Problem With Insulators

12/28/2021 at 4:14:00 PM

Hello , to address your issues; insulation stops are often difficult to install after because of the access. Batt insulation can be used to block the ends of the missing stops,making easier to get into the tight spaces. Roxul is often used to go around mechanical insulation stops.

We would be happy to assist you

12/28/2021 at 4:32:01 PM

Hi,

I would suggest contacting the owner of the company and letting him know your concerns. Speaking directly to the owner could make all the difference in addressing your issues and making things right.

If the owner chooses to NOT address your concerns then I would consider getting a second opinion from another contractor in your area.

I hope this helps and please post up what the outcome or resolution is.

12/28/2021 at 6:14:21 PM

Following are related requirements of the Alberta Building Code; Article 9.25.2.4.6 states

Where soffit venting is used, measures shall be taken

a) to prevent loose-fill insulation from blocking the soffit vents and to maintain an open path for circulation of air from the vents into the attic or roof space, and

b) to minimize airflow into the insulation near the soffit vents to maintain the thermal performance of the matrial.

Also, 9.19. Roof spaces (simplified):

The unobstructed vent area hsall be not less than 1/300 of the insulated ceiling area. Vents shall be distributed uniformly on opposite sides of the building with not less than 25% of the required openings located on the top of the space and not less than 25% of the required openings located at the bottom of the space. Also: not less than 63 mm of space shall be provided between the top of the insulation and the roof sheathing except that if baffles are used to contain the insulation the clearance may be reduced to 25 mm.

Hope this helps. If there is a Code violation and no permit was taken out (because of it being a minor repair) of course you wont be able to get any help from the City. Just because it is a minor repair does not mean that the work does not need to meet Code.

Ian Derksen

Safety Codes Officer - Building

12/29/2021 at 1:34:32 PM

Thank you, all of you, for offering your perspective (and providing me with the relevant portion of the building code). I also chatted to an engineer friend who confirmed that the way the work was done is a huge problem.

The insulation contractor is saying he will redo the work, which is great--but I think it would be wise to have an independent third-party inspection to verify that the work has been done correctly and according to code (otherwise, I am guessing they may not properly remediate the original error and leave me with soffits clogged with insulation). Can anyone recommend an honest and knowledgeable inspector who might be able to help with this? The City of Edmonton says it's not their problem as it's not new construction.

12/29/2021 at 7:54:15 PM

I may be able to help you with this and I'm in Edmonton. Difficulty is to properly inspect it's necessary to go to the edge of the attic which may not be easy; also the vented soffits may have debris not necessarily associated with the repairs which can only best be viewed by removing and reinstalling the soffits.

Ian (Richard) Derksen