Red Bank, NJ Kneewall: From Poorly Insulated to Efficiently Insulated

Wednesday, August 28th, 2024 by Michael Gloeckler

Challenge

In Red Bank, NJ, we’re examining a kneewall where the floor of the kneewall space also serves as the ceiling for the room below. The exposed fiberglass insulation doesn’t effectively block air flow, leaving it inadequate for air sealing and insulation. As a result, the floor of the upper level, the ceiling of the lower level, and the kneewall itself remain cold in winter and hot from radiant roof heat in summer. Additionally, the kneewall space is unsuitable for storage due to temperature fluctuations and dust.

Solution

Blocks of Foamax insulation are placed between the ceiling joist bays. The gaps outside the blocks are sealed with sprayed foam or Foamax boards. Foamax insulation is also installed under the rafters up to the kneewall and sealed at the top with foam sealant. This setup prevents inside air from escaping through the kneewall spaces and stops outside air from entering, ensuring the kneewalls are well insulated. As a result, the homeowner now enjoys a warmer upstairs room in winter and a cooler one in hot weather, with fewer drafts, less dust, a properly insulated storage area, and a more comfortable, energy-efficient home.

Project Summary

Products Used: Foamax, Spray Foam & ZypFoam Sealant

Fiberglass insulation in the kneewall isn't effectively insulating. The porous nature of the fiberglass allows outside air to pass through the soffits and into the kneewall, as it lacks the necessary protection to stop air infiltration.

In the summer, radiant heat from the roof warms the kneewall, leading to uncomfortable rooms. In winter, the cold seeps through, causing chilly rooms and drafts. The fluctuating temperatures also make the kneewall unsuitable for storage.

With Foamax or foam boards installed and sealed with spray foam or ZypFoam sealant, the homeowner now has a well-insulated kneewall.

With the kneewall properly insulated, the homeowner now has a reliable storage space where items won't be damaged by fluctuating temperatures or dust.

Here's the end of the kneewall, showcasing how we used ZypFoam sealant to achieve an effective air seal. The Foamax insulation is installed to ensure the kneewall is properly insulated, providing the homeowner with a well-protected space.

Here's the completed kneewall, highlighting the length and craftsmanship. It's now ready for storage and contributes to a more comfortable home.

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Red Bank, NJ Kneewall: From Poorly Insulated to Efficiently Insulated

Challenge

Solution

Project Summary

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