How To Fix An Old Attic

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  • Опубліковано 14 жов 2024
  • Hey Guys, in this video I will be fixing up our attic. our house was build in the 60's and has had work done to it through the years which has eft the attic a mess. The insolation is uneven and insufficient the wire is a mess and unsafe. the framing to hold up the roof is missing in places which is causing the roof to sag and 20+ can lights have been installed in the attic that are leaking large amounts of air and energy up into the attic. Check out the video to see I work to resolve these issues.
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    Please do not attempt the processes in this video without adequate training and equipment. Proceed at your own risk. While we have made every attempt to ensure that the information contained on the video channel is correct, the Creator is not responsible for any errors, or for the results obtained from the use of this information. In no event will the Creator be liable to you or anyone else for any decision made or action taken in reliance on the information on the video channel, or for any consequential, special or similar damages, even if advised of the possibility of such damages. Seek professional assistance should you require it. Please stay safe and be careful.
    #SimonSaysDIY #Homeimprovement #Attic

КОМЕНТАРІ • 209

  • @eagl3ye
    @eagl3ye 9 місяців тому +40

    This guy’s attitude and the relaxing music almost makes this seem like an easy project. Doing just about anything in the attic is actually miserable lol.

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  9 місяців тому +1

      Haha have it was pretty rough 😄

    • @tacosalpaxtor
      @tacosalpaxtor 6 місяців тому +2

      I had to up the attic and add more insulation. I blasted thrash metal dude, the only way I could stay sane. It was hot up there but the house cooled down a lot after the insulation i added. Its rought man.

  • @nitzamunoz9113
    @nitzamunoz9113 2 роки тому +13

    Thank you I'm 72 years old but I'm always looking for new ideas so I can help my husband. He does a lot of projects in our house and this one was very informative and simple

  • @brettbarager9101
    @brettbarager9101 Рік тому +30

    Having just spent the last two weeks in my attic fixing everything, I can fully appreciate what you have done! Air sealing was one of the most important things I had to do in my century home!

  • @mattmanning1572
    @mattmanning1572 Рік тому +27

    One thing I'd recommend based on my own attic experience, is to use metal junction boxes in the attic. When I was doing work in ours I found that all the blue plastic junction boxes from previous times had become so brittle (due to heat presumably) that they would shatter if I tried to unscrew the covers or manipulate wires in them. I had to replace almost every one of them that I had to mess with. idk if maybe modern ones are formulated better to take heat into account, but I would not bet on it...

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  Рік тому +3

      Thanks for the tip! Very helpful but unfortunately too late for my project lol! 😁 I’ll remember that next time around.

    • @jwhite4
      @jwhite4 10 місяців тому

      I'd think more the heat-cold cycle (same thing that causes potholes in roads).

  • @zolariydesigns4693
    @zolariydesigns4693 3 роки тому +55

    Hi Simon, this is probably the most informative attic "clean-up" videos I've watched on UA-cam. I've been sleeping with an air purifier due to the allergy issues I assume I am having because of my attic. I will speak with my husband about cleaning up our attic after this using the information you've shared. Thank you so much for this video. Please keep posting as you've earned two new subscribers (I'll hint to my husband to subscribe to you as well 😊).

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  3 роки тому +2

      I’m so glad the video could help! Thanks so much! I really appreciate it :)

  • @Nolaman70
    @Nolaman70 2 роки тому +11

    I used the professional foam gun, it was worth it. It stops the foam after you release the trigger. It's made by Great Stuff uses different cans. One way I found leaks was to put the bathroom fans on and walk from room to room with a smoke pen, checking windows, ceiling spots. The fans create enough negative pressure to create detectable air flow. I had alot of holes from electrical wire running to outlets and light switches, sealed all wall tops too. Installed 18" of atticcat with baffles at the vents.

    • @Craigthepope
      @Craigthepope 2 роки тому

      This is an interesting suggestion that I hadn't thought of.

  • @joeteejoetee
    @joeteejoetee 11 місяців тому +5

    OMG you put-out SO much physical labor doing these Attic enhancements.
    Great locked-off & long-form camera work too!

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  11 місяців тому +1

      Thank you very much! I appreciate it 😁

  • @206downtown
    @206downtown 11 місяців тому +6

    Thanks for posting. Your experience is almost play-by-play what I’ve experienced in my attic. Only my respirator stopped the steady string of WTFs from circling the block.

  • @Somong
    @Somong 2 роки тому +20

    If I needed to decide between paying a professional to do this for me or becoming one, I'd choose the latter.
    But it's not easy learning everything in one lifetime.
    I find videos like this fascinating because of the knowledge earned/acquired, and shared.
    I wish I knew more about the structural framework and electrical work, yet still, it's a pleasure to watch your videos.
    Thanks for sharing.

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  2 роки тому +2

      Thanks so much! I appreciate it!

