the eaves?

   Every additional foot of kneewall at the eave increases the volume of “habitable” space. But does adding kneewalls at the eaves complicate the build - structural considerations, air sealing, insulating?

5. 
   Cedar_Point_Builder | Jan 06, 2020 05:53pm | #5

   I like the idea(s) of continuous exterior air sealing (probably Huber Zip) and some exterior insulation, fill the wall and rafters (probably fiberglass batts) then a vapor retarder inside (painted 5/8" sheetrock). Thanks to all.