Knee Wall - Dense Packing

Detail ID 4.0104.1
Topic
Attics
Subtopic
Attic Knee Walls
Desired Outcome

Continuous, contiguous, safe, and compliant thermal boundary that prevents air movement @ 50 Pascals

SF Single Family Site-Built Housing
MH Manufactured Housing
MF Multifamily Housing

Specifications

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Verify that installation area is free of:

active water leaks, fuel leaks (i.e., gas, oil, propane), and pest intrusions

energized knob and tube wiring

uncovered electrical junctions

improperly terminated devices (ventilation fans, dryers, plumbing stacks, condensate lines, combustion appliance flues/chimneys, etc.)

high-temperature devices (non-IC rated recessed lights, chimneys, flues, vents, etc.) unless they are zero clearance devices

insulation escape openings

Verify that installation area is:

intact, able to support insulation weight and pressure, and air sealed (including blockers under kneewalls in alignment with the interior side of the kneewall)

Ensure space can be safely insulated

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Select insulation that has a flame spread and smoke development index of 25/450 or less and backing material for attics used for storage with a smoke development index of 450 or less when tested in accordance with ASTM E84 or UL 723

Select fire safe materials

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install airtight, rigid, blocking material at all cavity openings that aligns with the pressure boundary and will not fail under dense pack pressures

Durable and airtight insulation cavity that aligns with the pressure boundary

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install airtight backing material over entire area to be insulated that will withstand dense packing pressures

Secure backing material using mechanical fasteners that penetrate the sub framing a minimum of 1"

Installation must have a minimum of a 30-year service life

Airtight, durable insulation backing

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Fill 100% of each cavity with insulation to the correct density that prevents air movement

Complete, consistent, and airtight insulation coverage

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Install closure system over all access holes that is airtight and permanent

Airtight, durable, access closure

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Separate all foam products from living space with a thermal barrier material (e.g., 1/2" gypsum wallboard) as specified by applicable building code

If attic is used only for the service of utilities, foam will be separated from the attic space using a suitable ignition barrier covering or coating according to manufacturer's specifications

If attic is used for storage or occupancy, spray foam will be separated from the attic space using a thermal barrier material (e.g., 1/2" gypsum wallboard) as specified by applicable building code and manufacturer specifications

If code requirements are unclear, consult local code officials for clarification

Minimize ignition and combustion potential

  • SF
  • MH
  • MF
Specification Objective

Post a dated receipt signed by the installer that minimally includes: Installed insulation type, coverage area, installed thickness, minimum settled thickness, installed R-value, and number of bags installed

Comply with 16 CFR 460.17 and document contract compliance

View Sub-Topic:
Attic Knee Walls