    • @justinmaxwell4199
      @justinmaxwell4199 2 роки тому +2

      You're looking at I'd guess, $5,000 in work... So it's not worth paying someone to do a lot of time.

    • @augenmaugen
      @augenmaugen Рік тому +4

      Good point. All the professionals I’ve hired in the last 10 years (four of them, some with their own workers/subs) have been great at knowing how to do the job quickly, but that’s it. In hindsight, I have some big regrets on each of those projects, some of them big problems that I’ve had to research and fix myself, others that I will need to fix later. I’m not talking about minor aesthetic things either. (I was in my early 30’s and presumed they knew what they were doing, my wife and I were busy with work/school/adoption stuff, so I didn’t think to check in on the details of their work.)
      The lesson I’ve learned is if I hire a pro again, I’m going to study up on the project way in advance and borderline micromanage the entire process. Or if in the bidding process the person doesn’t describe their process with the latest best practices/considerations, I’ll know to move on. I’ll come across as a male Karen-type, but I know how to be respectful and polite about it.

    • @edbouhl3100
      @edbouhl3100 9 місяців тому

      @@augenmaugenAgeeed! You really have to know their job to make sure it’s getting done right. It’s also useful to have them pull a permit - knowing their work is going to be checked helps getting the details right.

  • @jaysoneubanks579
    @jaysoneubanks579 Рік тому +50

    Starting to realize the home inspector had no idea what he was looking at and could have saved me tons of money when I bought the house...

    • @gg-gn3re
      @gg-gn3re 8 місяців тому +4

      Most of them don't know. They go home drink beer and watch tv. learned people watch DIY videos on youtube, read forums, reddit, etc. Learning new things constantly will keep you sharp until your dead of old age, instead of being brain dead last 20 years of life

    • @RETRO-RANEYS-RESTORATIONS
      @RETRO-RANEYS-RESTORATIONS 6 місяців тому +1

      Lol

    • @TitusTheTiny
      @TitusTheTiny 3 місяці тому +2

      I was at work when my wife went with an inspector to look at our new future home…. They couldn’t find access to the attic… as soon as I got home I found it in one of the closets..

    • @JamesCharless-yr5sw
      @JamesCharless-yr5sw 2 місяці тому

      @@TitusTheTinymaybe that’s a common scam cause same exact thing happen to me lmao opened the closet looked up and oh look an access to the attic

  • @koenigdf
    @koenigdf 8 місяців тому +1

    This is great. I really appreciate the ideas and demonstrations

  • @Bigben22710
    @Bigben22710 6 місяців тому

    I have an old house that was built in 1960 and has been added onto and renovations since then but had no access to the attic. I have been needing to run new romex for my bathroom remodel and finally cut a hole and got a lot of work ahead of me and this video helped give me ideas

  • @chopnteddy
    @chopnteddy 2 роки тому +18

    It really shows how good home inspectors are.

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  2 роки тому +4

      Thanks! 😁 yeah, for real!

    • @MAGAMAN
      @MAGAMAN Рік тому +6

      They are pretty much worthless. If they had done a good job, I would not have bought the house I am currently in.

    • @darylsmith9318
      @darylsmith9318 Рік тому

      Agreed. Our home inspector missed major issues here too. I don't know what I paid them for.@@MAGAMAN

    • @dominiquesauvage2547
      @dominiquesauvage2547 Рік тому +2

      @@MAGAMAN I agree, I got totally screwed by my inspector.

  • @wonderwhat4
    @wonderwhat4 2 роки тому +1

    I wold like to get up in my attic to install radiant barrier but it's tight up there to maneuver. I clicked on your video to see clear ways to get around up there. Now I know what I need to do. But it also added to my to do list. Now I want to seal what I can up there, as long as I'm up there....Looked like a big project but in doing a little at a time section by section you got it done and feel good about it. Thanks for the inspiration and the video.

  • @AnscoDIY
    @AnscoDIY 2 роки тому +1

    Thank you for your post. I am dealing with the same issue in my attic. The contractor mess-up with the former owner. I have to retrofit and reroute the bathroom fan, update my recessed light. replace the stack faced insulation batts.

  • @stuemler
    @stuemler 2 роки тому +8

    Hi Simon! Thank you for posting this! My attic is 1960s and 1950s (two parts)! I am trying to make structural, insulation, and HVAC mods to the 50s portion right now and this is an encouragement.

    • @stuemler
      @stuemler 2 роки тому +1

      I installed weight distribution and center ailse flooring in my attic and the height is very similar to yours, which is why I watched!

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  2 роки тому +2

      So glad the video was helpful! Thanks so much! Good luck with you project!

  • @RedGrayBeard1218
    @RedGrayBeard1218 2 роки тому +1

    I agree with you on that about when people working in the attic just letting the stuff lay up there. I'm in the process of getting my attic ready for blown insulation.

