Replies

1. 
   Jon_R | Jun 25, 2019 08:38am | #1

   Follow the recommendations here. And use a blower door test to verify air sealing.

   Does anyone have a solution that makes entering a house/attic unattractive to squirrels?

1. GBA Editor
   Brian Pontolilo | Jun 25, 2019 09:24am | #3

   Jon,

   Outdoor cats do a pretty good job.

2. GBA Editor
   Brian Pontolilo | Jun 25, 2019 09:21am | #2

   Hey Tom,

   I'm not sure what you mean by "air seal from the top." Please clarify.

   There's nothing wrong with re-installing fiberglass insulation, though it's difficult to install well, so make sure that you get the details right. This will be helpful: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/installing-fiberglass-right

   You are right to be concerned about re-installing a vapor barrier on the walls with foil faced foam sheathing, both because you could be creating a double vapor barrier situation and because the foam's R-value is probably not high enough to keep the inside surface warm in the winter, particularly if outside air is getting in. Do you know how thick the foam is? Perhaps a smart vapor retarder is a better option than poly sheeting.

   It will also be helpful to develop a strategy for air sealing, as Jon suggests. You'll get more moisture in your walls if they are leaky than you will from diffusion if they are tight. You're best bet is probably airtight drywall: https://www.greenbuildingadvisor.com/article/how-to-hang-airtight-drywall

3. 
   the74impala | Jun 25, 2019 09:41am | #4

   I was planning on using a froth pack on the top plates and to seal the site made baffles.

4. 
   the74impala | Jun 25, 2019 12:02pm | #5

   The foil iso is 3/4 or 1/2, not enough to avoid condensation, even with 6 inches of solid wood siding.