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Mooney wall vs. rigid foam for a kneewall attic

Nolan126 | Posted in Energy Efficiency and Durability on

Cape Cod style house in kansas city (all weather patterns) . Freezing upstairs that will probably cook in the summer. I have been scouring these forums and others how to fix this issue. I had been settled on a mooney wall on the 2×4 knee as i have the room. I planned on leaving the current insulation in place, if possible, to reduce material waste and cost. I found a dense packing machine (menards krendl 425 dual outlet), found where to buy the correct fiberglass (one of my local wholesale distributors) and had calculated how much material I needed. I have already started using rigid foam cut outs to air seal the floor joists with can foam to seal more. But someone recently just asked why I didn’t use rigid foam over the exsiting batt insulation instead of the mooney wall.

Is this the way to go? Again I have the room to get in and out. And can I leave the current batt in place and just put the rigid in top? Or should I remove the paper backing first?

Any information would be greatly appreciated. This project is making my head spin.

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Replies

  1. GBA Editor
    Martin Holladay | | #1

    KLJ,
    Can you tell us your name? (I'm Martin.)

    Rigid foam can certainly be used on a kneewall. For more information, see this article: “Two Ways to Insulate Attic Kneewalls.”

    1. Nolan126 | | #2

      Updated my name. I am assuming that this method would be better than the Mooney wall?

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