  • @erikyoung5139
    @erikyoung5139 Рік тому +2

    I wish I had found this when you first put it out. I also have a place built in the 60s with all these issues.

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  Рік тому +1

      Thanks! I hope the video was helpful.

  • @37dcaldart
    @37dcaldart Рік тому +2

    Lol, I had my 3tab redone two years ago. I went up this summer to spread some moss powder and found a Festool drill with a battery. Still worked. Two years on a roof in Westewrn Wa. Crazy. Still works and charges.

    • @gg-gn3re
      @gg-gn3re 8 місяців тому

      Yea li-ion batteries can do 5-7 years until "degradation" rating (which is only like 70-80% so it still could work years longer than that)
      charge cycles will also wear them down faster which is what we see on phones more than drills.. unless you using the drill 10 hours a day ofc

  • @OhJanney
    @OhJanney 3 роки тому +4

    I've worked in the attic installing several recessed lights. My body hurting me for two weeks. You did great. Dreading to go back to properly insulation around those lights and add more insulation. But it has to be done.

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  3 роки тому +3

      Thanks! it really makes a huge difference. But it is not fun. I try to get the work done in the fall or winter as the heat and bees, bugs or spiders are not an issue.

    • @OhJanney
      @OhJanney 3 роки тому +1

      @@SimonSaysDIY that's a tip. I will try to do min this fall or early spring. Because the heat up there is no joke in the summer

  • @bradb5996
    @bradb5996 Рік тому +2

    Simon, your post was extremely helpful and answered a lot of my concerns. Thank you for sharing!
    I laughed at the comment “ Sup with your hair.” 😂 Cheers

  • @mxcollin95
    @mxcollin95 3 місяці тому +1

    Nice work man! 👍 I need to get after it and do this to my attic.

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  Місяць тому +1

      Thanks for watching! 😁 good luck with yours!

  • @mar1video
    @mar1video Рік тому +3

    Great video bro !
    I like the way you think and work !

  • @AJ-bi6ns
    @AJ-bi6ns 2 роки тому +4

    Awesome video, daunting undertaking. Especially if you have blown insulation that is higher than the rafters!

  • @samfeldman1508
    @samfeldman1508 9 місяців тому +1

    To your point, it’s miserable working in an attic. I installed a Gable fan and couldn’t be done and out soon enough. Certainly don’t condone short cuts but understand them. Great job! I was getting PTSD watching you work on the cooking vent.

  • @svetlanahart4213
    @svetlanahart4213 Рік тому +3

    Wonderful video, very helpful, thanks you so much, subscribing for sure!

  • @jeffcole1914
    @jeffcole1914 2 роки тому +3

    Very informative thanks I’m sure you invested a few days into all of the details
    Thanks

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  2 роки тому +1

      Thanks so much! I really appreciate it 😁

  • @jeevespreston
    @jeevespreston Рік тому +5

    Now that it’s been a while since you did all this excellent clean up work, can you offer any comment on how much your heating and A/C bills improved? Thanks for the great vid!

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  Рік тому +6

      We’ve seen a great improvement in energy savings. Although the energy costs have gone up significantly, our bills AC bills haven’t increased and dropped slightly from the year before. Heating is much more efficient and we used almost half the amount of firewood to heat our house. The air quality as improved and as awhile we have been less congested and no attic smell gets into the house.
      Thank you! 😁

  • @polish2x91
    @polish2x91 9 місяців тому +14

    My eyes and mind say yes, but my knees and back say no

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  9 місяців тому +1

      haha yeah, it's not a fun project.

    • @TheOREGON1859
      @TheOREGON1859 8 місяців тому

      Knee pads are helpful

  • @DanielinLaTuna
    @DanielinLaTuna Рік тому +4

    Thanks, Simon; that’s a good first step, lighting. Most attics are darker than sin and hotter than Hades. Powered air vents help too.
    (I try not to work in the attic in summer!)
    The roll insulation you plan to apply at 90° to the joists is an excellent idea! You’ll be burying the wood in a nice envelope of insulation, which should cut down on heat transfer that the exposed joists transmit through the ceiling.
    Also, I had the same issue with “allergens” in my house like you mentioned, before having the insulation, rat droppings, and accumulated dust and pollens removed late last year. (And probably some molds?) interestingly, I felt well on vacations, but within a few days of being at home my allergies would start!

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  Рік тому +1

      Thanks! I appreciate it! 😁

    • @MAGAMAN
      @MAGAMAN Рік тому

      Was up in my attic installing some insulation because the old home owners did... something that removed a lot of it from the attic. I used a light stringer and an extension cord for the lighting because in my area, installing permanent lighting without a permit and an inspection woudl be a code violation. It was so hot in my attic that the 95 degree air blowing in through my attic access felt cool to me. The best part was that my attic access is so small I cant bring the whole roll of insulation into the attic without unrolling it first, then I had to carry it up the ladder, then feed it up through the access hole while standing on the ladder being careful I don't tear the insulation. Fun stuff.

