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Kneewall access

Mark LS | Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on

Good evening,
I have a question regarding a tough spot I have in my pantry. It is what I call a knee wall, but that is only because I am not quite sure what else to call it. It’s a small access area, where there is some wiring, Internet router, etc, above a wall in the pantry. The attic is right on the other side, with fiberglass batts kraft paper showing. There is an access door to this small area, which, I was getting ready to attempt to air seal as you would an attic hatch. However I am not sure how best to do this. Would it be better to air seal along the fiberglass batts, or at the access door? It is a small space, and almost impossible to get a drill in to install any drywall or rigid material. It would be easier to air seal at the access door, but I’m not certain if this will create any issues.
Any help is much appreciated.

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Replies

  1. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #1

    Mark,
    I am having trouble visualizing what you mean by "a small access area above a wall in the pantry." A sketch would help.

    If I understand you correctly, you need an air barrier at both locations. You need to cover the exposed fiberglass batts with an air barrier (drywall, OSB, or rigid foam), and you also need to install weatherstripping and possibly insulation to improve the performance of the access door.

    But to answer your question more fully, we need a sketch.

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