Just purchased new construction and at time of inspection, we couldn’t access a small secondary attic space. The garage door track interfered with the attic stairs. I’ve now gotten up there and see that the attic space above two rooms is uninsulated on the single story portion of the house. Builder said “we only ever insulate above the 2nd floor.”

I feel this is a BS response, but like to be educated before calling someone out. It would be a few hundred bucks and a Saturday for me to tackle this, but feels like the sub just missed this section or was hoping no one would notice since access it a little tight.

Are there any codes regulating insulation between ceiling and attic? Jefferson Parish if it matters.

FYI, tempted to become a builder to show how sh*t should be done. Incompetent people piss me off. This is one item on my grievance list.

This post was edited on 11/7/21 at 1:10 pm

3 ...

Report Post

Posted by Porker Face

Eden Isle

Member since Feb 2012

15669 posts

Posted on 11/7/21 at 1:12 pm to LSUKTR

If you have to ask this question on a message board I don't know how much of a future you have as a builder

1 ...

Report Post

Posted by LSUKTR

Baton Rouge

Member since Nov 2005

1489 posts

Posted on 11/7/21 at 1:36 pm to Porker Face

quote:
PorkerFace

Thanks for the helpful response, you may be my builder. My research says R-30, based on IRC 2015, Part IV, Chapter 11, but that’s not my trade hence the ask.

Any skill can be learned with effort and time; both items this builder does not commit.

Looking forward to hearing some helpful responses. Thanks in advance.

This post was edited on 11/7/21 at 1:40 pm

0 ...

Report Post

Posted by East Coast Band

Member since Nov 2010

65749 posts

Posted on 11/7/21 at 1:46 pm to LSUKTR

Whether or not it's code, I can tell you this:

We have a room above the garage that butts to near where the hip roof comes down. A walk in attic surrounds this room.
A few places the insulation was not above that ceiling well, it is a tight area, and it was noticeably hotter this summer in that bathroom next to the ceiling.
I've since added some insulation to help.

0 ...

Report Post

Posted by CrawDude

Baton Rouge

Member since Apr 2019

5595 posts

Posted on 11/7/21 at 3:48 pm to LSUKTR

Attic insulation is not required above “non-conditioned” space (areas not supplied HVAC Vents) - for example, garage, carport, storage room - but it would be required above a “conditioned” room (bedroom, office, family rooms, etc. - areas with HVAC vents). It’s not clear to me from your post if the two rooms on the single story section are “non-conditioned” non-living areas or “conditioned” living areas.

This post was edited on 11/7/21 at 3:52 pm

1 ...

Report Post

Posted by LSUKTR

Baton Rouge

Member since Nov 2005

1489 posts

Posted on 11/7/21 at 4:55 pm to CrawDude

quote:
CrawDude

Thanks CrawDude! This is the ceiling surface between conditioned living space (kitchen/bedroom) and non-conditioned, non-insulated attic space. It sounds like this should be insulated per code.

Is R-30 the current standard for south Louisiana? Appears that is the lowest per IRC 2015 and the correct value for us in zone 2.

1 ...

Report Post

Posted by CrawDude

Baton Rouge

Member since Apr 2019

5595 posts

Posted on 11/7/21 at 6:50 pm to LSUKTR

quote:
This is the ceiling surface between conditioned living space (kitchen/bedroom) and non-conditioned, non-insulated attic space. It sounds like this should be insulated per code. Is R-30 the current standard for south Louisiana? Appears that is the lowest per IRC 2015 and the correct value for us in zone 2.

Without doubt the portion of the attic covering the conditioned space you described must be insulated, and yes the minimum amount of attic insulation to meet code in LA is R-30.

Page 1