  • @OneLeggedTarantula
    @OneLeggedTarantula 11 місяців тому +2

    I had a similar old attic with really old ductwork from the early 60's. My approach? remove the duct work, and vacuum all that little bit of old insulation out. The reason, now you can see the wiring, the problems, the holes and removed all the rat poop and stuff. I then rewired the house which was easy will all the insulation gone and boards around to move.
    Oh, yes I also did a LVL beam install so yes a clean attic was really needed..
    Only thing I should have done was installing permanent lights up front. I used two layers of rockwool for R38. Plugged all the holes with foam and now have a nice warm house.
    You can rent giant insulation vacuum machines that suck all that out in a day or two. Don't forget tax breaks for the insulation costs.

  • @grantp6451
    @grantp6451 2 роки тому +7

    Nice work, and certainly something my house could benefit from--I just hate working in the attic! Now that some time has passed, can you share any measurable changes in your utilities? I would guess your greatest improvement comes in winter, but I'm curious about the summer months too.

    • @mar1video
      @mar1video Рік тому +2

      Try to pick a cool day to start your project.
      Worst combination is hot day and emergency task you really don’t want to do.
      Stay cool and take frequent breaks !
      Good luck with your project ! I know you can do it !

  • @bryanrackley2058
    @bryanrackley2058 8 місяців тому +4

    I would get the cheapest LED pancake style fixtures. You're gonna crack your head on one of those light bulbs.

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  8 місяців тому +3

      Haha yeah I broke several bulbs in the process of working up there. Thanks!

  • @a587789
    @a587789 2 роки тому +3

    I'll give it to Milwaukee, probably the best quality tools that deliver amazing performance. However, I usually buy Rigid for almost as good quality and performance with a lifetime guarantee. That find is awesome.
    Also, great video.

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  2 роки тому +1

      Thanks so much! I agree my top choice is Milwaukee but Rigid is a close 2nd because it is more affordable and I have had very few issue with my rigid tools.

  • @ANigerianPrince
    @ANigerianPrince 5 місяців тому +1

    You are my angel. This video is incredibly helpful.

  • @gg-gn3re
    @gg-gn3re 8 місяців тому

    great video. one tip with the great stuff cans and other sprayfoam if you keep the nozzle down you get more out of them. After you lose pressure cut the can open you can see how much excess you have. It gets sticky on the bottom of the cam you can slam it down to get the stuff to fall more toward the nozzle hole

  • @tz12346
    @tz12346 8 місяців тому

    Great video and explanations!

  • @RobTucker-cx6vo
    @RobTucker-cx6vo Рік тому +4

    Can you do a before and after using your energy bills to show the savings?

  • @dtotheram
    @dtotheram 2 місяці тому

    Thanks for the video! I plan to tackle my own attic in the cooler months, and this has helped me consider doing it myself.
    Any recommendations for spray foam? Would it be best to get fire-blocking options for the gaps between the floor and lights?

  • @NKPGarage
    @NKPGarage 2 роки тому +2

    Very nice work! And great to hear your thoughts at the end on the changes afterwards.

  • @harisharora2064
    @harisharora2064 8 місяців тому

    Hello Simon,. I liked this attic video it is very informative. do you have a video about fitting RafterVents/AccuVent

  • @wedontknowlol
    @wedontknowlol Рік тому +2

    What an awesome, yet long, commercial for rigid batteries 😂😂

  • @miketyrawa1568
    @miketyrawa1568 Рік тому +1

    You make me feel better about my ocd lol. Great work on your attic.
    Do you have a percentage estimate on how much this helped with your energy bills after a few years have passed?

  • @abcxyz1797
    @abcxyz1797 10 місяців тому +3

    We have an insulated cover for the attic stairs, made a big difference.

  • @sunnyd6019
    @sunnyd6019 2 роки тому

    Man I need you up in my atttic, lol. Fantastic job!!!!!

  • @krehbein
    @krehbein 2 роки тому +6

    Some day you should replace those can lights with those pancake led lights. You can lay insulation right over them.

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  2 роки тому +1

      Thanks! That would be a nice updated from these can lights.

    • @PNWLiving1725
      @PNWLiving1725 8 місяців тому +1

      One thing about the led lights. That after 5 years. You have to replace them all with another one

  • @deviousuno9778
    @deviousuno9778 2 роки тому +1

    One thing you missed was baffles. You should have used our installed baffles. A must have.

    • @cannonball134
      @cannonball134 2 роки тому

      Which baffles are you recommending?

  • @johncole3010
    @johncole3010 Рік тому +1

    I’m South Tx an attic space had rattlesnake skins laying around. Another one in the Hill Country was infested with scorpions. Can you do a video on properly Installing radiant barrier sheeting ? Thanks

  • @takismantas1159
    @takismantas1159 Рік тому +1

    Nice work. I don't see ventilation chutes between rafters. Have you consider them so the insulation is not blown away?

