Installing a Super Kneewall in Drury, MA
Challenge
We were contacted by the owner of this home to help them make their home warmer in the winter. The upstairs rooms were cold and drafty. They met with our Building Science Specialist who explained how their home was using and losing energy.
Our Building Science Specialist found the kneewalls in this home were not adequately insulated. Kneewalls are created when a room is built within a sloped roof. The short wall, the kneewall, creates a triangular space between the roof and the ceiling of the room below. These spaces can sometimes be accessible with a short door and used for storage. It is very important to properly insulate this space to prevent heated and cooled air from escaping the home. Our Super Kneewall solved this problem!
Solution
Our team went in and got to work. First, they air sealed all penetrations from electrical, plumbing and heating. We installed blocks of our SilverGlo foam insulation between the joists of the ceiling. SilverGlo was installed under the rafters up to the kneewall. SilverGlo is expanded polystyrene foam insulation infused with graphite which increases the R-value by 24% compared to regular EPS foam. SilverGlo also has a radiant barrier on both sides, reflecting roof heat out in the summer and heated air back into the home in the winter.
With properly insulated kneewalls, this home will retain warmth in the winter and be cooler in the summer.