  • @tylervandall
    @tylervandall 6 місяців тому

    Did you have baffles installed venting your soffit? If not, how were you able to check for proper ventilation? Only asking because this is something I could use help on and can't find a video! Thanks!

  • @keithboyer3210
    @keithboyer3210 2 роки тому +13

    Looping and taping wire like that will create heat and possible fire. Those Can lights are not IC (insulation contact rated. Again fire hazard

    • @heyzeuss
      @heyzeuss 5 місяців тому

      Was thinking the same thing. You need a special vapor barrier against those lights. I bought special cones that you can completely cover lights with and spray foam around to seal. They are expensive but can't put a price on safety.

  • @kkmc4513
    @kkmc4513 Рік тому +1

    Great video. What type of contractor can I call to assess attic support beam, exhaust vents & insulation?

  • @MrPresidentSwole
    @MrPresidentSwole Рік тому +4

    I feel sorry for the person who left a working drill in the attic lol

  • @spartan4545
    @spartan4545 10 місяців тому

    Your video was a god send iam dealing with the same problem for years with my atic tight , dark, unisulated . Would u mind sharing what kind of spray insulation u use around can ligjhs , apreciated iy .

  • @MAGAMAN
    @MAGAMAN Рік тому +2

    Now that you are done, can you clean up my attic? I have more room than you do (I can almost stand up straight in the highest part).
    Also, instead of having what might be an insurance canceling code violation in your attic, you can buy a "temporary" light stringer from home depot for about $60 and just plug it in with an extension cord whenever you are in your attic. I bought a 50 foot, 5 light stringer from home depot and it gives a ton of light and can be moved to other areas if needed or even used other places and it does not violate and electrical codes.

  • @zecatela
    @zecatela Рік тому +1

    Great video and very educational. Thank you for sharing. For the wiring at the junction box at 6:42, how did you do that wiring? It looks like the hot and neutral you wired together (black and white wire) and have 1 black lead wire from that same connection. Trying to figure out why you wired the hot and neutral together. Unless the color is different for that connect? Any insight would great help.

    • @giantsquid9235
      @giantsquid9235 10 місяців тому +2

      That’s his switch leg. Switch boxes don’t require a neutral so he’s using the black and white as hot conductors. He’s bringing the power to the switch on the black and bringing the power from the switch back to the device on the white. The black conductor he’s connecting it to our the pig tail for that light and the hot conductor of the next device on the run being powered by that switch.

  • @gentivideo
    @gentivideo 3 роки тому +4

    Thank you for the clear and well put together videos. I noticed that you were using the regular foam and not the orange/fireblock. If you were to do it again, would you use the regular one or the version that is more resistant to fire? Thank you again!

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  3 роки тому +3

      Thanks!! I would probably stick with the normal, However, I currently have all led bulbs in the can lights that I sealed around so the heat given off by them is very minimal. If fluorescent or incandescent bulbs are used I would recommend using the fire-resistant foam as the heat would be much higher. if you would rather use the fire-resistant foam for everything it certainly wouldn't hurt anything.

    • @gentivideo
      @gentivideo 3 роки тому +6

      @@SimonSaysDIY Thanks for the reply. After writing the question above I went into a rabbit hole researching and the store-bought orange foam is basically the same as the regular foam. Somebody had even posted an article with the title "A Can Full Of Lies". Thanks again and looking forward to the other videos you have posted here.

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  3 роки тому +2

      Wow, good to know, thanks!! :)

  • @robertricker9689
    @robertricker9689 2 роки тому +1

    Great video!!

  • @LJRockstar
    @LJRockstar 2 роки тому +3

    Great video. Why no eye protection?

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  2 роки тому +3

      Thanks! 😄 yeah I probably should have but didn’t think of it honestly.

    • @mar1video
      @mar1video Рік тому +4

      @@SimonSaysDIY - you got pulled over by the safety police 😉

  • @jamesdavies686
    @jamesdavies686 9 місяців тому +1

    Leveling out all that insulation looks good but you probably messed with the R value. You should probably blow in another 6 inches to get it up to code.

  • @leeknivek
    @leeknivek 3 місяці тому +1

    Instead of running 2 wires for the switch you only need to run one as a switch leg, so black goes to every light, white goes to every light, and down the line the switch connects them. Much less work and less wire.

  • @str8kronic
    @str8kronic 9 місяців тому +2

    I thought with a truss system, there wasn’t any interior walls that were supporting ? I have an extremely similar house as yours, and I removed the wall separating my kitchen and living room, and now I’m super nervous lol. I had 3 separate people tell me the wall was fine to take out, but I’m still nervous

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  9 місяців тому +1

      Yeah, good question. My house didn’t have trusses. It used rafter system and a lot of the supports had been taken out by someone that didn’t know what they were doing. So first the roof was weekend by a previous homeowner. And this particular setup used the walls below it to give it more strength as each support tied into the top of the wall below.
      Trusses can span far distances without sagging and would be much better than the setup I had in this attic. So that may be true in your case. I hope this was helpful.

    • @str8kronic
      @str8kronic 9 місяців тому

      @SimonSaysDIY yes very helpful thank you. I need to get up in my attic and do pretty much everything you did..I just keep procrastinating lol. Thanks for the reply and thanks for thr video

  • @XsoloXela1989
    @XsoloXela1989 3 місяці тому

    Did you do cellulose blown in between the 2x6 truss then place fiberglass batts perpendicularly on thop of that? I thought you shouldnt mix insulation types? Also, do you not need a vapor barrier woth blownin insulation? Why not?

  • @therealchewieswalkabout
    @therealchewieswalkabout 3 місяці тому

    What respirator do you recommend? Brand/type/etc?

  • @boudreauxish
    @boudreauxish 2 роки тому +2

    Did doing this help with your electric bill? And is it really hard to change a light later with that foam insulation being on it?

  • @Craigthepope
    @Craigthepope 2 роки тому +2

    Is it safe to put spray foam around can lights? I know you're not even supposed to let insulation touch it since they can get so hot. (Some people rip them out and replace them with wafer-thin LED lights)

    • @ShadowsxEvil
      @ShadowsxEvil Рік тому +2

      Rockwool can light covers with a thin line of spray foam to seal the base of the cover.

  • @gmontenegro9711
    @gmontenegro9711 10 місяців тому +2

    Watching this two years after video has been posted. Have you done a cost analysis in terms of energy usage (electric/gas)?

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  10 місяців тому +2

      Since this has been done, energy prices have risen significantly, so a year over year cost comparison isn’t super helpful. However even with price increases the bill has maintained the same amount or a little less than the years before. We have noticed that our AC system runs for a shorter amount of time and the wood stove we use in the winter doesn’t have to run full blast any more.

    • @bokononisti2820
      @bokononisti2820 2 місяці тому

      @@SimonSaysDIY you can compare kilowatt-hours, which will be reported on each electricity bill. So you should hopefully see a significant drop in kwh's in summer months.

  • @ismaeldarwish1280
    @ismaeldarwish1280 Рік тому +2

    Hi Simon, my attic has a huge mound of that loose insulation fluff that you have there in your attic. Do you recommend that I go up and spread it around so that all areas have equal coverage up there? Or should I take it all out and replace it with some other type of insulation? (Like the kind that comes in rolls). Thanks!

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  Рік тому +2

      Good question. Ideally the loose insulation would be evenly covering everything to be effective. If you have an issue with too much heat leaking into the house from your attic you may want to replace the loose insulation with the roll insulation as it has a much better insulation value and is much more efficient.

  • @Pallidus_Rider
    @Pallidus_Rider Рік тому +1

    UA-cam recommended this video 👍

  • @Kudeghraw
    @Kudeghraw 4 місяці тому

    kinda looks like what I am dealing with. Its not big enough to consider any sort of room, but the storage space cannot be denied. I am looking into how I can snag a bit more room and square things up by installing vertical rafter supports instead of the slanted ones. Might double up on them for shits and giggles Then it is just a process of finding a spot for an access ladder and beefing up the ceiling joists to bear more weight. Maybe it could be a futon room someday, but just want the storage for now.

  • @dominiquesauvage2547
    @dominiquesauvage2547 Рік тому +1

    I would be careful as termites love the expanding foam.

    • @vroor32
      @vroor32 10 місяців тому

      Huh? 🤔

  • @KernelBill
    @KernelBill 2 роки тому +4

    16:56 - 16:57 there’s a diagonal 2x4 in frame just past his right hand. is that even attached to anything? It looks like maybe it’s connected by the bottom half inch or so.
    Great video btw!

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  2 роки тому +5

      Yeah, I found several issues like that one. The previous owner made some modifications and almost all of them were done poorly. I had to replace a whole section of the roof supports because it was messed up so bad and the roof was beginning to sag. Here's the link for that video. ua-cam.com/video/ZQpJpOQac-s/v-deo.html.
      Thanks!

  • @MAGAMAN
    @MAGAMAN Рік тому +2

    When you installed that knee wall, was there a supporting wall beneath it? If not, you are likely going to have ceiling problems because of this.

  • @oliverr9967
    @oliverr9967 Рік тому +1

    Can most of the attic be boarded (have a place to walk or store stuff) or is not recommended?

  • @PongoXBongo
    @PongoXBongo 8 місяців тому

    Could you make an insulated panel for the stairwell? Like, when you drop the stairs you pop it up and off, then back down and on before putting the stairs back up?

    • @Rjribs46
      @Rjribs46 7 місяців тому +1

      Is the stairwell you are referring to the attic access? As in ‘drop the stairs’ meaning the access you pull down to access the ladder or ‘stairwell’ to get up into the attic? If I am understanding your question correctly, the answer is yes. ‘Attic tent’ has a product for that. It has a zipper like a jacket to close it when not in use, which helps minimize heat transfer and air infiltration. Very good product. 👍

    • @PongoXBongo
      @PongoXBongo 7 місяців тому

      @@Rjribs46Yes, that is what I was referring to. Thank you for the product info!

  • @billrose5146
    @billrose5146 2 роки тому +2

    With the added foam around the lights, how long does the foam take to "dry" before filling in the insulation on top of it?
    There is a roof support that looks like it is sitting on an added board with a 1" toenail. Did you fix that when you fixed the sagging roof? How could the previous owner add that and leave it that way?

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  2 роки тому +3

      Thanks! It takes a few hours to harden. Yeah I replaced that support. I was completely shocked to see what this guy had done up there. He really messed up a lot!

  • @travis4308
    @travis4308 9 місяців тому

    A Mr sparky that actually cleans up his mess 😂 good luck if you do that you probably not a sparky.

  • @fblox5
    @fblox5 Рік тому +1

    What kind of boards are you using in the attic to move around? Dimensions and thickness, material etc. Thanks.

    • @DanielinLaTuna
      @DanielinLaTuna Рік тому +5

      Half inch plywood would work (the spacing between the ceiling joists should be 16” on center (but it could be 24”…!)
      If it were me, I’d rip 3/4 4X8 sheets of A/C grade plywood into 16” strips. That would give you a strong and enough enough platform on which to scoot around.
      I recommend A/C plywood because you can use the “good” (A side) face to move on without worrying about splintering, and the “bad” (C side) against the insulation side. That way you get the best material for the money - and save by not over-buying

    • @vroor32
      @vroor32 10 місяців тому

      ​@@DanielinLaTuna🙏🏼 I had no idea there's "AC" plywood in existence

  • @andrewmckinlay2964
    @andrewmckinlay2964 Рік тому +1

    If they installed a beam to take over the load for the load-bearing wall they removed, why did you need to install knee walls?

  • @drophammer776
    @drophammer776 Рік тому +4

    Be careful which wall openings in the attic you seal. Figuratively speaking the exterior walls and the walls around a bathroom. The house needs to breathe and many times when the caulk or grout in the bathroom goes bad, the space between the walls in the attic will breathe. After sealing the humidity builds up causing moisture following mold, then health issues.

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  Рік тому +1

      Thanks for the tip!

    • @tonyc7352
      @tonyc7352 Рік тому +5

      That is entirely wrong. Letting inside air, especially moist, bathroom air leak into the attic will cause so many problems, including "mold and health issues". This is especially true for exterior walls that are right at the eaves. The bathroom must have an exhaust fan that moves the moist, warm air to the outside, that is the only "breathing" (ventilation) that should happen. This isn't one of those my-way/your-way type of things, it is simple and black and white. There isn't an universe where it is better to let bathroom air leak into the attic. Not even half-qualified builder would agree with your advice here.

    • @andrewmckinlay2964
      @andrewmckinlay2964 Рік тому +1

      Um, isn’t there supposed to be a water barrier behind the tile?

  • @angryox3102
    @angryox3102 9 місяців тому +2

    I’m shocked at how much dust was on the filter. I frequently run ethernet cables in office ceilings. I’m going to start masking up.

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  9 місяців тому +1

      Yeah, I won't go up there without a mask now.
      Thanks!

  • @58long
    @58long Рік тому +1

    why did you go from 14ga romex on the incoming line for the bedroom lights and switch to 12ga (yellow) wire? the romex is color coded for easy recognition of circuit ampacity.

    • @str8kronic
      @str8kronic 9 місяців тому

      U can go from 14 to 12…can’t go from 12 to 14

    • @bokononisti2820
      @bokononisti2820 2 місяці тому

      Guessing he probably had 12ga wire laying around. Same reason the person before him used too small a junction box - it's what he had on hand and didn't want to run to store.

  • @gg-gn3re
    @gg-gn3re 8 місяців тому +1

    careful bundling that much wire, a normal max amp breaker (not including gfci and cafci) works on heat and electromagnetism, two separate switches. a short will trigger the electromagnetism switch immediately but prolonged amperage at the max of the breaker (15 or 20 amps typically in USA) will not trigger a breaker as it's designed to operate at that exact amps, when you go a bit above the trigger is dependent on ambient temperature and temperature of the breaker trigger. There are trigger curves for all specific breakers on datasheets. If your wire is getting hotter than that it will fail before the breaker flips. Also tight curves on wire is worse, doing a circle probably better

  • @joecochran6343
    @joecochran6343 9 місяців тому

    You gave termites a feast??try using milk cartons as a foothold instead of wood👍👍

  • @Racer1691
    @Racer1691 Рік тому

    That tool you're using to spread out the insulation. Did you build that, or buy it. If so, how or where?

  • @lavishlex
    @lavishlex Рік тому +1

    Do you need specific insulation for an attic?

  • @jumar360
    @jumar360 10 місяців тому +1

    Yeah, free drill!

  • @JNHEscapes
    @JNHEscapes 11 місяців тому +1

    I have bought, sold and renovated many houses. Home inspectors are useless (I even got licensed as one and it’s comical how little they really have to know). If you do this enough you can inspect better than an “inspector”. The first thing I noticed was the framing shot at the beginning was horribly wrong. I had to pause it and wonder wtf they were thinking. Some things I recommend: there is no need to run 12 awg yellow romex for attic lights. 14 awg is much easier to deal with and led bulbs take very little power. The white plastic clips are garbage and will turn brittle in the attic heat over time. You need to always use electrical rated metal staples. Keep in mind they make airtight can lights and no matter if you spray foam yours or not the cans themselves have holes all in them. Use gasket tape on the holes or remove the cans entirely and install the new trim type that seals against the sheetrock and only has a lead wire and box. You can buy foam vents to put in the rafter cavities to allow ventilation but also allow you to add thicker insulation. When I was in my early twenties I spent a great deal of time in attics doing exactly what you just did and these days I will literally have an insulation company come in and vacuum out the entire attic so I can fix everything and then reinsulate. Insulation breaks down over time and turns to dirt practically and should be replaced in older homes. I just started a 1800 sqft house and the first thing I did was have the attic cleaned out including all the ductwork. Very easy to see what you have and fix problems. Blown in insulation is cheap to put back or roxell which i love. The struts and purlings in your house need to be fixed they’re awful and nowhere near correct or supporting much of anything. It appears several have been cut off also bad. Keep in mind the collar ties at the top of the peak do not support downward load they are for uplift only. Your downward load are the struts and you need more. They should always go to a load bearing wall and L brace. The electrical is a nightmare too it should be cleaned up. Junction boxes are not the answer. Great for you to learn keep it up…every project I do I still learn something new.

  • @jamesj5469
    @jamesj5469 Місяць тому

    I'd really like to do that with the plywood just in case I have to work up there again

  • @manuelargue9374
    @manuelargue9374 Рік тому +1

    Owowwoow nice my attic is big and ii need for my kids tha only problem I don't have tha $$$$😂😂😂😂😂😂

  • @priceandpride
    @priceandpride 2 роки тому +1

    How do you make that foam not look like garbage?

  • @connoisseurofcookies2047
    @connoisseurofcookies2047 Рік тому +1

    But "DIYers ARe iNCoMpeTeNT sCREw-uPs!!" 😂

  • @ErnestoMunoz2075
    @ErnestoMunoz2075 9 місяців тому

    Nice. 😊😊😊

  • @rarechiga
    @rarechiga Рік тому +1

    What size boards are you using to work in the attic?

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  Рік тому +2

      I could only fit 18 inch wide boards up through the attic access door. They were easy to move around when needed and still wide enough to crawl across.

  • @williamnewman8850
    @williamnewman8850 Рік тому +2

    Not sure tieing up excess wiring is good idea. If you are redoing everything might as well cut off excess wiring and run directly to where it needs to go rather then have all this extra wiring

  • @dalgire245
    @dalgire245 3 роки тому +2

    If the home has vented soffit, it is possible to vent the range exhaust there

    • @SimonSaysDIY
      @SimonSaysDIY  3 роки тому

      Unfortunately the soffits aren’t vented. It only has vents at the peak of the gable on both ends.

    • @robcarr9494
      @robcarr9494 3 роки тому

      If soffits are vented, it is not a good idea to push range exhaust out through the soffit. Should go through wall of structure to outside or through roof.

    • @AJ-bi6ns
      @AJ-bi6ns 2 роки тому

      Never vent into an attic, range vents drastically increase humidity as well as pose a risk of grease. Just not worth the risk.

    • @deltron9322
      @deltron9322 Рік тому

      Don’t you want the paper moisture barrier of the insulation present face down?

  • @chrismccreery4806
    @chrismccreery4806 Рік тому

    Hi Simon, did you notice a savings with your AC over the summer?

    • @mar1video
      @mar1video Рік тому

      It’s hard to say for sure how much savings you will gain.
      Last year we went from heat to AC in 3 weeks. This year it was over 2 months, so great savings right there.
      Combination of heat + humidity can be brutal in Illinois 🤬

  • @GroovyMisfit
    @GroovyMisfit Рік тому

    What is the make and model of your head lamp?

  • @peterwise
    @peterwise 2 роки тому

    How was the lights project $20 in 2021? Just that spool of cable alone is $100 these days.

  • @kack7130
    @kack7130 2 роки тому

    do you hear house settling in the attic? I am trying to fix mine